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. A Wauwatosa school board member who hopes to rescind the districts 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. One bill that was introducedwould require schools to inform parents and guardians when they provide a program related to gender, gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation. Meier told FOX6 News parents and staff have been calling since last year about fighting. 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. "The Wauwatosa School District prioritizes employee retention, diversity, and inclusion, which aligns perfectly with my values. In the lawsuit, Meier claims the board is controlled by a faction.. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email [email protected] or use our Listener Feedback form. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more, Omaha, Nebraska, school board meetings were heaved into chaos. SEAT 6. Regarding the principalship, Mr. Kern states, I am honored to be joining Jefferson Elementary School. During a special meeting to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, Lori Lubinsky, an attorney for the district, said the move by Meier to sue his own school board was "unusual.". THANK YOU: Subscribers' support makes this work possible. Emotionally crushed. Doman stepped down two days after calls for his resignation during the public comment portion of Monday night's school board meeting. A district document said that curriculum must be reviewed every three years per a school board policy. When I am not on the field, I work as a self-made real estate agent. It was at this meeting that Gays Against Groomers announced its intention to continue targeting school board meetings in Wisconsin as it does in states like Florida and California. I've known Mike for the majority of that time as our kids have grown up and progressed through the school system together. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. 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. Each of the 10 students who spoke at the board meeting expressed support and gratitude for the new curriculum. Lets restore trust in the school board. My career has taught me how to listen, negotiate, problem-solve and get results. As a 17-year resident of Wauwatosa, my kids have kept me busy coaching Junior Trojans football and TBL. It should be noted that the poll was subject to outside intervention, and the district explained that it had to clean the original data to only account for Wauwatosa respondents. Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. 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. Then on Tuesday, Feb. 15, Wauwatosa police say there was a fight between a parent and students at Wauwatosa East High School. He cast the only opposing vote to the curriculum. The District used this information to develop school profiles, which were then used to assess applicants and identify the top candidates for each position. Contact Us, Take the next step, become a member. The lawsuit also names past board president Steve Doman as a defendant. What is unique about this claim is that it is the only alleged violation for which Meier is demanding administrative action as he seeks to stop the curriculum from being taught. The lawsuit names Steve Doman and the Wauwatosa School Board as the defendants and claims five violations of Wisconsin open meetings laws that date as far back as December 2021. Mr. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. The poll would eventually show a majority of respondents were in favor of approving the curriculum. 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. Michael Meier said that, as an individual, he supportedthe plan, but as a representative on the school board, he hadworries. Mr. Brightman states, I have long recognized the Wauwatosa School District as one of the strongest in the state. In the lawsuit, Meier claims the board is controlled by a "faction.". The board also voted, 5-2, against delaying a vote on the updated curriculum before ultimately approving the curriculum. But the action didn't come easily. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Cross said Meier decided not to make changes on the Google account because he believed he would've violated open meeting laws. 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. "I've 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. Doman's likelihood of prevailing in this lawsuit," she added. 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. 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. 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. During a special meeting to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, Lori Lubinsky, an attorney for the district, said the move by Meier to sue his own school board was unusual.. I'm extremely confident Mike would be an excellent addition to the school board! 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 This is the worst it has ever been. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. Lubinsky also mentioned that in 25 years of practicing law she had never seen a situation where a member of a board sued that same board. It was done by an attorney at a law firm in Waukesha. A central Wisconsin food pantry grew fivefold during the pandemic. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. The school board also called a special meeting Monday night to discuss the details of the lawsuit and the district's plan going forward. A member of the group who identified themselvesas a Mequon resident said that she came to Wauwatosa because she wanted to defend the innocence of kids in other districts. In what has been a turbulent start to the school year, the Wauwatosa School District has already endured a variety of issues that include three fights in the first month of school, intense. Using our Services does not give you ownership of any intellectual property rights in our Services or the content you may access. 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.". more, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jenny believes. "The person that leads that good ol boys club sits right there Steve Doman," the man continued. 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. She told FOX6 she needed his address to file a verified an open meetings complaint with the district attorney regarding the board's closed session discussion of public records. We're pretty sure you're a member and you're definitely not signed in. I feel like our community is taking a big step in doing this, Robertstad said. Help assure the future of citys fastest growing publication. 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. 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. After learning what FOX6 uncovered, the district put Bowers on leave, launched an investigation and called the police. Comments (-1) Student Handbook 2022-23. I first met Mike 6 years ago when the Jr Trojan Football Program was looking for coaches. 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. After a lengthy public comment period, various board members also expressed their concerns. Wauwatosa School District - 12121 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53226, 12121 W. North Ave. | Wauwatosa, WI 53226 | (414) 773-1000. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. The Wauwatosa School Board has named Dr. Demond A. Image by Wokandapix on Pixabay. 2023, Urban Milwaukee, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Doman. Dr. Marble has also served as an adjunct professor at Marquette University since June 2021. Doman did not elaborate on the contents of the email he received; he has not responded to FOX6's messages. Follow himon Twitter at@Beck_Salgado. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. 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 . 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. State law also says parents can opt their child out of that instruction. 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. 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 2021, a FOX6 investigation revealed Wauwatosa administrator Kristin Bowers encouraged the school district to contract with AVID, her husband's employer. We want to be a lighthouse district, and inclusivity like this is one of those steps to do that. 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. Mike Meier alleges the board violated open meeting policies. The legislation failed to pass in the last session. Similar curriculum has also been discussed and debated by other Wisconsin communities. One protest, put together by Wauwatosa residents on Facebook, was organized to support the curriculum and LGBTQ+ students in the district. 218 likes. ", We met the Zollicoffer family back when the boys went to Madison Elementary. Not only was Mike a coach but he also was a teacher and a mentor. Announcements. 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. Mike was one of the first to step up. 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. If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment. "We have to have somebody in the president position thats going to bring this community together, and I just feel we need a change. 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. 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