5/12/25
Public Comment Emails
Board Conduct
Kayla Merker criticized Liz Heimerl-Rolland for appearing distracted during meetings and sharing confidential information, urging more professionalism.McKinley Leadership
Annie Marino called for replacing McKinley's principal, citing poor morale and ineffective leadership.WSTEM Closure
- Jed Terc accused the superintendent and board of dishonesty and mismanagement in the WSTEM closure.
- Jessica Haywood called the WSTEM closure rushed and urged unity between WSTEM and Jefferson families.
Support for Phone-Free School Days (Policy 5136)
- Rita Wiesneski shared survey results showing most PTA respondents oppose stricter phone rules.
- Alicia Bartz, Laura Hyland, and Jennifer Neideen backed a revised policy banning phones during school hours to improve focus and learning.
Workplace Discrimination
Takela Jones reported harassment and lack of HR support at Madison Elementary, urging stronger anti-discrimination policies.District Phone System Outages
Valerie Weiler raised concerns about repeated phone outages and student safety.
Wauwatosa School Board Meeting
Call to Order and Roll Call (0:08)
Public Comment (3:44)
Concerns Over Committee Appointments and Superintendent Conduct (3:44)
Troy Woodard criticizes his removal from the secondary schools ad hoc committee and alleges that Superintendent Means pressured him to misrepresent his family's school intentions. He calls for Means's resignation and expresses concerns about exclusion and politicization.
Superintendent's Comments and Board Response (6:25)
Dr. Means denies unethical behavior and explains the committee change was due to feedback from Washington Elementary families. He shares his disappointment with the accusations. Board members respond by urging a return to civility, expressing concern over personal attacks, and calling for reflection on how decisions and communications are handled publicly.
Concerns About McKinley Leadership (18:22)
Chris Merker criticizes Principal Martin's leadership at McKinley, describing a toxic climate and widespread staff demoralization. He urges the board to hold leaders accountable and seriously consider replacing the principal.
Staff Intimidation at McKinley (20:08)
Zach Dillard shares a troubling incident involving his wife and Principal Martin, raising concerns about intimidation and staff fear. He adds his own comments calling out dysfunction and a lack of accountability in McKinley's leadership.
Support for Leadership Change (23:00)
Annie Marino voices support for replacing the McKinley principal, citing a toxic culture and widespread staff distrust. She urges the board to listen to those impacted and make a leadership change.
Critique of Climate Report Process (26:02)
Kayla Merker questions the credibility of the McKinley climate report, noting that it was based on only nine parent interviews. She expresses concern that dissenting voices were excluded. An anonymous speaker echoes these concerns, citing lack of transparency and selective outreach.
Inclusive Committee Representation (29:29)
Katherine Hudson thanks the board for adjusting ad hoc committee membership to ensure all elementary schools, including Washington Elementary, are represented. She appreciates the board's willingness to listen and act on parent concerns.
Board Member Reflections (33:22)
Following public comment, board members reflect on recent tensions and urge more respectful communication moving forward.
Consent Agenda Discussion and Approval (36:30)
Policy Discussions/Revisions (40:59)
April Financial Report (51:14)
Presentation of 2025-26 Preliminary Budget (58:35)
Scot Ecker (CFO) presents a balanced preliminary budget based on projected enrollment and no major changes in state funding. Priorities include referendum-funded initiatives, student services, staff compensation, and maintaining class sizes.
Approval of Roofing Remodels at Eisenhower and Roosevelt (1:43:16)
Curriculum and Professional Learning Presentation (1:55:55)
District staff present updates on literacy and math assessments, high school schedules, and a K-8 science curriculum adoption proposal. The presentation emphasizes foundational skill-building and professional support for teachers.
Staffing Reductions/Additions (1:58:54)
Contract non-renewals were approved for two elementary Spanish teachers, a secondary math teacher, and two secondary music teachers.
A new administrative role, "Director of Student Success," was approved and to be filled by Daryl Hanson.
Policy Committee Reports (2:03:20)
Chairs of various committees provide brief reports, including updates from the Legislative Advocacy Committee, Teaching and Learning, and Facilities and Operations.
Cell Phone Policy Discussion (2:05:43)
A student representative speaks about discipline and support issues related to the district's cell phone policy. This leads to extended discussion about inconsistent enforcement, teacher discretion, and the need to balance policy with classroom realities. Several members stress the importance of creating a supportive environment for staff while ensuring accountability. Board and administration revisit how policies are communicated and followed at the building level.
Board Governance - Graduation Participation (2:42:13)
The board discusses upcoming graduation ceremonies. President Woehrle emphasizes board presence in endorsing graduates, and members are reminded to provide gown sizes and RSVP for specific events.
Policy Review and Title IX Compliance (2:44:02)
The board considers rescinding an outdated district policy in light of evolving federal regulations. Members clarify that student protections remain in place through other district policies. The policy committee will draft revised language.
Approval of Graduates (2:46:46)
The board formally approves the list of Wauwatosa East and West students expected to graduate in 2025, pending completion of all requirements.
Board Participation in Graduation Ceremonies (2:50:19)
Board members confirm who will attend each high school graduation. Details on regalia, parking, and event scheduling are reviewed.
Discussion on Recording Committee Meetings (2:51:33)
The board discusses whether committee meetings should be recorded. Opinions vary regarding transparency and feasibility. The policy committee will return with a recommendation at a future meeting.