6/23/25

Public Comment Emails

Public Comment Email Packet

McKinley Elementary - Poor Transparency and Leadership of Principal Martin

• Annie Marino expressed concern over a lack of alignment between the district's stated values (e.g., transparency, accountability, psychological safety) and its handling of the ongoing leadership issues at McKinley Elementary. She urged the release of staff survey results, transparency around spending, and genuine stakeholder engagement to rebuild trust.
• Jenny Leigh, a recently retired McKinley teacher, strongly criticized Principal Martin's leadership, describing it as authoritarian, divisive, and harmful to staff morale. She detailed personal and observed experiences of mistrust, retaliation, and emotional harm. Leigh questioned why the district continues to support his leadership despite consistent staff and community concerns.

 

Wauwatosa School Board Meeting

Agenda | Watch on YouTube

1. Call to Order (0:08)

Board President Lynne Woehrle called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Fisher Administration Building, located at 12121 West North Avenue. A roll call confirmed the presence of board members Sarah Burzynski, Chris Bauer, Heidi Bach, Phillip Morris, Liz Heimerl-Rolland, Lynne Woehrle, and Jason Wautier.

2. Public Comments (0:48)

Lynne Woehrle read policy 0167.3, outlining rules for public comments, including a 30-minute limit, three-minute individual speaking time, and the requirement to direct comments to the presiding officer. Two individuals spoke during the public comment period, with comments grouped by theme below.

Concerns About McKinley School Leadership

Annie Marino (5:29): A parent of a McKinley student, Marino expressed concerns about Principal Mr. Martin's leadership, citing declining morale, teacher resignations, and a breakdown in trust. She highlighted the departure of educators Katie Pettit and Jenny Lee, who cited Mr. Martin's unprofessional behavior. Marino urged the district to appoint an interim principal, release staff survey results, hold a listening session with families, and provide community updates, emphasizing the need for a leadership transition.

Support for Personal Communication Device Ban

Sue Ellen (8:25): A parent of a Washington School student, Ellen voiced support for the recently approved bell-to-bell ban on personal communication devices (PCDs) in Wauwatosa schools. She cited research showing negative impacts of unrestricted device use on students' academic performance, mental health, and social development. Ellen praised the district's committee work, including considerations for students with IEPs and 504 plans, and thanked Luke Pinion for championing the policy.

No additional comments were made in the room or online, and the public comment period closed at 11:14.

3. Superintendent Update (11:30)

Superintendent Dr. Demond Means provided an update on district progress, grounding the presentation in the district's mission and vision. Key points included:

• Mission Statement: The district is focused on equitable access to rigorous academics, co-curricular activities, and social-emotional supports for all students to thrive as creative citizens.
• Vision: The district aims for an exceptional student experience, eradicating inequity, eliminating disproportionality, and exceeding proficiency in all measurable areas.
• Progress: Achievements included a 92% teacher retention rate (no school below 84%), a 26% increase in teacher compensation over three years, culturally responsive training, and a 45% reduction in administrative hearings (from 71 to 39). The Discovery Lab STEM curriculum was launched, and core academic curricula (English, science, social studies, math) were revised in two and a half years.
• Community Investment: Dr. Means thanked the board and community for supporting two referenda in November 2024 ($64.4 million operational and $60 million capital), enabling investments in teacher compensation, curriculum, and facilities.
• Next Steps: Priorities include replenishing the fund balance, launching the 2025-2028 strategic plan, and facilitating the secondary school ad hoc committee. Dr. Means highlighted significant decisions made on October 28, 2024, including boundary changes, moving sixth grade to elementary schools, and revising enrollment policies.
• Community Engagement: Dr. Means encouraged stakeholders to monitor school growth plans, follow strategic plan progress, and reflect on the mission statement.

A video celebrating student achievements was shown, emphasizing collaboration and growth (34:47). Board members thanked Dr. Means for the update, noting the importance of reviewing the mission, vision, and strategic plan.

4. Consent Agenda (37:01)

The consent agenda included items such as CCL transactions, administrator contract renewals, and payments for reading specialist and special education licenses. Board members raised questions before approving:

• Chris Bauer (37:23) asked about teacher retention rates. Dr. Means and Sarah Burzynski clarified that the 92% retention rate (lowest school at 84%) is comparable to previous years and other districts, noting increased volatility in educator retention statewide.
• Jason Wautier (39:07) inquired about the process for multi-year administrator contracts. Dr. Means explained the due diligence process, including performance improvement plans, the NEAT acronym (Notice, Expectations, Assistance, Timeline), and potential board actions like salary freezes or termination. Sarah Burzynski noted that two-year administrator contracts are standard per state statute.
• Liz Heimerl-Rolland (44:12) asked about payments for licenses and the state of teacher hiring. Sarah Burzynski clarified that license payments are retention incentives, not fee reimbursements. She noted a resurgence in applications, citing nearly 60 applicants for a fourth-grade position at Underwood.

No items were removed from the consent agenda. The board approved it unanimously via roll call at 46:38.

5. Strategic Goal #6 - Operations: Monthly Financial Report (47:02)

Scot Ecker presented the monthly financial report for 11 months of the fiscal year, noting the district is in the final week of the fiscal year. Key points included:

• Financial Status: The district is projected to end the year $54,000 better than budgeted, though still spending from the fund balance ($10.9 million projected expenditure). Ecker emphasized improved forecasting to avoid surprises, contrasting with last year's $8 million unfavorable variance.
• Context: Ecker used an analogy of a $100 budget to illustrate that $54,000 in a $100 million budget is equivalent to 10 cents, acknowledging minor unexpected expenses (e.g., a $30,000 sidewalk assessment).
• Purchase Services: Overages in purchase services (e.g., substitute teachers, legal fees, custodial services, food services) were discussed. Dr. Means noted that open records requests significantly increase legal costs due to redaction requirements.
• Referenda Updates: The operational referendum ($16.1 million annually) funds teacher compensation ($2.6 million budgeted for 2025-26) and curriculum ($4 million over the referendum term, prioritized for math and social studies). The capital referendum ($60 million) has begun with roofing projects, with bid package one upcoming. Monthly updates are available on the district website.
• Oversight Measures: Ecker highlighted monthly reports to CESA 5, public access to financial data via ClearGov, recorded finance committee meetings, and annual audits posted online. Dr. Means noted triannual updates to the PTA Area Council.
• Audit Timeline: The annual audit began in June, with fieldwork in August, a state report by November 15, and a board presentation in December. The district pays for the audit, but auditors maintain neutrality to preserve their state license.

Board members asked questions:

• Jason Wautier (57:24) inquired about the audit timeline, neutrality, and CESA 5's role. Ecker confirmed audits are public and outlined CESA 5's monthly monitoring.
• Liz Heimerl-Rolland (59:53) asked about fund balance expenditure. Ecker clarified the $10.9 million projection and budget adjustments.
• Lynne Woehrle (66:21) requested clarification on purchase services. Ecker and Dr. Means explained the category and strategies like prepaying utilities to reduce costs.
• Chris Bauer (1:12:33) asked about referendum fund allocation. Ecker and Dr. Means confirmed commitments to teacher pay and curriculum, with roofing projects underway for the capital referendum.

Kevin LaFountain was noted for overseeing referendum projects and providing monthly finance committee updates.

6. Adjourn into In-Service (1:19:08)

The board adjourned into an in-service session at 7:22 p.m. to discuss the board self-evaluation and superintendent evaluation processes. Lynne Woehrle noted that in-service sessions are not recorded, but the public could observe in person. No action items or decisions were planned. The motion to adjourn passed unanimously via roll call at 1:20:52.