481-201 Preparing for December Snapshot

Schedule:

• November 6, 2025: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Virtual through Zoom

Price: Free

Content Questions: Valerie Schmitz (valerie.schmitz@cesa2.org)

Registration Questions: events@cesa2.org

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About this event: This is a networking opportunity following the DPI Preparing for December Snapshot Webinar. Participants should be sure to attend the DPI Webinar from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM at https://dpi.wi.gov/wisedata/events/virtual-snapshot-prep-december-9th-snapshot-public-schools.

Following that, at 12:00 PM CESA 2 will host a networking session via a separate zoom where participants can connect with one another to ask share specific SIS questions.

This will be a collaboration between CESA 2 and CESA 3 to allow SIS Managers greater opportunity for networking.

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About the Presenter:

Valerie Schmitz, PhD is the Senior Director of Continuous Improvement & Data Analysis for CESA 2. In this position, Valerie leads the regional work for educator development and district implementation of the Wisconsin Educator Effectiveness System, as well as data analysis and school improvement. Valerie has deep expertise in this work, serving as the Educator Effectiveness Coordinator at CESA 6 for the past four years. She has assisted districts with implementation of both Educator Effectiveness and the Effectiveness Project. She also has deep expertise in data analysis, systems analysis, and school improvement. Valerie has earned a Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design for Online Learning as well as an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. She also holds a M.Ed. in Technology Education as well as an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.
 

Nicole Barlass is the Executive Director of Operations at CESA 2. She’s worked at CESA 2 for over 10 years. Nicole handles many human resources functions, works closely with the CESA 2 Board of Control and attends to other day-to-day activities at the agency. She received her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a certificate to teach English at the secondary level through Cardinal Stritch University. Nicole received her MBA with an emphasis on Human Resources through the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is passionate about education and the services that CESA 2 offers.


Ted Noll is the CESA 2 RSN Director/Director of Special Education. Ted was the Director of Student Services and Special Education at Cedarburg School District for the past seven years. He has also worked at the Brown Deer School District, Fox Point - Bayside School District and the Racine Unified School District. Ted is licensed as a Director of Student Services, Superintendent, Principal, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and School Psychologist. Ted integrated EMLSS for academics and behavior district-wide, led the Professional Learning Community framework with integrated co-plan / co-serve components, led the district-wide violent intruder district response system, and led initiatives around mental wellness and social-emotional learning support.
 

Liz Ponto is CESA 2's School Improvement Consultant. Previously, Liz was a Regional Technical Assistance Coordinator with the Wisconsin RtI Center and supported districts in implementing Equitable Multi-Level Systems of Support. As part of this work, Liz trained, coached, and supported schools and districts in implementing evidence-based practices, with a focus on creating enabling contexts to sustain implementation and ensure student outcomes. Prior to joining the Wisconsin RtI Center, Liz worked as a PBIS coach and middle school teacher. Liz earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and completed her Director of Instruction licensure program at St. Mary’s-University of Minnesota.

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