4/28/25
Public Comment Emails
Opposition to WSTEM Charter Renewal
Many community members - Heidi Bach, Rebecca Schlei, Amy Hettinger, Amanda Jordan, Chris Streufert, Emily Bilot, Lisa Tang, Jocelyn Morin - urged the board not to renew the WSTEM contract. They cited concerns over inequity, resource diversion, and negative impacts on neighborhood schools like Jefferson.Support for Jefferson Elementary & Open Enrollment
Amanda Jordan, Meg Hemmelgarn, Kalen Hemmelgarn, Rebecca Schlei advocated for Jefferson Elementary, highlighting low enrollment and staffing risks. They called for reinstating or adjusting open enrollment to stabilize student numbers.Praise for Arts Education & Concerns About Cuts
Heidi Bach thanked the district for its support of arts programs. Kimberly Thompson warned against reducing choir staffing, noting the program is still recovering post-COVID.Call for Safe Zones
Kay Fenico urged the district to adopt a Safe Zone policy to protect immigrant students from ICE enforcement on school grounds.Frustration with Board Transparency
Matthew Kopetsky criticized the board's process in handling WSTEM negotiations, citing broken promises and lack of transparency.
Wauwatosa School Board Meeting
1. Meeting Called to Order and Swearing-In of New Members (0:07)
The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of newly elected board members: Sarah Burzynski, Christopher Bauer, Heidi Bach, and Jason Wautier.
2. Public Comment Period (9:17)
The board opened the floor for public comments, allowing community members to voice their concerns and opinions.
3. Tribute to Principal Mike Heun (10:34)
Katie Heun delivered an emotional speech honoring her father, Principal Mike Heun, highlighting his dedication and impact on the Wilson and WSTEM communities.
4. Concerns Raised About McKinley Elementary Leadership (16:04)
Chris Merker, representing over 50 McKinley families, expressed serious concerns about Principal Ted Martin's leadership, citing issues like broken trust and a toxic environment.
5. Opposition to WSTEM Charter School Closure (18:29)
Libby Woodard and other community members voiced their outrage over the sudden closure of WSTEM, criticizing the district for a lack of transparency and broken promises.
6. Additional McKinley Parent Testimonials (25:03)
Several parents shared personal experiences, detailing staff resignations and a hostile culture under Principal Martin's leadership.
7. Online Public Comments (27:16)
Virtual commenters echoed concerns about Principal Martin, providing specific examples of mistreatment and poor leadership.
8. Frustration Over WSTEM Closure Communication (33:43)
Joey, a WSTEM parent, expressed frustration over the lack of communication and abrupt decision to close the school.
9. Accusations of Deceit and Mismanagement (37:01)
Jed Terc accused district leadership of misleading the public and breaching contracts during the WSTEM closure process.
10. Continued Criticism of McKinley Leadership (41:00)
Will Patton and others criticized Principal Martin for failing to advocate for staff and worsening class sizes.
11. Superintendent's Response to McKinley Concerns (51:15)
Superintendent Dr. Means addressed the concerns, stating that a restorative facilitator and a third-party investigation are in place at McKinley, with a decision on Principal Martin's future expected by May 9.
12. Board Reorganization and Officer Elections (53:05)
The board held officer elections, resulting in Dr. Lynn Woehrle as President, Liz Heimerl-Rolland as Vice President, Jason Wautier as Treasurer, and Heidi Bach as Clerk.
13. Appointment of CESA Representative (1:20:04)
Chris Bauer was nominated and approved as Wauwatosa's representative to CESA 1.