Mike was one of the first to step up. 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. Comments (-1) more . Brookfield parents blamed politics after seven books were removed from a school district's library. Wauwatosa schools issued a statement which can be read on the district website. Mike Meier alleges open meetings violation in approval of gender identity curriculum. 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. When I am not on the field, I work as a self-made real estate agent. Regarding the principalship, Mr. Kern states, I am honored to be joining Jefferson Elementary School. Mr. Abdelmawla served in the United States Army before launching his career in education at the Golda Meir School in Milwaukee, where he spent several years delivering classroom instruction before moving into the role of School Culture and Climate Specialist and, simultaneously, High School Athletic Director. There were beat downs, as one Wauwatosa school board member told FOX6 News. Have questions? The District used this information to develop school profiles, which were then used to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for each position. We want Wauwatosa students to go out into the world and achieve anything they set their minds to. School classroom. In later grades, it will provide a more comprehensive sex education curriculum and will include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Open government attorneys say the school board may have violated the law. The school board also called a special meeting Monday night to discuss the details of the lawsuit and the district's plan going forward. In the lawsuit, Meier claims the board is controlled by a "faction.". Job Details. Image by Wokandapix on Pixabay. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. But Board PresidentEric Jessup-Angersaid that after the 10-month process the curriculum had already gone through, he didnt know what else the board could hear that it hasn't heard already. "Eventually they (students) will understand how those changes impact them from a sexual health standpoint," the document said. 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 . There is video from Wauwatosa West High School last September. Follow himon Twitter at@Beck_Salgado. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by the National Sex Education Standards. 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. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. The dispute is yet another example of anongoing culture war nationwideregarding what children are taught in schools when it comes to gender and sexuality, as many conservatives have pushed for legislation to restrict what educators can and cannot teach. It would also add picture books that present more diverse backgrounds. A district documentsaid that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. has identified those standards as the foundation for school districts, Wisconsin law says a district can decide itself, Superior School Board upholds decision allowing gender identity to be taught to fifth graders, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students. In 2021, the district learned that it had not been reviewed in 10 years, so they decided to initiate a new review process. Dr. I couldn't fully socially transition for 13 years of my life … that reason being is I didn't even know that there was a choice to be LGBTQ because it was never ever taught in school, he said. Mr. Kern is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of success in education. Ms. Parents are rightfully concerned after seeing several videos of fights in Wauwatosa schools. As a community, I know that we will continue to provide, of our students the enriching academic and social experience they deserve. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. Mike Zollicoffer has the leadership skills and the passion for child development to be a member of the Wauwatosa School Board." Attorney Ben Cross from Cross Law Firm is representing Meier in the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges this violated open meeting laws because the board made public decisions in a closed setting. He said he washappy to see students getting the education they need and deserve. ", Another woman said she was concerned about reducing the school district's legal liability, saying: "The only way I think we can do that is by removing President Doman.". Doman resigned in Maybecause he said he received a threat against him and his family. 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. 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. 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. But the action didn't come easily. Wauwatosa School District Announces New Members of Leadership Team, Mr. Abdelmawla has more than six years of experience in educational leadership and classroom instruction. 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. 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. The claims. 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. She is Nationally Board Certified and has obtained several degrees including a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, a Master of Science: Curriculum and Instruction and Graduate Education Certification from Concordia University, a Master of Science: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and a Doctorate of Philosophy: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He cast the only opposing vote to the curriculum. Ditch the ads, get free stuff. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. They used Wisconsin state statutes,Department of Public Instruction standards and National Sex Educationstandards as a foundation for the new curriculum. 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. Wisconsin law says a district can decide itselfwhether to provide instruction related to human growth and development. The 6-1 vote came late Monday as anxious attendees, spilling out of the crowded boardroom, awaited a decision after nearly four hours of discussion on the topic by students, teachers, caregivers and other community members. When Meier told FOX6 what happened, Doman removed him from the board's policy committee. harassed by followers of the right-wing forum Libs of TikTok. 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 . Following the Waukesha parade tragedy in late 2021, Mr. Pinion played a critical role in supporting students, families and staff within the district. THANK YOU: Subscribers' support makes this work possible. The day after FOX6's story aired, members of the public went to the school board meeting with concerns about transparency and school safety, asking for Doman's resignation. Schedule: 1.0/Days - Monday-Friday 730a-4p, Rotation to cover St. Joseph or other Ascension sites as needed. The district and school board confirmed theyve retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. 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, Mr. Stephen Kern, Jefferson Elementary School Principal, Dr. Nicole Marble, Chief Academic Officer, Mr. Luke Pinion, Chief of Pupil and Family Supports, We are confident in the appointment of these experienced professionals. 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. 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. Some residents and groups pushed back against the plan, but the school board ultimately voted to approve the changes. Throughout his . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Ill bring these same skills to the table to help elevate our school district. 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 . 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. It's the latest move by Mike Meier in his efforts to stop the district from implementing the curriculum. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. The principal said three people involved were arrested. Should the need arise, we will work in partnership with the Wauwatosa Police Department to ensure the safety of all school board meeting attendees," the district said in an email. I look forward to working collectively to support the students, staff, and community in continuing to make Wauwatosa a great place to learn, work, and live., Mr. Stephen Kern has been appointed as the Principal of Jefferson Elementary School. "They are doing things illegal, behind closed doors, that they dont want us to know about," one man said, referencing the school board's closed session open records conversation. All of this is happening as student performance has floundered since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic a trend that has plagued other districts as well. Copyright © 2002 - var currentTime = new Date();var year = currentTime.getFullYear();document.write(year); Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Beck Andrew Salgadocan be reached atBsalgado@gannett.com. A district document said that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. "The person that leads that good ol boys club sits right there Steve Doman," the man continued. As part of the hiring process for the principalships, initial input was gathered from families and staff via listening sessions. Wisconsin law says a district can decide itselfwhether to provide instruction related to human growth and development. In 2021, a FOX6 investigation revealed Wauwatosa administrator Kristin Bowers encouraged the school district to contract with AVID, her husband's employer. Ill work with the board to create policies that challenge every student to be their best self, not just good enough for the middle of the pack. School board member contact information can be found below. Stay informed with WPR's email newsletter. This is a tremendous opportunity for our staff, students and families to benefit from the experience, passion and leadership that this group collectively brings to the table. 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. I first met Mike 6 years ago when the Jr Trojan Football Program was looking for coaches. I believe our community can excel with a common ground approach, focused on all viewpoints from parents, teachers, and community members. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Mike Zollicoffer has the leadership skills and the passion for child development to be a member of the Wauwatosa School Board., "Mike is a person I've known since our kids were in kindergarten at Madison Elementary, 12 years ago. Comments (-1) more . "What were seeing right now is an outcome of years of some other strategy," Meier said. Quick Links. 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.". 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. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies "change and grow.". decided to resign from the board after receiving an email that he said made him feel threatened. A statement from Wauwatosa school board president Eric Jessup-Anger said a prior verified complaint from Meier has already been reviewed by Milwaukee Countys Corporation Counsel, which determined the board "did not violate Wisconsin law regarding the open meetings at issue.". The poll would eventually show a majority of respondents were in favor of approving the curriculum. It will be a continued honor to work with our educators, students, caregivers, and greater community to enhance students' learning experiences and achievement outcomes., Mr. Luke Pinion has been appointed as Chief of Pupil and Family Supports and will serve as the leader of the Division of Student and Family Supports. Contact Us, Take the next step, become a member. The district said the percentage of instructional time students will be taught the curriculum will range from 1 percent for high school students, to 0.2 percent for kindergarten students. This school district is outside of that coverage scope and does not receive scheduled updates. The police were called. The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. I am eagerly looking forward to learning from and with the Underwood community for years to come., Mr. Brightman is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO), and brings more than 20 years of robust financial experience to this role, having served in several districts in southeastern Wisconsin including the School District of Elmbrook and, most recently, Menomonee Falls. "Theyre devastated. Contracts for the Chief Academic Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Student and Pupil Supports, and Chief of Talent, as well as Principals at Jefferson Elementary School and Underwood Elementary School will be effective July 1, 2022. The Wauwatosa Police Department said Friday they haven't received a report or complaint yet from Doman regarding the threat. 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. Help assure the future of citys fastest growing publication. Wauwatosa, WI On Monday, May 9, 2022, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means' recommendation to appoint the following members of its leadership team: Ms. Gwendolyn Husslein has been named Director of Finance within the Division of Operations and Finance. In 2021, the district learned that it had not been reviewed in 10 years, so they decided to initiate a new review process. 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. The meeting was also livestreamed. Keep updated on the latest news and information. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and Wauwatosa school board member sues his own board after it approved new gender identity curriculum was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio. 218 likes. The District will also be hiring for several other key positions in the coming months, including a Director of Instruction, Director of Student Success and Director of Diversity and Inclusion, as well as a School Performance Data Coordinator, Behavioral Specialist, Grant Specialist and Academic Specialists. The school board violated open meetings laws, a board member. Following the Waukesha parade tragedy in late 2021, Mr. Pinion played a critical role in supporting students, families and staff within the district. I feel like our community is taking a big step in doing this, Robertstad said. I've known Mike for the majority of that time as our kids have grown up and progressed through the school system together. 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