electronic learning platforms and virtual online school cost more than masks and sanitizer.

“It all adds up in a hurry,” Koenig said of the cost of electronics to the district. So how to pay for it all? Good question. The superintendent had some advice for the school board, and public in general.

“I strongly encourage all of you to contact your legislators,” he said at the school board meeting. A key concession to ask for is for the state to “hold harmless pupil counts,” meaning not to use enrollment numbers when determining aid this year, based on the present realities. Another is to allow retired teachers and staff to return to work without losing retirement, in order to fill potential staffing shortages this year as the district has increased stringency on who can get in the building and who must stay home. Board member Lance Carlson had a question.

“Could you draft a letter that we could all sign?” he asked the superintendent.

“We could,” Koenig replied. The important thing when lobbying is to know your legislators. The Stanley-Boyd District overlaps several different state representative’s areas.

More information on legislators and their contact information is available at legis.wisconsin. gov, including a “Find Your Legislator” tab to search by address for the right representative in Senate or Assembly.