NOVEMBER 2025 LEAGUE LENS
Virginia Crank, Editor | Published on 12/15/2025
The La Crosse School Board held two regular meetings in November. There were several reports on programs and a discussion of budgeting and financial planning. The Board learned about the success of the district’s Culinary Arts Academy, which uses Western’s culinary arts facilities, and, in its second year, serves 16 students from Logan and Central. They were updated on referendum construction: the Hogan site is being demolished by Gerke Excavating, and the State Road site is progressing quickly with grading and placement of footers completed. Additionally, it was reported that the district is working with the city to provide public transportation to the State Road site. Five local businesses were also recognized for their partnerships with the district, and the Board heard a report of the financial audit for the 24-25 fiscal year completed by GerberRose of Green Bay who indicated that the district demonstrated good financial planning.
A focused workshop on enrollment followed the November 17th meeting. District enrollment has declined 32% in the past 30 years due, it is thought, to the declining birthrate and to an increase in open enrollment and vouchers. The district seeks to increase 4K enrollment, correct public perceptions, improve facilities, and be more competitive to mitigate these declines, which are expected to stabilize to a “new normal” between 2027 and 2030.
~Observed by Jean Hammons
In November, the La Crosse Common Council voted to refer a decision on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's recommendations for partial reconstruction of US Highway 53. WisDOT's two options for 3rd and 4th Streets from King to La Crosse raised delete questions of walkability, sustainability, and support for the future of downtown businesses. One alternative would remove parking spaces to add parking-protected bike lanes. The second alternative, preferred by 80% of surveyed downtown businesses, would widen sidewalks and maintain current on-street parking. After considerable discussion, the council voted to delay the decision for 90 days in order to seek a third alternative.
In a special 2.5 hour meeting on November 17, council members voted approval for a $74M Annual Operating Budget for 2026. The mayor and city staff had been working since early summer to find solutions to a several million dollar deficit, complicated by state revenue caps and restrictions on tax levies. All departments were asked to make 3% cuts in their budgets. Departments achieved that goal by freezing some open positions, reducing services, and closing the North Library and the North Side Community Pool. After considerable discussion and motions to amend, the council voted 10-3 to approve the operating budget as presented.
~Observed by Nora Garland
La Crosse County Board Executive Committee
The La Crosse County Executive Committee, which is composed of chairpersons of all standing committees, met twice in November. The first was a quick meeting to clarify and adjust budget details and to approve pay for the supervisors, which was done with no changes from prior levels of compensation, and rates for health benefits for employees.
In their second meeting, the committee heard public comments on the proposal to eliminate the SMRT bus program. While they considered funding the program for an additional year, they voted to follow the administration's recommendation to eliminate the program due to rising costs and low ridership (this decision was overturned when the full County Board subsequently voted on it). Additionally, the Committee recommended taking on $815,000 in debt this budget year to support road projects. While there was disagreement that the debt was needed for this, city administration assured them that it was the best planning mechanism and wise use of funds. The Executive Committee approved it.
~Observed by Stephanie Davis
In November, the CJMC continued to hear from panelists representing Crisis, Comprehensive Community Services (CCS), and Outpatient Clinic and Community Support Program (CSP). The panelists answered questions regarding key issues and gaps in meeting the needs of their clients. Many needs were identified including more collaboration between all agencies to provide continuity and support where needed quickly. Panelists noted that providing connections in the community, stable housing and a peer support/sponsor would help bridge services. Often clients fail because they can't get transportation, lose their documents, or can't get into social services. Panelists identified another goal of providing services to divert clients from incarceration to the hospital, but noted that hospitals are not willing to accept people in crisis. HIPAA laws and strict Chapter 51 laws make it difficult to share information and help people in crisis. Panelists noted that a special concern is teens transitioning out of foster care with no support.
Health and Human Services
In their November meeting, the committee heard a report on the Western Region Adolescent Services (WRAS) program, which includes an 8-bed shelter for adolescents aged 10-17, important for keeping adolescents within the county instead of transporting them to more distant locations. The WRAS also provides child protective services and crisis stabilization, as well as placement services, and has district teachers and therapists on site. The Committee also discussed the unresolved problem of crises caused by the federal government shutdown, including food shortages and ACA marketplace health insurance premiums. Finally, the committee voted to recommend an amendment to the ordinance on selling hemp-derived cannabis to clarify that the penalty for selling these products will remain as written but the penalty for possessing them would be $1.00.
~Observed by Jan Gallagher