Last year, Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature introduced multiple bills that centered on LGBTQ youth. 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. Similar curriculum has also been discussed and debated by other Wisconsin communities. The District used this information to develop school profiles, which were then used to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for each position. 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. 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. By high school, students would learn about abuse in relationships, safe sex, analyzing information on social media and a more thorough understanding of sexual orientation, gender and other social identities. 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. Wauwatosa School District is a school district in Wisconsin . That came after some community members called for his resignation because of how the board handled the conflict of interest situation. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Two of the claims are centered around Doman's time as the school board president and the other three place blame on the current Wauwatosa School Board. 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. I believe this role will provide a great opportunity for growth both personally, and for the larger school community., Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). 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 . The Wauwatosa School Board did an independent investigation in 2013 regarding bullying complaints at an elementary school. The board also voted, 5-2, against delaying a vote on the updated curriculum before ultimately approving the curriculum. Theyre desperate for help," Meier said. From Madison to Whitman to Tosa West, Mike is very invested in the success of Wauwatosa schools and the growth and success of all of the kids in Wauwatosa. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Learn more. Mr. Kern received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University, and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. The lawsuit alleges this violated open meeting laws because the board made public decisions in a closed setting. Last year, Wisconsins Republican-controlled Legislature introduced multiple bills that centered on LGBTQ youth. 2023 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. School classroom. 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. The Wauwatosa School District does not discriminate on the basis of a person's color, sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. He has been a resident of Wauwatosa since 1988 and has a BA in Political Science from UW-La Cross, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MBA from UW-Madison. I am excited to bring my knowledge and skill set to a larger school district for the dual purpose of improving the experiences of employees and supporting the success of all students," said Zelazoski. 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. Board members echoed the district's sentiments and said they are eager to keep their focus on academic affairs, however, the attorney for the district, Lori Lubinsky, said she has full confidence that the suit will be dismissed. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Michael Meier said that, as an individual, he supportedthe plan, but as a representative on the school board, he hadworries. Means as the next superintendent of the Wauwatosa School District. On Thursday, the Wauwatosa School District sent a message to families announcing Doman's resignation, quoting him as saying: "It has been my privilege to serve the School District of Wauwatosa for the last five years, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished.". 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. Changes to the curriculum in the Wauwatosa School District include teaching kids in kindergarten about gender roles, and lessons on gender identity for kids in the second grade. School Board Vice President Sharon Muelfeld and Superintendent Demond Means thanked Doman for his school board service. It would also add picture books that present more diverse backgrounds. In a trend that started in 2021, and has come to define the start of the 2022-23 school year, the Wauwatosa school district has endured a spate of disciplinary issues while also seeing increased political tensions affect board members and teachers. Two days later, he resigned. Throughout my interactions with members of the Jefferson community I have been able to see the strong sense of community and pride in the school. More details on the grade-by-grade outlook can be found atbit.ly/TosaHumanGrowthandDevelopment. The students in our district deserve the best education available, that's why we need a renewed focus on academics. In one instance in 2021, former school board president Doman decided to resign from the board after receiving an email that he said made him feel threatened. 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 meeting laws while working on adoption of the curriculum. . He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy: Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. That same school board member is now calling for an independent investigation into the fighting. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News. I am extremely honored and privileged to be joining the Underwood team, Abdelmawla stated. Brookfield parents blamed politics after seven books were removed from a school district's library. For the Chief positions, again, two interview teams were developed for each role. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. The Wauwatosa School Board has come under some scrutiny in recent months afteran internal investigation foundthat a former Wauwatosa school district administrator had violated the boards conflict of interest policy. Sign up now! Wisconsin law says a district can decide itselfwhether to provide instruction related to human growth and development. For months, former and current board members Mike Meier and Mary Jo Randall publicly questioned the contract. One bill that was introduced would require schools to inform parents and guardians when they provide a program related to gender, gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation. 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. Pinion brings to this role more than 18 years of expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of others. Elsewhere in the district, individuals have been the subject of harassment. Wauwatosa, WI 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 has identified those standards as the foundation for school districts, Wisconsin law says a district can decide itself, Wauwatosa school board member sues his own board after it approved new gender identity curriculum, Sponsored: Winter Homeowner Tips; How To Prevent Frozen Pipes, MPM Announces Permanent Exhibits at New Museum, Federal Inflation Reduction Act Could Add 24,000 Jobs in Wisconsin, AG Kaul Hosts Legislators at Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories, Advocates for Investment in Crime Fighting Budget, The Pabst Theater Group Raises $60,000 for Local Charities, Eyes on Milwaukee: Train Car Bar Being Demolished, Transportation: Airport Will Rip Out Two Runways, Mayor Johnsons Plan to Nearly Double Milwaukees Population, The State of Politics: Evers Brewers Aid Plan Spooks Republicans, Baldwin Reintroduces Bicameral Legislation Expanding Rights of Airplane Passengers with Disabilities, K-12 Education: Open Enrollment Plummeting at MPS, Op Ed: Enslaved Workers May Be Making Your Breakfast, Transportation: BRT Grant Could Fund Downtown Plaza, Tiffany Tardy Named New Executive Director of MPS Foundation, DWD Announces Appointments of Jeremy Simon as Assistant Deputy Secretary, Arielle Exner as Legislative Liaison. Copyright © 2002 - var currentTime = new Date();var year = currentTime.getFullYear();document.write(year); Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. He also received an Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by the National Sex Education Standards. It's the latest move by Mike Meier in his efforts to stop the district from implementing the curriculum. Comments (-1) more . After attendeesexpressed frustration with the number of non-Wauwatosa people speaking, the board eventually stipulated that individuals couldonly comment if theylive in the Wauwatosa community or have a student who attends a Wauwatosa school. Ive reviewed the facts and circumstances of the events that are at issue in this lawsuit and I feel very good about the board and Mr. Domans likelihood of prevailing in this lawsuit, she added. Before the school board meeting,multiple demonstrations took place outside the district office. Such feedback provided directly to the Wauwatosa School Board ( whose members email addresses and phone numbers can be found on the District's website here) is in reality the only way for such hyper-sexualized curriculum to be stopped. In an email Thursday, in which he copied Means, Meier wrote: "Dr. Means shared with me that the resignation had something to do with someone's address request.". Having spent time with Mike, I know he has a solid grasp of the issues facing the district. 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. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He also said the Wisconsin Department of Public Instructionhas identified those standards as the foundation for school districtsdeveloping human growth and development curriculum, including teachings about gender identity. 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 Wauwatosa School Board has appointed Dr. Eric Jessup-Anger to the vacant Seat #3, created by the resignation of Emily Kenney in August. Doman initially dismissed those concerns. He then served as Underfilling Assistant Principal before joining the Wauwatosa School District in 2020 as Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle School. 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. 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. During his tenure in Waukesha, Mr. Pinion single-handedly implemented the districts PBIS system, and he developed a social-emotional learning and mental wellness framework that is widely regarded as a model program. 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 faction makes political decisions in secret and retaliates against anyone who challenges them by silencing the public and their elected representatives," the lawsuit said. The claims. As a military friendly organization, Ascension promotes career flexibility and offers many benefits to help support the well-being of our military families, spouses, veterans and reservists. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies "change and grow.". 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. Kern is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of success in education. State law also says parents can opt their child out of that instruction. Quick Links. In later grades, it will provide a more comprehensive sex education curriculum and will include information on sexual orientation and gender identity. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. "I ask you all to consider asking him to resign from the school board," she continued. Mr. Kern received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University, and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. 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. The Wauwatosa Police Department said Friday they haven't received a report or complaint yet from Doman regarding the threat. When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings, the statement from Jessup-Anger read. The legislation failed to pass in the last session. After a lengthy public comment period, various board members also expressed their concerns. Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts. 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. 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. For the first time in 10 years, the Wauwatosa School District has approved a new human growth anddevelopment curriculum, which will address controversial issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. He's an excellent listener who, at the end of the day, will always do what's best for the students. Location: 1055 N Mayfair Rd. I'm going to have to stop reading the comments as things have become threatening. The Wauwatosa School Board is a policy and governance board. Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. 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. Words were exchanged at different times during the simultaneous demonstrations, but a police presence was able to ensure nothing escalated past verbal jabs. 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. Each of these individuals are truly the best fit to lead their respective teams and support Dr. Means as we continue to enhance the public school system in Wauwatosa., Mr. Tahir Abdelmawla has been named Principal at Underwood Elementary School. 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. Mike Meier alleges the board violated open meeting policies. "No parent wants their child doing these things," said Michael Meier, Wauwatosa School Board member. The principal said three people involved were arrested. 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. 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. Wauwatosa school board member sues his own board after it approved new gender identity curriculum was originally published by Wisconsin Public Radio. 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. In yet another example of rising tension over what children hear in class, a Wauwatosa School Board member has sued the board on which he serves in an attempt to stop the implementation of a recently passed sexual education curriculum with lessons starting as early as kindergarten. Its really hard, many of us support the curriculum, and still do," said Goldmann. ", "We cant have leadership like this," community member Deb Falk-Palec said during public comment. Sign-in to take full advantage of your membership, including an ad-free website and improved browsing experience. Their qualifications are a reflection of the values and priorities in Wauwatosa, stated Mr. Steven Doman, School Board President. Throughout his career, Mr. Brightman has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, analytical and strategic thinker who is well-respected across the state of Wisconsin. I believe this is the first time in my 25-year legal career that I have been providing legal advice to a board when my adversary is in the room, Lubinsky said. 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. In this Wednesday, July 12, 2017 photo, Sandra Collins, executive director and founder of enGender, reads a book to campers at the Bay Area Rainbow Day Camp in El Cerrito, Calif.Jeff Chiu/AP Photo. decided to resign from the board after receiving an email that he said made him feel threatened. ", 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.". Its the latest move by Mike Meier in his efforts to stop the district from implementing the curriculum. A central Wisconsin food pantry grew fivefold during the pandemic. Meier wants an independent investigation into the fighting. In addition to Mrs. Jessica Willis, the current Wauwatosa School Board members are: Mrs. Sharon Muehlfeld, Vice President, Seat #6 Mr. Michael Phillips, Treasurer, Seat #5 Dr. Eric Jessup-Anger, Clerk, Seat #3 Dr. Jenny Hoag, Seat #1 Mr. Michael Meier, Seat #2 Mrs. Leigh Anne Fraley, Seat #4 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. Ballotpedia covers public school districts in the 100 largest cities in America by population, as well as the 200 largest public school districts by student enrollment.