Comments (-1) more . That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. The principal said three people involved were arrested. We want to be a lighthouse district, and inclusivity like this is one of those steps to do that. The claims include violations such as unnoticed content, unnoticed appointments and in multiple cases exclusionary behavior while planning. Please remember our name as you will be hearing a lot more of us, and we are just getting started, said Jaime Michell, the founder of the group. 2023 Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School BoardPaid for by Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School Board, PRIORITIZE SAFER SCHOOLS STRONG DISCIPLINE FOR MISCONDUCT SUPPORT SMALLER CLASS SIZES CLAMP DOWN ON BULLYING . While it is true that Mr. Meier could have participated in the Google document, he believes that the participation in the Google document would have been a violation of the open meetings law, Cross said. I'll be taking some time away, said Wauwatosa Elementary School teacher Jake Daggett in an Instagram post. When asked about increased security and the possibility of new rules for public comment, the Wauwatosa School District said there is no plan to implement such changes. Wauwatosa School District - 12121 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53226, 12121 W. North Ave. | Wauwatosa, WI 53226 | (414) 773-1000. Schedule: 1.0/Days - Monday-Friday 730a-4p, Rotation to cover St. Joseph or other Ascension sites as needed. The controversy surrounding the curriculum highlights the increasing tensions that school boards across Wisconsin and the nation have faced. Comments (-1) more . In August, the Superior School Board voted to uphold a decision rejecting a complaint from about 30 parents challenging a lesson plan that teaches gender identity to fifth grade students. Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. "The faction makes political decisions in secret and retaliates against anyone who challenges them by silencing the public and their elected representatives," the lawsuit said. Tired of seeing banner ads on Urban Milwaukee? Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. The Board unanimously selected Dr. Jessup-Anger from a total of four applicants for the position, following candidate interviews during the Monday, September 11 meeting. Following the Waukesha parade tragedy in late 2021, Mr. Pinion played a critical role in supporting students, families and staff within the district. The principal's email said the students involved will face discipline according to the district's disciplinary framework. A poll seeking community feedback showed that64.5% of respondents strongly agreed with the curriculum. The faction makes political decisions in secret and retaliates against anyone who challenges them by silencing the public and their elected representatives, the lawsuit said. I am looking forward to joining the Jefferson team as we find new ways to engage students in learning, embrace new challenges, and empower our students to take ownership of their learning., Dr. Nicole Marble will serve as the Chief Academic Officer and will lead the Division of Academic Performance. We're pretty sure you're a member and you're definitely not signed in. Mike was passionate about player development, on and off the field. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. As a 17-year resident of Wauwatosa, my kids have kept me busy coaching Junior Trojans football and TBL. Wisconsin law says a district can decide itselfwhether to provide instruction related to human growth and development. 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. He was the only board member to vote against its approval and in September Meier attempted to invoke a revote but the motion was not seconded and thus failed. . 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. Nate Robertstad,a member of the external committee that worked closely with the district to form the new curriculum,said the revamping of the curriculum was long overdue. Thats when concerns around open meeting laws were brought forward by Meier and past board member Mary Jo Randall, centered around open records requests related to that incident. There is video from Wauwatosa West High School last September. 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. Meier told FOX6 News parents and staff have been calling since last year about fighting. Whether it be Mike's professional or personal life, he has a vested interest in making the Wauwatosa community, especially the schools, a place he wants to continue to flourish in a positive direction., As a long-time next-door neighbor turned family friend, we have known Mike and his family for over 17 years. The meeting was also livestreamed. 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. A district documentsaid that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. Although the group does not have a chapter in Milwaukee or Waukesha counties, it does have chapters in nearby Ozaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties. 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. She brings more than 14 years of progressively-responsible experience to this role, including eight years as a classroom teacher and member of school leadership committees in Mukwonago, two years as Associate Principal of Wauwatosa East High School, two years as Principal of Madison Elementary School and two years as Director of Secondary Education for the Wauwatosa School District. Mr. Pinion brings to this role more than 18 years of expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of others. Board member Sharon Muehlfeld also expressed worries, stating it was a big decision and she wanted to see whethermore time could be given to the board, and community members, to ponder the topic. Theyre desperate for help," Meier said. Benefits Eligible: Yes. "When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings," the statement read. Family . (Incumbent) Michael Meier has served on the Wauwatosa School Board for nearly 18 years and has a long list of accomplishments during his tenure. Candidates participated in panel interviews with each team, which consisted of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session. His experience with the STEM program at Longfellow, in addition to his innate ability to connect with children, will serve him well in his role as Principal of Underwood Elementary School. But Lubinsky added she believes a judge will dismiss the lawsuit. The legislation failed to pass in the last session. As of Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for Wauwatosa police says the department has not received a complaint from Doman about any threats. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. I am looking forward to joining the Jefferson team as we find new ways to engage students in learning, embrace new challenges, and empower our students to take ownership of their learning., Dr. Marble is a lifelong learner who is committed to achievement and equitable opportunities for all students. Wauwatosa School District "I am worried about staffing coming into this year, finding qualified staff, having young people. Im an attorney, but more importantly, a proud husband, father, coach, and 25-year Wauwatosa resident. "The person that leads that good ol boys club sits right there Steve Doman," the man continued. The district and school board confirmed theyve retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. Dr. Means, who will begin serving the district on July 1, 2021, is an experienced and innovative educational leader with a passion for addressing achievement gaps, seeking continuous improvement and cultivating relationships to positively affect student learning. Some residents and groups pushed back against the plan, but the school board ultimately voted to approve the changes. 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. 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 . Our Services may display content that does not belong to Emerald Data Solutions or its affiliates. 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 has always been a good steward of Wauwatosa and is admired for his natural support and mentoring of our youth as an involved parent, respected coach, and good community neighbor. That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. After narrowing down the candidate pool to two per school, Superintendent Dr. Demond Means and members of the Wauwatosa Board of Education conducted final interviews. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by the National Sex Education Standards. Last year, Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature introduced multiple bills that centered on LGBTQ youth. Milwaukee resident Franklin Smith, president of the Milwaukee Guild and Catholic Medical Association, spoke against the curriculum, claiming the curriculums teachings pushed kids in a direction they would not go in otherwise. Jenny Hoag is a Tosa parent, community member, and pediatric psychologist. "We have to have somebody in the president position thats going to bring this community together, and I just feel we need a change. Contact Us, Take the next step, become a member. Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts. Copyright © 2002 - var currentTime = new Date();var year = currentTime.getFullYear();document.write(year); Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. His experience includes six years in an assistant principal role in the Kenosha Unified School District, and 21 years serving as a principal at the elementary and middle school levels in School District 54 in Schaumburg, Illinois. He cast the only opposing vote to the curriculum. Passed in August, the revamped human growth and development curriculum includes more comprehensive sexual education lessons and addresses hot-button issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. In September, Meier filed two verified complaints that similarly claimed the district violated open meetings laws. In an email to Superintendent Demond Means on Wednesday night, Doman wrote: "I received an email today that I can only perceive as a threat to the safety of myself and my family. The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. For elementary schools, updates to the curriculum would start as early as kindergarten, including added lessons on defining gender, gender roles, identifying medically proper names of body parts and learning about consent in an everyday context. "The Wauwatosa School District prioritizes employee retention, diversity, and inclusion, which aligns perfectly with my values. Image by Wokandapix on Pixabay. Voting is incredibly convenient, pop over to Wauwatosa City Hall 3/21-3/24 and 3/27-3/31 from 8-4:30. 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. WAUWATOSA, Wis. - There were more than fist fights in a hallway at a Wauwatosa high school. 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. Paid for by Wauwatosa for Zirbes, Daniel Gugala for School Board, and Paid for by Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Wauwatosa School Board. 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. As a community, I know that we will continue to provide all of our students the enriching academic and social experience they deserve. His ideas, interests, and opinions would be a welcomed addition to the team. 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.". 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. It would also add picture books that present more diverse backgrounds. He then served as Underfilling Assistant Principal before joining the Wauwatosa School District in 2020 as Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle School. Doman initially dismissed those concerns. He also received an Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The school board meeting attracted a multitude of community memberseager to voice their opinions. I am invested in WSD and as a school board member I will promote thoughtful policy and compliance, the backbones of a well-functioning and effective board. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. 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. "He needs to be removed from his position as school board. Dr. Marble states, As a community member and parent of students in the Wauwatosa School District, I know that academic excellence for all students is a top priority. Job Details. Dr. Marble states, As a community member and parent of students in the Wauwatosa School District, I know that academic excellence for all students is a top priority. These verified complaints were reviewed by Milwaukee Countys Corporation Counsel, and it was determined that the Wauwatosa Board of Education did not violate state law. He said he washappy to see students getting the education they need and deserve. The next Wauwatosa School Board meeting is set for March 6. 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