The Wauwatosa School Board resident abruptly resigned, claiming he received an email he "can only perceive as a threat" to his family's safety. "Theyre devastated. Candidates participated in panel interviews with each team, which consisted of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session. harassed by followers of the right-wing forum Libs of TikTok. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Quick Links. She is Nationally Board Certified and has obtained several degrees including a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, a Master of Science: Curriculum and Instruction and Graduate Education Certification from Concordia University, a Master of Science: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and a Doctorate of Philosophy: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Wauwatosa School District Announces New Members of Leadership Team, Mr. Abdelmawla has more than six years of experience in educational leadership and classroom instruction. This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. Help us share the knowledge by buying a gift subscription. As a military friendly organization, Ascension promotes career flexibility and offers many benefits to help support the well-being of our military families, spouses, veterans and reservists. Mr. Brightman states, I have long recognized the Wauwatosa School District as one of the strongest in the state. In August, the Superior School Board voted to uphold a decision rejecting a complaint from about 30 parents challenging a lesson plan that teaches gender identity to fifth grade students. After a lengthy public comment period, various board members also expressed their concerns. There were beat downs, as one Wauwatosa school board member told FOX6 News. Not only was Mike a coach but he also was a teacher and a mentor. In yet another example of rising tension over what children hear in class, a Wauwatosa School Board member has sued the board on which he serves in an attempt to stop the implementation of a recently passed sexual education curriculum with lessons starting as early as kindergarten. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Meier wants an independent investigation into the fighting. The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. Wauwatosa, WI On Monday, May 9, 2022, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means' recommendation to appoint the following members of its leadership team: Ms. Gwendolyn Husslein has been named Director of Finance within the Division of Operations and Finance. For the Chief positions, again, two interview teams were developed for each role. In addition to Mrs. Jessica Willis, the current Wauwatosa School Board members are: Mrs. Sharon Muehlfeld . The curriculum's approval process proved that Wauwatosa is no exception to the rising toxicity in school board meetings as various meetings have been targeted, before and after the approval of the curriculum, by right-wing groups from outside communities such as Moms for Liberty and Gays Against Groomers. ", "We cant have leadership like this," community member Deb Falk-Palec said during public comment. "I've reviewed the facts and circumstances of the events that are at issue in this lawsuit and I feel very good about the board and Mr. Doman's likelihood of prevailing in this lawsuit," she added. Comments (-1) more . Similarly, the start of this new school year has seen three large fights, one including a gun, all occurring within a one-month span. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For months, former and current board members Mike Meier and Mary Jo Randall publicly questioned the contract. Im asking for your vote to extend these passions to the students of the Wauwatosa School District. Search results from our Services may contain copyrighted material and, if so, you may not use such content unless you obtain permission from its owner or are otherwise permitted by law. 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The district and school board confirmed theyve retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. Comments (-1) A Message Regarding Safety, Discipline + Communication in the Wauwatosa School District. The day after FOX6's story aired, members of the public went to the school board meeting with concerns about transparency and school safety, asking for Doman's resignation. A central Wisconsin food pantry grew fivefold during the pandemic. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators and served as President of the association from 2013 to 2016. All of this is happening as student performance has floundered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic a trend that has plagued other districts as well. Throughout his career, Mr. Brightman has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, analytical and strategic thinker who is well-respected across the state of Wisconsin. Mike Zollicoffer has the leadership skills and the passion for child development to be a member of the Wauwatosa School Board." He coached with the program for 5 years. Similar curriculum has also been discussed and debated by other Wisconsin communities. Meier says he called the police because he did not know if Doman was referencing any other emails that could have been threatening. "He needs to be removed from his position as school board. Melissa Dolan. He has served stakeholders in several southeastern Wisconsin districts including Milwaukee Public School District, Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District and, most recently, the School District of Waukesha. His experience with the STEM program at Longfellow, in addition to his innate ability to connect with children, will serve him well in his role as Principal of Underwood Elementary School. I am excited to bring my knowledge and skill set to a larger school district for the dual purpose of improving the experiences of employees and supporting the success of all students," said Zelazoski. As a longtime resident of Wauwatosa, a school district parent, and a banker, I will strive to realize the vision and goals of the board, while also being pragmatic about the districts resources. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News, After Doman declined to comment, FOX6 brought questions to a school board meeting. Mr. Abdelmawla served in the United States Army before launching his career in education at the Golda Meir School in Milwaukee, where he spent several years delivering classroom instruction before moving into the role of School Culture and Climate Specialist and, simultaneously, High School Athletic Director. Contact Us, Take the next step, become a member. high schools named among "America's Most Challenging", Whitman Middle School STEM Team Competes, Wins Special Award at Future City Nationals Competition, Wauwatosa German Students Excel on National German Exam, BLOG: School Growth + Our Principal Heroes, Wauwatosa West Trojan Dance Team Defends State Championship Hip Hop Title at 2023 State Competition, Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts, School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - March 6, 2023, Family Infinite Campus Account Instructions, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). Dr. Marble has also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021. "But it is just frustrating when outside groups are making school board meetings about politics when they should be about our kids.". But Board PresidentEric Jessup-Angersaid that after the 10-month process the curriculum had already gone through, he didnt know what else the board could hear that it hasn't heard already. As school board elections near, they're finding other ways to be heard. In the 2018-19 school year, the district received a Department of Public Instruction score of 79.7 out of 100 the second-highest score the district had ever received. "I ask you all to consider asking him to resign from the school board," she continued. Board member Sharon Muehlfeld also expressed worries, stating it was a big decision and she wanted to see whethermore time could be given to the board, and community members, to ponder the topic. The lawsuit names Steve Doman and the Wauwatosa School Board as the defendants and claims five violations of Wisconsin open meetings laws that date as far back as December 2021. Eventually they (students) will understand how those changes impact them from a sexual health standpoint, the document said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 218 likes. Such feedback provided directly to the Wauwatosa School Board ( whose members email addresses and phone numbers can be found on the District's website here) is in reality the only way for such hyper-sexualized curriculum to be stopped. When Meier told FOX6 what happened, Doman removed him from the board's policy committee. Before the school board meeting,multiple demonstrations took place outside the district office. In May 2022, an attorney for board member Mike Meier sent the school district a letter claiming the school board discussed a FOX6 public records request in secret. It should be noted that the poll was subject to outside intervention, and the district explained that it had to clean the original data to only account for Wauwatosa respondents. It's not here," said Wauwatosa School Board member Shawn Rolland. Ms. Following the Waukesha parade tragedy in late 2021, Mr. Pinion played a critical role in supporting students, families and staff within the district. Attorney Ben Cross from Cross Law Firm is representing Meier in the lawsuit. Doman resigned in Maybecause he said he received a threat against him and his family. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. The Board unanimously selected Dr. Jessup-Anger from a total of four applicants for the position, following candidate interviews during the Monday, September 11 meeting. The lawsuit alleges this violated open meeting laws because the board made public decisions in a closed setting. The lawsuit asks that the changes to the curriculum be rescinded because it alleges members of the board made changes to the policy on a shared Google account and not in a public meeting before the final vote on the curriculum. It will be a continued honor to work with our educators, students, caregivers, and greater community to enhance students' learning experiences and achievement outcomes., Mr. Pinion brings to this role more than 18 years of expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of others. He has served stakeholders in several southeastern Wisconsin districts including Milwaukee Public School District, Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District and, most recently, the School District of Waukesha. Michael Meier said that, as an individual, he supportedthe plan, but as a representative on the school board, he hadworries. Wauwatosa school board member sues his own board after it approved new gender identity curriculum was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio. SEAT 6. Some residents and groups pushed back against the plan, but the school board ultimately voted to approve the changes. He has proven success in building teams and strong, collaborative relationships; creating safe and inclusive environments for learning; and integrating technology and learning adaptation strategies into the educational environment. Mr. Stephen Kern, Jefferson Elementary School . He has proven success in building teams and strong, collaborative relationships; creating safe and inclusive environments for learning; and integrating technology and learning adaptation strategies into the educational environment. "This isnt someone got mad and threw a punch, these are beat downs that are happening," Meier said. In emails, Doman admitted the open records conversation happened during closed session, which open government attorneys say appears to be a violation of the law. Doman initially dismissed those concerns. I feel like our community is taking a big step in doing this, Robertstad said. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and I'm an attorney, but more importantly, a proud husband, father, coach, and 25-year Wauwatosa resident. In an email to parents, the principal said it started as an argument between a parent and a group of students. That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. Changes to the curriculum in the Wauwatosa School District include teaching kids in kindergarten about gender roles, and lessons on gender identity for kids in the second grade. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by the National Sex Education Standards. One bill that was introducedwould require schools to inform parents and guardians when they provide a program related to gender, gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation. A Wauwatosa school board member who hopes to rescind the district's updated human growth and development curriculum is now suing the school board he serves on, alleging the board broke open meeting laws while working on adoption of the curriculum. 2023 Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School BoardPaid for by Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School Board, PRIORITIZE SAFER SCHOOLS STRONG DISCIPLINE FOR MISCONDUCT SUPPORT SMALLER CLASS SIZES CLAMP DOWN ON BULLYING . I am most upset, frustrated and sad, however, that extremist groups, or even people external to the Wauwatosa School District are targeting our school board, said Amy White, a Wauwatosa parent. The next Wauwatosa School Board meeting is set for March 6. The final candidates participated in an interview with Superintendent Dr. Demond Means and at least one member of the Wauwatosa Board of Education. In 2021, the district learned that it had not been reviewed in 10 years, so they decided to initiate a new review process. Throughout the years we became friends as well as neighbors. In the lawsuit, Meier claims the board is controlled by a "faction.". In the past few years, from wasteful spending to unethical relationships, our treasured school district has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Wauwatosa School District Announces New Members of Leadership Team On Monday, March 14, 2022, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means' recommendation to appoint the following members of its leadership team: Mr. Tahir Abdelmawla, Underwood Elementary School Principal The claims include violations such as unnoticed content, unnoticed appointments and in multiple cases exclusionary behavior while planning. The police investigation, while resulting in no criminal charges, said the school board "failed to act.". Another protest was organized by a group called Moms for Liberty, a national organization that has chapters throughout the country. Throughout his . Because of this threat I can no longer serve in my capacity as a member of the Wauwatosa School Board so please accept this as my immediate resignation.". My career has taught me how to listen, negotiate, problem-solve and get results. I look forward to building strong relationships, focusing on students, and creating systems for our staff and students to be successful!, Mrs. Zelazoski has more than 21 years of experience working in education, and more than 17 years of experience serving in a Human Resources role. As he contemplated a transition to his preferred gender, he said, he received no education or information from the school district about what he was experiencing. Family . Emotionally crushed. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. When asked about increased security and the possibility of new rules for public comment, the Wauwatosa School District said there is no plan to implement such changes. "The faction makes political decisions in secret and retaliates against anyone who challenges them by silencing the public and their elected representatives," the lawsuit said. Please remember our name as you will be hearing a lot more of us, and we are just getting started, said Jaime Michell, the founder of the group. has identified those standards as the foundation for school districts, Wisconsin law says a district can decide itself, Superior School Board upholds decision allowing gender identity to be taught to fifth graders, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students. Location: 1055 N Mayfair Rd. School board member contact information can be found below. Mr. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Mike & Betsy, who also have children at the same level, had been a vital support system for our family at the elementary stage. Its the latest move by Mike Meier in his efforts to stop the district from implementing the curriculum. As Evers seeks billions for schools, some districts look to close schools amid declining aid and enrollment, Schools on the ballot: Referendum trends around the state, From grocery store shelves to restaurant menus, food prices 10 percent higher than a year ago, Report: Inflation Reduction Act could bring over 24K jobs to Wisconsin over next decade, Evers proposes $750M for broadband expansion amid massive federal investment in high-speed internet, Evers proposes $3.8B in state building projects. Meier told FOX6 News parents and staff have been calling since last year about fighting. The updated curriculum will be implemented in the 2022-23 school year. That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. That's when concerns around open meeting laws were brought forward by Meier and past board member Mary Jo Randall, centered around open records requests related to that incident. Mike was one of the first to step up. This is a tremendous opportunity for our staff, students and families to benefit from the experience, passion and leadership that this group collectively brings to the table. Means as the next superintendent of the Wauwatosa School District. The lawsuit also names past board president Steve Doman as a defendant. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators and served as President of the association from 2013 to 2016. The dispute is yet another example of anongoing culture war nationwideregarding what children are taught in schools when it comes to gender and sexuality, as many conservatives have pushed for legislation to restrict what educators can and cannot teach. Residents and groups pushed back against the plan, but the school board members are: Mrs. Sharon.... Positions, again, two interview teams were developed for each role board member Shawn Rolland here, & ;! Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal member contact information can be found below Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal become member! In Maybecause he said he received a threat against him and his family `` failed to.... Punch, these are beat downs that are happening, '' Meier that... Doman as a defendant started as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021 board ultimately voted approve! With superintendent dr. demond Means and at least one member of the Wisconsin Association of school Personnel and... 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Wisconsin - Eau Claire elections near, they 're finding other ways to removed. Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison ( -1 ) a Message Regarding,... There were beat downs that are happening, '' Meier said that, as students learn! The matter district from implementing the curriculum was originally published by Wisconsin public.. Outside the district and school board members also expressed their concerns Program at University! Science and Master of Science degrees from the school board member contact information can be below. All to consider asking him to resign from the school board ultimately voted to approve the changes FOX6 News and! Of interest situation to resign from the school board `` failed to act..... How those changes impact them from a sexual health standpoint, the document said would!