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The League has been a champion of government transparency since our founding in 1920. It is one of our core principles and a vital part of our mission.

Members of our Observer Corps (OC) volunteer to monitor local government boards and committees to understand and shine a light on issues of importance to our area, especially those related to positions adopted by the LWV of Wisconsin.

The League Lens shares a snapshot of what is happening in county, municipal, and school district meetings as reported by our OC members.

We welcome new members to our Observer Corps team. If you have an interest in observing a La Crosse area government entity—municipal, county, or school district—visit our Observer Corps page for more information about how to get involved.

FEBRUARY 2026 LEAGUE LENS

Virginia Crank, Editor - 3/15/2026

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF LA CROSSE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The School Board’s February meeting featured both a workshop and a regular board meeting. The workshop was a school showcase of the Logan Middle School and Northside Elementary Reading Buddies program. Staff members described the monthly Reading Buddies program they initiated three years ago. During the first year, thirty 7th graders buddied with second-graders to read. By year two, the program had expanded to include all seventh graders at Logan and all second and third-graders at Northside Elementary. Students from both the elementary and the middle school are enthusiastic about the program.

During the regular Board meeting, a representative from the financial advisory firm, PTMA, updated the Board on borrowing related to the building referendum. He said that the remaining $30 million in debt would be structured to meet a flat levy for three years.

The Board also received the annual Achievement Gap Reduction Report. State mandates led to changes in ELA (English Language Arts) and math expectations for students in the 2023-2024 school year, so in Spring 2024, state-mandated ELA and math tests replaced District tests. Results from the old tests and the new ones aren’t comparable, so the data in this report doesn’t capture changes in students’ proficiency from previous testing. The latest scores will serve as a benchmark moving forward.

Finally, the Facilities Director offered a construction update, reporting that the State Road project is on schedule and that Habitat for Humanity was able to sell salvage materials from the Hogan building for $54,000, saving the District more than $82,000 in landfill costs. Groundbreaking for the new school will begin the first week in March, and the District has begun the naming process by mailing a survey to community members soliciting suggestions.

~Observed by Jean Hammons
Meeting link.

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CITY OF LA CROSSE

During their February meeting, the La Crosse Common Council held votes on two big issues:
—the DOT's Highway 53 rebuild (Third and Fourth Streets from King to La Crosse) and
—the city administrator position.

After a ninety-day referral, the Council voted (7-6) to approve a requested DOT "hybrid" Hwy. 53 plan, which offered a compromise solution minimizing the loss of parking spaces and creating a bike lane from Vine to 2nd Street.

After lengthy discussion, the City Administrator proposal was defeated 7-6 because it failed to obtain a super majority vote of 9 in favor of the resolution. A super majority is required for charter ordinances that affect the structure of city government. During discussion, the Council heard concerns from all city department directors regarding the cost of an administrator following this year's budget cuts and the likelihood of similar challenges in the years ahead. Another consideration was the value of waiting for completion of a city workforce study planned for this year. Council members anticipate receiving recommendations for staffing efficiencies and improved organization. In the meantime the council, mayor, and city staff will continue to study and discuss the potential for a possible administrative position in the future.

~Observed by Nora Garland
Meeting Links

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TOWN OF CAMPBELL

The Town of Campbell Board’s February meeting included several announcements and reports of ongoing business. On March 19, they expect a decision by the Wisconsin Incorporation Review Board will be regarding the application for incorporation. The Board also noted that more township properties have been bored for water tests. Additionally, the Board discussed new technology that town law enforcement are using, including Flock cameras for license plate monitoring in five locations (three on French Island and two on off-ramps to town) and body cam footage which generates a draft report, shortening the time officers need to write reports.

~Observed by Margaret Larson
Meeting link.

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All county meeting links

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Criminal Justice Management Council

In their February meeting, CJMC continued discussion of service gaps for people in the justice system. The Assistant D.A. spoke in particular about the need for supportive housing, mental health services, and wrap-around services, while the public defenders noted that inmates suffer “decompensation” of mental health while in jail. The legal department of human services observed the drop in local hospital beds and half-way houses. Where both hospitals used to have both types of facilities for mental health patients, recently there have been none. Emplify does now have a new mental health facility. All parties noted an increase in youth mental health problems.

~Observed by Margaret Larson

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Health and Human Services

In their February meeting, the Board first heard a report on their 2025 accomplishments, and then Justice Support Services (JSS) gave a presentation about the Youth System of Care (SOC). The SOC works to keep youth with low-risk offenses in school where they can access support services. School staff ensure the youth are safe from abuse and neglect and provide mental health counseling as needed. The SOC has an 86% success rate in diverting clients from the youth justice system and also takes a leading role with many agencies (including the police department) in chronic cases of absenteeism in all of La Crosse County secondary schools.

~Observed by Jan Gallagher

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