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Observer Corps
Observing Our Government in Action
Preserving Our Right to Know

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 local League’s Observer Corps (OC) volunteer to monitor local government boards and committees. Their purpose is 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 governance 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.

2025 DECEMBER - 2026 JANUARY LEAGUE LENS

Virginia Crank, Editor - 2/16/2026

Because of scheduling changes for area governmental committees during the holiday season, this issue of League Lens will cover meetings held in both December of 2025 and January of 2026.

School District of La Crosse Board of Education Workshop: December 1 Video
School District of La Crosse Board of Education Board Meeting: December 1 Video
School District of La Crosse Board of Education: December 15 Video
School District of La Crosse Board of Education: January 5 Video

The La Crosse School Board held two regular meetings and one workshop in December and two regular meetings and a retreat in January. These meetings included a report on the results of students' academic performance on state tests in English Language Arts (ELA), Math & Social Studies (grades 3-8); PreACT math and science (grades 10 & 11); and ACT math & science (grade 11). The Board also heard updates on the construction plans for the demolition of the Hogan building, the winning bid for the construction of the new elementary building on that site, and the State Road Elementary addition; all of these projects are moving ahead as expected. Additionally, after a multi-year process, the Board approved the recommendations for the elementary school attendance boundaries per the 2024 capital referendum.

The topic of the December 1st Board workshop was “Behaviors in Schools.” A panel of 4 staff described a comprehensive system of frameworks and strategies built around a core philosophy that the district does not punish students into behaving. Instead, behavior is treated as a skill that can be taught and staff should have high expectations and work to find therapeutic responses to students' misbehavior with a focus on prevention.

The Board also announced that the district was awarded $55,000 from the WI Education Association Member Benefits Foundation Grant Award Program (paid out over four years) and $10,000 from Mayo Health. Both grants will be used to strengthen students' mental and behavioral health.

The February League Lens will include a report on the January 26 regular board meeting.

~Observed by Jean Hammons

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City of La Crosse Common Council December 11 Meeting: Video and Materials
City of La Crosse Common Council January 8 Meeting: Video and Materials

In its January meetings, the La Crosse Common Council discussed a variety of issues and voted on several proposals. The Council voted to accept the state’s proposal for improvements to La Crosse street, to shorten the term for municipal judge from 4 years to 2 years, and to remove the invocation from the start of Council meetings. They reviewed a revised DOT (Dept of Transportation) plan for partial reconstruction of US Highway 53 impacting 3rd and 4th streets, now reflecting strong public opinions about preserving bike lanes and also parking.

The Council met jointly with the County board to hear a six-month update on the Pathways Home program, which reported that many unhoused people have been housed, but the program has received nearly an equal number of new requests for services. Additionally, the Council also held a special meeting focused on improving communication among Council members.

~Observed by Nora Garland

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Campbell Town Board Agenda and Minutes

The Town of Campbell Board met twice in December and once in January, including one special meeting to focus on improving communication. Regular business at these meetings included adopting ATV and UTV routes and electric bicycle routes for town roads and eliminating burn permits in light of new recycling alternatives for leaves and brush. The Board also reported that the Incorporation Review Board of the WI Department of Administration will hold a Zoom hearing on Campbell’s application on February 3.

~Observed by Margaret Larson

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La Crosse County Board and Committee Meetings: Audio and Materials

La Crosse County Executive Committee

The La Crosse County Executive Committee met in January. They approved a resolution to purchase the property at 716 Vine St from Associated Bank for $135,000. The Committee also approved a resolution detailing the guidelines for the Economic Advisory Committee, which replaces the Economic Development Fund. The guidelines cover applications for four grant programs and detail how these guidelines and limits will be reviewed by the County annually. Finally, the Committee approved a resolution to renew the county Administrator's contract which was set to expire on January 19. They discussed at length the desire to review the Administrator’s compensation package, indicating that she was not receiving a raise but should be considered for one when the county positions are reevaluated in its compensation review study.

~Observed byStephanie Davis

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Civilian Review Board

The Civilian Review Board met in January. Members noted that nine reports have been received to date from the online CRB concerns or complaints form. Additionally, the Board heard from three Project Proven teachers about their work in the jail and with those transitioning out. Afterwards, those present discussed how the teachers could create awareness of the process of filing concerns related to law enforcement.

~Observed by Chris Haskell

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Health and Human Services

In their January meeting, HHS heard a presentation on an expanded Food Resource Map, a web-based map developed collaboratively by the Family Health Department and UW-L Geography and Science Department. The new map, developed by a UWL student, uses Global Information System tools to expand food source information. The Committee also heard requests for future agendas to focus on updates on the “strong bodies” program, education provisions for homeless children, the Foodshare program, and the decline of overdose death numbers.

-Observed by Jan Gallagher

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La Crosse County Judiciary and Law Audio

The Judiciary and Law Committee met in both December and January. The December meeting featured reports from three areas. The sheriff reported that the annual jail inspection by the Department of Corrections was very positive. The Emergency Management Report focused on a simulated dormitory fire activity hosted at UWL, an update to the Integrated Preparedness Plan to include school readiness, and ongoing work on the Hazard Mitigation Plan with Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission. Finally, the La Crosse Police Captain reported on staffing levels, activities of the K9 unit, papers served, and hours of training for both the Emergency Response team and the patrol deputies.

In January, the committee introduced the new Public Safety Communications Director and heard an overview about the jail remodel. Requests for information related to the remodeling project will be completed in February, and requests for proposals will go out in March for review in May.

~Observed by Chris Haskell

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