wauwatosa school board members 21 Nov wauwatosa school board members

Mr. Brightman states, I have long recognized the Wauwatosa School District as one of the strongest in the state. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Another protest was organized by a group called Moms for Liberty, a national organization that has chapters throughout the country. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. The Wauwatosa police chief told FOX6 News five students were cited for battery. Means as the next superintendent of the Wauwatosa School District. What is unique about this claim is that it is the only alleged violation for which Meier is demanding administrative action as he seeks to stop the curriculum from being taught. This is Meiers third attempt to have the curriculum shut down. Describe how you will balance being knowledgeable and contribute to oversight while allowing the Superintendent to guide day-to-day operations and strategy implementation. Doman initially dismissed those concerns. 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'll be taking some time away, said Wauwatosa Elementary School teacher Jake Daggett in an Instagram post. Michael Meier said that, as an individual, he supportedthe plan, but as a representative on the school board, he hadworries. He's an excellent listener who, at the end of the day, will always do what's best for the students. Milwaukee resident Franklin Smith, president of the Milwaukee Guild and Catholic Medical Association, spoke against the curriculum, claiming the curriculums teachings pushed kids in a direction they would not go in otherwise. In 2021, a FOX6 investigation revealed Wauwatosa administrator Kristin Bowers encouraged the school district to contract with AVID, her husband's employer. 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. decided to resign from the board after receiving an email that he said made him feel threatened. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Accounting from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and obtained a Master of Science - Education (MSE) degree in Public Finance/School Business Management from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. Before the school board meeting,multiple demonstrations took place outside the district office. "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. School classroom. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. He coached with the program for 5 years. Mr. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Benefits Eligible: Yes. 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. 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. Their qualifications are a reflection of the values and priorities in Wauwatosa, stated Mr. Steven Doman, School Board President. These final candidates participated in two panel-style interviews - one with District staff and another with families. The complaint, filed by Michael Meier, claims that the School Board violated Wisconsin open meetings laws five times from 2021 on and, in the case of the approved curriculum, would meet in secret to exclude Meier from conversations about the topic. Need to report an error? School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - Feb. 20, 2023; School Board Meeting Agendas & Policies; Canvas LMS. Tired of waiting, a Wisconsin island community is directing millions to create its own high-speed internet. 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. Its time to replace self-interest and personal ideology with working together for the good of our students and teachers. FOX6 News reached out to all the other Wauwatosa School Board members and the superintendent. 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.". This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - Feb. 20, 2023; School Board Meeting Agendas & Policies; Canvas LMS. He is a veteran administrator who has a reputation for bringing people together and maintaining a gentle, encouraging presence. 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. The final candidates participated in an interview with Superintendent Dr. Demond Means and at least one member of the Wauwatosa Board of Education. Some residents and groups pushed back against the plan, but the school board ultimately voted to approve the changes. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Theyre desperate for help," Meier said. Leaders expect it to keep growing. The Wauwatosa School District does not discriminate on the basis of a person's color, sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Mr. Brightman, Dr. Marble, Mr. Pinion and Mrs. Zelazoski will be critical participants in the interview process for individuals in their respective departments. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 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, Downtown Waukesha business owner raped, man charged gets $2M bond. Seat 3: Eric Jessup-Anger (inc.), Todd Dahlgren. School board member contact information can be found below. The school district provides parents both the option to opt out of the curriculum as a whole or opt out of specific parts of the curriculum. Mike Meier alleges open meetings violation in approval of gender identity curriculum. 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. 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. She is a member of the Wisconsin Association of School Personnel Administrators and served as President of the association from 2013 to 2016. The meeting was also livestreamed. 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. The recently approved sex ed curriculum in Wauwatosa Schools was once again thrust into the spotlight Tuesday after board member Michael Meier made a rare motion to rescind the curriculum. 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. It's not here," said Wauwatosa School Board member Shawn Rolland. Board member addresses are public, for the purpose of verifying elected leaders live in the areas they represent. He has been a resident of Wauwatosa since 1988 and has a BA in Political Science from UW-La Cross, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MBA from UW-Madison. In an email to parents, the principal said it started as an argument between a parent and a group of students. Two of the claims are centered around Doman's time as the school board president and the other three place blame on the current Wauwatosa School Board. Whether it be Mike's professional or personal life, he has a vested interest in making the Wauwatosa community, especially the schools, a place he wants to continue to flourish in a positive direction., As a long-time next-door neighbor turned family friend, we have known Mike and his family for over 17 years. 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. On Thursday, the Wauwatosa School District sent a message to families announcing Doman's resignation, quoting him as saying: "It has been my privilege to serve the School District of Wauwatosa for the last five years, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished.". Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. 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. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. 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. Mike was one of the first to step up. Im an attorney, but more importantly, a proud husband, father, coach, and 25-year Wauwatosa resident. The most significant claim is predicated upon the events leading up to the passing of the human growth and development plan, during which Meier has claimed that board members used a survey data scrubbing process to misrepresent the results of a public survey about the curriculum. His ideas, interests, and opinions would be a welcomed addition to the team. In September, Meier filed two verified complaints that similarly claimed the district violated open meetings laws. Dr. Marble has also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021. 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. Jenny Hoag is a Tosa parent, community member, and pediatric psychologist. Follow himon Twitter at@Beck_Salgado. A district documentsaid that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. He also received an Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. 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.". 2023, Urban Milwaukee, Inc. All rights reserved. As part of the hiring process for the principalships, initial input was gathered from families and staff via listening sessions. Meier told FOX6 News parents and staff have been calling since last year about fighting. 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. Dr. harassed by followers of the right-wing forum Libs of TikTok. Beck Andrew Salgadocan be reached at 512-568-4070or Bsalgado@gannett.com. Lubinsky also mentioned that in 25 years of practicing law she had never seen a situation where a member of a board sued that same board. The claims include violations such as unnoticed content, unnoticed appointments and in multiple cases exclusionary behavior while planning. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by the National Sex Education Standards. Throughout my interactions with members of the Jefferson community I have been able to see the strong sense of community and pride in the 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. Paid for by Wauwatosa for Zirbes, Daniel Gugala for School Board, and Paid for by Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School Board. 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. Wauwatosa, WI 53226. He then served as Underfilling Assistant Principal before joining the Wauwatosa School District in 2020 as Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle School. Throughout his . 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. "Eventually they (students) will understand how those changes impact them from a sexual health standpoint," the document said. "But it is just frustrating when outside groups are making school board meetings about politics when they should be about our kids.". Mr. Brightman states, I have long recognized the Wauwatosa School District as one of the strongest in the state. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by theNational Sex Education Standards. Help assure the future of citys fastest growing publication. He was the only school board member to voteagainst the update in August. Tired of seeing banner ads on Urban Milwaukee? 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. Last year, Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature introduced multiple bills that centered on LGBTQ youth. The district and school board confirmed they've retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. Lets restore trust in the school board. 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. "We have to have somebody in the president position thats going to bring this community together, and I just feel we need a change. Not only was Mike a coach but he also was a teacher and a mentor. Follow himon Twitter at @Beck_Salgado. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. But Lubinsky added she believes a judge will dismiss the lawsuit. Help us share the knowledge by buying a gift subscription. Elsewhere in the district, individuals have been the subject of harassment. 2022-23 At a Glance Calendar; Engagement Sessions; Enrollment; Family Technology Helpdesk; School Board. That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. School board meetings have increasingly become the site of heightened politicization, scrutiny and harassment of board members and their actions. Schedule: 1.0/Days - Monday-Friday 730a-4p, Rotation to cover St. Joseph or other Ascension sites as needed. Wauwatosa. The Wauwatosa School Board has appointed Dr. Eric Jessup-Anger to the vacant Seat #3, created by the resignation of Emily Kenney in August. The legislation failed to pass in the last session. Dr. Marble is a lifelong learner who is committed to achievement and equitable opportunities for all students. The legal complaint is the latest event in what has become a protracted dispute over the curriculum that has drawn the attention of political groups, students and parents across the country. 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. Thats 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. The board eventually voted to split with AVID and Bowers, paying Bowers six figures to walk away in January 2022. 218 likes. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, where he also received NASP Accreditation to serve as an Education Specialist in School Psychology. 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. Announcements. The district was the 17th-largest school district in the state in the 2013-2014 school year and served 7,204 students.. Higher education achievement 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 building strong relationships, focusing on students, and creating systems for our staff and students to be successful!, Mrs. Sarah Zelazoski will serve as the Districts Chief of Talent leading the Division of Human Resources. Parents are rightfully concerned after seeing several videos of fights in Wauwatosa schools. A district document said that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. "Theyre devastated. 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. The school district says it will have a meeting to determine the process and timeline for filling Doman's school board seat, but did not announce a date. Jenny Hoag, Mary Jo Randall, Austin Jensen, Michael Meier, Todd Dahlgren and Eric Jessup-Anger are all on the ballot for school board for the Wauwatosa School District . Keep updated on the latest news and information. Board member Jenny Hoag saidthat would only further divide the district and its students. Open government attorneys say the school board may have violated the law. "We need an independent investigation to see what the practice has been. 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. As of Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for Wauwatosa police says the department has not received a complaint from Doman about any threats. In a trend that started in 2021, and has come to define the start of the 2022-23 school year, the Wauwatosa school district has endured a spate of disciplinary issues while also seeing increased political tensions affect board members and teachers. When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings, the statement from Jessup-Anger read. John Larry. He coached with the program for 5 years. MetaSearch Notice. The controversy surrounding the curriculum highlights the increasing tensions that school boards across Wisconsin and the nation have faced. Mike was one of the first to step up. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. right-wing groups from outside communities such as Moms for Liberty and Gays Against Groomers. It would also add picture books that present more diverse backgrounds. His experience includes six years in an assistant principal role in the Kenosha Unified School District, and 21 years serving as a principal at the elementary and middle school levels in School District 54 in Schaumburg, Illinois. The students in our district deserve the best education available, that's why we need a renewed focus on academics. "No parent wants their child doing these things," said Michael Meier, Wauwatosa School Board member. "The Wauwatosa School District prioritizes employee retention, diversity, and inclusion, which aligns perfectly with my values. The lawsuit also names past board president Steve Doman as a defendant. He also received an Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. After a lengthy public comment period, various board members also expressed their concerns. Because of this, we believe Mike will be a great addition to the Wauwatosa School Board and are proud to support him. 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. If you miss that, in-person voting is Tuesday, April 4th. They used Wisconsin state statutes,Department of Public Instruction standards and National Sex Educationstandards as a foundation for the new curriculum. Mr. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, where he also received NASP Accreditation to serve as an Education Specialist in School Psychology. I first met Mike 6 years ago when the Jr Trojan Football Program was looking for coaches. 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. Learn more. 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. 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. 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. 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. WAUWATOSA, Wis. - Wauwatosa School Board President Steve Doman abruptly resigned Wednesday, claiming he received an email he "can only perceive as a threat" to his family's safety. . Wauwatosa schools issued a statement which can be read on the district website. "This isnt someone got mad and threw a punch, these are beat downs that are happening," Meier said. In the latest DPI report card, the district received a score of 72.4, the lowest score the district had ever received. The police investigation, while resulting in no criminal charges, said the school board "failed to act.". Jenny Hoag for Wauwatosa School Board. 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. 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. 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.". The Wauwatosa School Board did an independent investigation in 2013 regarding bullying complaints at an elementary school. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. A suggestion by Meier to create a new curriculum for the students of parents who disliked the updated one failed, 5-2. ", We met the Zollicoffer family back when the boys went to Madison Elementary. "What were seeing right now is an outcome of years of some other strategy," Meier said. 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. There's no doubt in my mind that future generations will observe the damage that occurs when this teaching method is used, Smith said. 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. The lawsuit also names past board president Steve Doman as a defendant. Meier wants an independent investigation into the fighting. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. I believe this is the first time in my 25-year legal career that I have been providing legal advice to a board when my adversary is in the room, Lubinsky said. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. I am extremely honored and privileged to be joining the Underwood team, Abdelmawla stated. ", "We cant have leadership like this," community member Deb Falk-Palec said during public comment. Sign-in to take full advantage of your membership, including an ad-free website and improved browsing experience. I've seen his commitment and desire in his personal life and have no doubt he will bring that passion to the school board! Candidates participated in panel interviews with each team, which consisted of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session. The poll would eventually show a majority of respondents were in favor of approving the curriculum. 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 Regarding the principalship, Mr. Kern states, I am honored to be joining Jefferson Elementary School. Most Wisconsin students can't vote. My career has taught me how to listen, negotiate, problem-solve and get results. 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. Dr. Marble has also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021. When elected to the Wauwatosa School Board, I will work with the community to ensure that our district is meeting the needs of all students and families - but we must do this with accountability.I will strive to realize the vision and goals of the board, while also being pragmatic about the district's resources, finding a balance to create an educational environment where all students can . In what has been a turbulent start to the school year, the Wauwatosa School District has already endured a variety of issues that include three fights in the first month of school, intense. We are confident he will be a trusted leader as a member of the school board." The Lemke Family "As a lifelong resident of Wauwatosa, former teacher, and parent of four children, with three students in the district, I appreciate Daniel's thoughtful, pragmatic, and common sense approach to improving our school district's academic . 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mike was passionate about player development, on and off the field. Doman stepped down two days after calls for his resignation during the public comment portion of Monday night's school board meeting. "When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings," the statement read.

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