8/25/25
Public Comment Emails
Support for Wauwatosa East Marching Band
- Emily Nolan urged support for the East Band, citing its value for student growth, creativity, and community impact.
- Kaitlin Lemke expressed disappointment over inequitable funding compared to West, noting that East needs $7,500 for transportation and lost fundraising due to Hart Park flooding.
- Kim Jenkins described the band as a safe, inclusive community for students and called on the district to honor its commitment to fund transportation.
- Molly Sherman requested equitable transportation funding, highlighting disparities with West's budgeted support.
- Melissa Smothers, writing for the Band Boosters, warned the competitive season was at risk without funding and emphasized students' dedication.
- Emily Brown criticized the lack of equitable financial support and noted the flood eliminated a key fundraiser.
- Jessica Michaud called the marching season integral to student development and objected to unequal funding compared to West.
- Philip Bufton questioned inequities in transportation funding and urged fairness between East and West.
- Megan Tanel lodged a formal complaint about inequitable support and declining confidence in district decisions.
- Bridget Scholtka Taylor highlighted the importance of band to her family and urged reconsideration of transportation costs, noting West receives support while East does not.
Concerns About Wauwatosa Virtual Academy (WVA) Instrumentality Charter School
- Justin Dux questioned how WVA expanded to include elementary open enrollment students without a board-approved contract addendum and asked about DPI oversight and budget impacts.
- He raised concerns about governance, noting the absence of a functioning governance council and lack of transparency about decisions.
- He asked about WVA's future, whether it is transitioning into a district program, how it will be funded, and why it appears in the staffing plan under county programs.
Wauwatosa School Board Meeting
1. Call to Order/Roll Call (0:07)
Board President Lynne Woehrle called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Fiser Administration Building at 12121 West North Avenue. Roll call confirmed the presence of board members Sarah Burzynski, Heidi Bach, Liz Heimerl-Rolland, Lynne Woehrle, and Jason Wautier. Chris Bauer and Phillip Morris were excused.
2. Superintendent's Update - August 2025 (0:42)
- Superintendent Dr. Demond Means provided a brief update on student registration, with 92% of returning students registered, a high percentage attributed to PTA leaders and community signage.
- Means discussed flood recovery efforts, with Hart Park closed and restoration underway at Wilson, Whitman, East, West, and Washington schools. Most open house events would allow access to classrooms.
- No board members asked questions during the update.
3. Public Comment (16:02)
Concerns About District Leadership and Transparency
- Michelle Sinclair (16:02): Raised concerns about communication gaps between the district and parents, particularly regarding flood recovery updates and classroom readiness.
- Bridget Shoka Taylor (18:07): Expressed frustration over the lack of clear timelines for school repairs post-flood and requested more frequent community updates.
- Dr. Means (Superintendent) (19:07): Responded by acknowledging the concerns, assuring the community that restoration efforts are on track, and promising weekly updates starting next week.
4. Consent Agenda (22:08)
- No items were pulled for separate discussion. Heidi Bach moved to approve the consent agenda, including minutes from August 11, 2025, 25-26 Annual Alternative Placement Services Contracts, Employee Dental Insurance PPO (Care Plus), Employee Dental Insurance Self-Funded (Delta), and Employee Transactions, seconded by Liz Heimerl-Rolland.
- The roll call vote was unanimous, with Sarah Burzynski, Heidi Bach, Liz Heimerl-Rolland, Lynne Woehrle, and Jason Wautier voting yes (Chris Bauer and Phillip Morris excused).
5. Board Governance (25:15)
- Dr. Means presented the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, highlighting stakeholder engagement and measurable metrics. The plan includes goals for student experience, high-quality staff, culture + community, and operations.
- Board discussion:
- Jason Wautier moved to approve the plan, seconded by Heidi Bach. The roll call vote was unanimous.
- Chris Bauer led a discussion on potential resolutions for the WASB convention, focusing on funding equity and mental health support.
- Board discussion:
- Lynne Woehrle discussed improving board communication with the community, proposing regular newsletters and town halls.
- Board discussion:
A. Action to Approve the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan (25:27)
B. Discussion RE: Potential WASB Resolutions for the January 2026 State Convention (30:24)
C. Board Communication (35:21)
6. Strategic Goal 6: Operations
A. Monthly Financial Report (Scott Ecker) (1:24:24)
- Scot Ecker presented the monthly financial report, highlighting stable finances and a slight fund balance increase from the referendum. Expenses were typical for the period.
- Board discussion:
B. Action to Approve Architect Contracts for Secondary Planning (1:28:41)
- Kevin LaFountain recommended approving architect contracts for secondary planning with Plunkett Raysich Architects and Zimmerman Design Group.
- Board discussion:
- Liz Heimerl-Rolland moved to approve, seconded by Sarah Burzynski. The roll call vote was unanimous.
C. Action to Approve Construction Manager Contract for Secondary Planning
- Kevin LaFountain recommended approving the construction manager contract with J.H. Findorff & Son Inc. for secondary planning.
- Board discussion:
- Heidi Bach moved to approve, seconded by Liz Heimerl-Rolland. The roll call vote was unanimous.
7. Strategic Goal 4: High-Quality Staff (2:14:04)
A. Action to Approve 2025-26 WSD Employee Health Insurance Plan (2:14:11)
- Sarah Burzynski presented the 2025-26 health insurance plan, noting updates to deductibles and HSA contributions to control costs.
- Board discussion:
- Jason Wautier moved to approve, seconded by Sarah Burzynski. The roll call vote was unanimous.
B. 2025-26 Staffing Update (2:15:38)
- Sarah Burzynski provided a staffing update, noting a 93% fill rate and efforts to attract diverse talent.
- Board discussion:
C. Health Insurance Stop Loss Coverage Presentation (2:26:19)
- Sarah Burzynski presented on stop loss coverage for health insurance, explaining it protects against high claims.
- Board discussion:
8. Strategic Goal 1: Academic Performance (2:31:38)
A. Secondary Grading and Reporting Update (2:31:44)
- Nicole Marble presented updates to secondary grading and reporting, focusing on consistency and equity in assessment practices.
- Board discussion:
- Sarah Burzynski (2:33:00): Asked about teacher training. Marble confirmed professional development sessions.
- Liz Heimerl-Rolland (2:34:00): Inquired about student feedback. Marble noted surveys showed improved understanding.
- Heidi Bach (2:35:00): Questioned alignment with state standards. Marble affirmed compliance.
9. Adjourn (3:42:20)
Lynne Woehrle called for a motion to adjourn at 9:55 p.m. The motion was made by Sarah Burzynski, seconded by Liz Heimerl-Rolland. The roll call vote was unanimous, with Sarah Burzynski, Heidi Bach, Liz Heimerl-Rolland, Lynne Woehrle, and Jason Wautier voting yes (Chris Bauer and Phillip Morris excused).