The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. In 2021, a FOX6 investigation revealed Wauwatosa administrator Kristin Bowers encouraged the school district to contract with AVID, her husband's employer. The board also voted, 5-2, against delaying a vote on the updated curriculum before ultimately approving the curriculum. Copyright © 2002 - var currentTime = new Date();var year = currentTime.getFullYear();document.write(year); Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Michael Meier, a school board member, filed a suit against the board of education on November 23 that alleges violations of the Open Meetings Act and constitutional rights. He also said the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructionhas identified those standards as the foundation for school districtsdeveloping human growth and development curriculum, including teachings about gender identity. In addition to Mrs. Jessica Willis, the current Wauwatosa School Board members are: Mrs. Sharon Muehlfeld . Wauwatosa, WI 53226. She served as the Director of School - Community Programs and Coordinator of Human Resources/Community Programs in Antigo before taking on the role of Executive Director of Human Capital at the Mequon-Thiensville School District, where she has served for more than eight years. I am invested in WSD and as a school board member I will promote thoughtful policy and compliance, the backbones of a well-functioning and effective board. Hours Per Week: 36. Dr. Marble has also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021. She brings more than 14 years of progressively-responsible experience to this role, including eight years as a classroom teacher and member of school leadership committees in Mukwonago, two years as Associate Principal of Wauwatosa East High School, two years as Principal of Madison Elementary School and two years as Director of Secondary Education for the Wauwatosa School District. I'll be taking some time away, said Wauwatosa Elementary School teacher Jake Daggett in an Instagram post. Job Details. "When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings," the statement read. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. 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 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. "They are doing things illegal, behind closed doors, that they dont want us to know about," one man said, referencing the school board's closed session open records conversation. Candidates participated in panel interviews with each team, which consisted of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session. He then served as Underfilling Assistant Principal before joining the Wauwatosa School District in 2020 as Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle School. During a special meeting to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, Lori Lubinsky, an attorney for the district, said the move by Meier to sue his own school board was unusual.. By eighth grade, middle schoolers would have learned about different gender identities, sexual orientations, sexual activities and how social relationships are influenced by all of those things. The district said the percentage of instructional time students will be taught the curriculum will range from 1 percent for high school students, to 0.2 percent for kindergarten students. She served as the Director of School - Community Programs and Coordinator of Human Resources/Community Programs in Antigo before taking on the role of Executive Director of Human Capital at the Mequon-Thiensville School District, where she has served for more than eight years. 218 likes. Become a member for $9/month. Then on Tuesday, Feb. 15, Wauwatosa police say there was a fight between a parent and students at Wauwatosa East High School. One student who spoke was a teenwho detailed his experience realizing his biological makeup did not match how he felt. A statement from Wauwatosa school board president Eric Jessup-Anger said a prior verified complaint from Meier has already been reviewed by Milwaukee Countys Corporation Counsel, which determined the board "did not violate Wisconsin law regarding the open meetings at issue.". While it is true that Mr. Meier could have participated in the Google document, he believes that the participation in the Google document would have been a violation of the open meetings law, Cross said. ", FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android. She brings more than 14 years of progressively-responsible experience to this role, including eight years as a classroom teacher and member of school leadership committees in Mukwonago, two years as Associate Principal of Wauwatosa East High School, two years as Principal of Madison Elementary School and two years as Director of Secondary Education for the Wauwatosa School District. The district and school board confirmed they've retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. State law also says parents can opt their child out of that instruction. His ideas, interests, and opinions would be a welcomed addition to the team. Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - Feb. 20, 2023; School Board Meeting Agendas & Policies; Canvas LMS. That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. They were countered by numerous people claiming to be medical professionals from the Milwaukee community who said supporting the internal desires surrounding sexuality and gender identity of younger individuals is "dangerous.". Tired of waiting, a Wisconsin island community is directing millions to create its own high-speed internet. Doman did not elaborate on the contents of the email he received; he has not responded to FOX6's messages. When Meier told FOX6 what happened, Doman removed him from the board's policy committee. Board members echoed the district's sentiments and said they are eager to keep their focus on academic affairs, however, the attorney for the district, Lori Lubinsky, said she has full confidence that the suit will be dismissed. It would also add picture books that present more diverse backgrounds. Wauwatosa, WI 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 Mr. Keith Brightman, Chief Financial Officer This is Meiers third attempt to have the curriculum shut down. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Tired of seeing banner ads on Urban Milwaukee? After the initial interviews, each team named their recommended finalists. Dr. Marble is a lifelong learner who is committed to achievement and equitable opportunities for all students. The school board violated open meetings laws, a board member. The Wauwatosa School Board has come under some scrutiny in recent months after an internal investigation found that a former Wauwatosa school district administrator had violated the board's conflict of interest policy. Melissa Dolan. From Madison to Whitman to Tosa West, Mike is very invested in the success of Wauwatosa schools and the growth and success of all of the kids in Wauwatosa. Mike is also involved in the community, from his years coaching various youth sports, which I had the pleasure of coaching with him for a couple of years, his dedication to the community and kids of Wauwatosa is admirable. 2023 FOX Television Stations, statement which can be read on the district website, Cashay Henderson Milwaukee's 3rd Black trans woman killed in 9 months, Zachariah Anderson murder trial: Arguments over possible 2nd mistrial, Bayshore collapse a complete failure, former snow removal company says, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Milwaukee antique mall's 'racist' items draw criticism. During a special meeting to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, Lori Lubinsky, an attorney for the district, said the move by Meier to sue his own school board was "unusual.". In later grades, it will provide a more comprehensive sex education curriculum and will include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. A member of the group who identified themselvesas a Mequon resident said that she came to Wauwatosa because she wanted to defend the innocence of kids in other districts. The Wauwatosa School Board has come under some scrutiny in recent months afteran internal investigation foundthat a former Wauwatosa school district administrator had violated the boards conflict of interest policy. MetaSearch Notice. He was the only school board member to vote against the update in August. 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. He is a veteran administrator who has a reputation for bringing people together and maintaining a gentle, encouraging presence. 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. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Comments (-1) A Message Regarding Safety, Discipline + Communication in the Wauwatosa School District. A district documentsaid that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. During his tenure in Waukesha, Mr. Pinion single-handedly implemented the districts PBIS system, and he developed a social-emotional learning and mental wellness framework that is widely regarded as a model program. Paid for by Wauwatosa for Zirbes, Daniel Gugala for School Board, and Paid for by Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School Board. Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts. Similar curriculum has also been discussed and debated by other Wisconsin communities. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Follow himon Twitter at@Beck_Salgado. Mike is a man of honor and integrity and we feel he would make a great candidate for the Wauwatosa School Board, serving our community. A member was excluded from the meeting process in the weekend preceding the August 22 Human Growth and Development action, and therefore that approval of the August 22 is ordered voided and rescinded as unlawful, the lawsuit read. The school board has acknowledged that the survey was adjusted, but only to better represent the opinions of Wauwatosa residents after the poll was posted on external websites where people across the country could vote on a local matter. Most Wisconsin students can't vote. 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. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Throughout his . 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. Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts. Ive 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. Domans likelihood of prevailing in this lawsuit, she added. 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. School board member contact information can be found below. Having spent time with Mike, I know he has a solid grasp of the issues facing the district. Location: 1055 N Mayfair Rd. 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 look forward to working collectively to support the students, staff, and community in continuing to make Wauwatosa a great place to learn, work, and live., Mr. Kern is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of success in education. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. Mike Meier alleges open meetings violation in approval of gender identity curriculum. Need to report an error? Elsewhere in the district, individuals have been the subject of harassment. Mike & Betsy, who also have children at the same level, had been a vital support system for our family at the elementary stage. I believe this role will provide a great opportunity for growth both personally, and for the larger school community., It will be a true honor to serve the Wauwatosa community alongside this talented group of professionals, said Dr. Means. The legislation failed to pass in the last session. 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. I've seen his commitment and desire in his personal life and have no doubt he will bring that passion to the school board! Dr. Marble states, As a community member and parent of students in the Wauwatosa School District, I know that academic excellence for all students is a top priority. Leaders expect it to keep growing. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by theNational Sex Education Standards. In September, Meier filed two verified complaints that similarly claimed the district violated open meetings laws. I first met Mike 6 years ago when the Jr Trojan Football Program was looking for coaches. Image by Wokandapix on Pixabay. Learn more. Ditch the ads, get free stuff. The Wauwatosa School Board is a policy and governance board. But Lubinsky added she believes a judge will dismiss the lawsuit. 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. If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment. The school board meeting attracted a multitude of community memberseager to voice their opinions. The police were called. Mr. Pinion brings to this role more than 18 years of expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of others. It escalated into a physical fight. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment. "The goal of teaching body science is to destigmatize the narrative about bodies and create a space for open and honest conversations," the document adds. Comments (-1) more . He has always been a good steward of Wauwatosa and is admired for his natural support and mentoring of our youth as an involved parent, respected coach, and good community neighbor. Mike was passionate about player development, on and off the field. 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. Throughout the years we became friends as well as neighbors. In a statement to parents and community members, the Wauwatosa School District acknowledged the lawsuit and explained that it already hired a legal team but assured parents that education will continue to be the district's top priority going forward. Mrs. Zelazoski earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and completed the Human Resources Management Professional Development Program at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. He also said the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has identified those standards as the foundation for school districtsdeveloping human growth and development curriculum, including teachings about gender identity. I very much look forward to partnering with an innovative, forward-thinking team to move the Wauwatosa School District into the 2022-23 school year and beyond.. Doman stepped down two days after calls for his resignation during the public comment portion of Monday night's school board meeting. ", Another woman said she was concerned about reducing the school district's legal liability, saying: "The only way I think we can do that is by removing President Doman.". Ive made a career out of listening to all sides and negotiating the best outcomes. 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. 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. Not responded wauwatosa school board members FOX6 's messages i 'll be taking some time away, Wauwatosa! A Wisconsin island community is directing millions to create a curriculum that would be a welcomed addition Mrs.! Meeting attracted a multitude of community memberseager to voice their opinions having spent time Mike. 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