Latest news with #OshkoshAreaSchoolDistrict
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Oshkosh school board votes not to renew contract of ex-Vel Phillips dean involved in January student restraint
OSHKOSH – Christopher Willems is not returning to the Oshkosh Area School District. OASD's Board of Education upheld the district's decision to not renew the Vel Phillips Middle School Dean of Students' contract after his role in a Jan. 10 incident that led to a 13-year-old being handcuffed and pinned under a school resource officer for more than two minutes. Records obtained by the Oshkosh Northwestern from an executive session of a special board meeting May 6 showed the board voted 5-2 to approve the non-renewal of Willems' contract — with Kelly DeWitt and Timothy Hess casting the dissenting votes. Willems was initially placed on a five-day suspension in the immediate aftermath of the Jan. 10 incident, with plans of reassigning him to Jacob Shapiro Elementary. But the district eventually informed Willems he was being placed a non-disciplinary administrative leave with pay for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year on Feb. 26 — the same day the Northwestern published two articles about the Jan. 10 incident. One of the articles referenced his prior involvement with students of color within the district, where Black and biracial students were expelled from the former Merrill Middle School following a fight with a white pupil in a Donald Trump costume. The white student went unpunished. Willems was seen in body camera footage speaking with police after the incident saying, 'I'm not sure what happened ahead of time, but before the dance he had been grabbed by a bunch of students and thrown to the ground.' The ACLU of Wisconsin, in a civil rights complaint against the district, claimed the white student harassed and threw water on three Black and biracial students. Read more: OASD Assistant Superintendent Julie Conrad-Peters accepts offer to become superintendent in Florida Wisconsin Education Association Council Region 5 director John Horn accused the district of scapegoating Willems, saying OASD was concerned with public opinion. 'What changed in the several weeks between when the district administration signed this agreement and when it reversed itself and placed the employee on indefinite leave is that members of the Oshkosh news media showed interest in the incident and filed information requests,' Horn wrote in a public statement. 'The school district's policy and personnel decisions should be based on facts and what is in the best educational interests of students, not on public opinion.' The situation stemmed from Willems' role in the Jan. 10 incident, during which he called for a school resource officer's assistance to assist with a student who refused to hand his cell phone to another teacher. OASD Board Policy 5136 only references law enforcement with regards to cell phones if 'the violation involves an illegal activity' or the device is used to transmit things of a threatening, obscene, disruptive, sexually explicit or harassment nature. The SRO's body camera footage shows Willems shoving the kid through a door several minutes before he pushes that student up against a wall and assists the SRO in restraining the child after the kid shouted a number of expletives. Wisconsin Statute 118.305 prohibits "covered individuals" such as school staff from using techniques on students that 'cause chest compression by placing pressure or weight on the pupil's chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back, or abdomen' or 'place the pupil in a prone position.' Read more: Oshkosh school district holding one final brick giveaway from Merrill Elementary June 10 In the district's investigation records, Willems said he didn't believe it was a law enforcement matter, adding he felt partially responsible for the student ending up in handcuffs. But Willems said he was 'following practices that have been accepted by leadership' in the same investigation and contended that he was 'unaware there was a MOU with the SRO.' The district investigation took issue with Willems on four separate issues during the incident, prompting administration to recommend two forms of discipline: suspending Willems without pay for five days or terminating Willems. After finding 'no previous discipline' on Willems' employee file, the district opted for the five-day suspension on Jan. 24, according to the records, before Willems signed a disciplinary agreement that would see him suspended Jan. 27-31. However, OASD reversed course on Feb. 26, writing to Willems that his reassignment 'will most likely be met with disruption by those not satisfied with the disciplinary outcome' considering 'the race component of the prior incident.' Willems' status between Jan. 31, the end of his five-day suspension, and Johnson's letter Feb. 26 is unclear. The student involved in the Jan. 10 incident was immediately allowed to return to Vel Phillips. The Oshkosh Police Department referred him on charges of resisting/obstructing and threats to a law enforcement officer but Winnebago County Juvenile Intake recommended closing the case, saying the situation was managed at the school level. Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@ and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville. This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh school board votes not to renew contract of ex-dean involved in student restraint
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Derby-themed gala wins big, raising over $130k for the Oshkosh Education Foundation
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) Education Foundation held its third annual Gala on May 2nd, raising over $130,000 for student programs. According to a press release from OASD, the event focused on helping adapted sports, school athletics, and co-curricular activities. It took place at The Waters Oshkosh Lakefront Event Venue and welcomed more than 110 community members. Images courtesy of the Oshkosh Area School District Alice in Dairyland Finalist: Olivia Lulich The OASD said this year's Gala had a fun Kentucky Derby theme. Guests wore festive outfits and played games like basketball, mini golf, bowling, ring toss and a hockey shootout. A lively horse racing game helped raise even more money for the students. Speakers at the event included OASD alumni and educators who shared how school sports changed their lives. The release says they spot about building confidence, teamwork, and leadership through school activities. The release states nine local leaders, including Carrie Bores, Dawn Davis, Marla Kopeky, helped lead the event by encouraging donations. There were also raffle prizes, including a signed Tyrese Haliburton jersey and a weekend trip to Door County. Wisconsin faces extreme fire risk for second day, DNR continues to issue warnings Theresa Duren, the Education Foundation's director, said the event showed the power of the Oshkosh Community. 'Every game played and dollar donated helped create more equitable, enriching opportunities for our students and we couldn't be more grateful,' she said. All the money raised will help students stay active, included, and inspired through school programs. For more details or to help support student needs, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
OASD referendum passes, Hintz tops Doemel for county executive: Tuesday's election results
OSHKOSH – The district can breathe a sigh of relief. It was a very close call, but Oshkosh Area School District can go forward with the latest phase of its infrastructure plan after a $197.8 million facilities referendum was narrowly passed following Tuesday's spring election. Faced with some very vocal opposition, the referendum, which seeks $197.8 million in public funding for the second phase of the district's four-phase facilities plan, garnered 13,958 "yes" votes as opposed to 13,487 "no" votes. The plan will see South Park and Perry Tipler middle schools merging into a new middle school, slated to open in 2028 at the site of the current Jacob Shapiro Elementary School. Dig deeper: What to know about Oshkosh Area School District's $197.8M facilities referendum The referendum vote was the biggest result coming out of an election that also marked former Assembly Minority leader Gordon Hintz's successful return to public life when he unseated incumbent Jon Doemel in the race for Winnebago County executive. Hintz tallied 30,832 votes to Doemel's 27,374, ending Doemel's one-term stint in office. Brad Spanbauer stormed his way onto the Oshkosh Common Council as a newcomer by leading all vote-getters in the race for one of the three open seats. The sustainability director at UW-Oshkosh, Spanbauer received 11,699 votes while Deputy Mayor Karl Buelow (9,454) and fellow incumbent Joe Stephenson (10,376) managed to retain their seats on council. Dig deeper: Oshkosh Common Council candidates share priorities ahead of April 1 election Former Mayor Paul Esslinger didn't make it back on council after garnering 8,578 votes. Immigration attorney Molly Smiltneek was comfortably returned to the Oshkosh Area School District Board while one-time Oshkosh Common Council member Michael Ford grabbed the other open seat on the OASD Board of Education. Smiltneek received 13,935 votes and Ford got 11,742 while newcomer Jacob Wolf fell short with 10,762 votes. Here are the results (winners in bold) of Tuesday's election: Gordon Hintz - 30,832 votes Jon Doemel - 27,374 Unresolved Write-in - 211 Karl Buelow - 9,454 Paul J. Esslinger - 8,578 Brad Spanbauer - 11,699 Joe Stephenson - 10,376 Unresolved Write-in - 272 Molly Smiltneek - 13,935 Michael Ford - 11,742 Jacob Wolf - 10,762 Unresolved Write-in - 224 Shall the Oshkosh Area School District, Winnebago County, Wisconsin be authorized to issue pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $197,800,000 for the public purpose of paying the cost of a school building and facility improvement project consisting of: construction of a new middle school at the existing Jacob Shapiro Elementary School site and removal of the current building; construction of additions and renovations at Carl Traeger, Franklin and Oakwood Elementary Schools; renovations at the Perry Tipler Middle School building to convert it into a pre-kindergarten center and recreation department offices; construction of an addition and renovations for an auditorium at North High School; renovations at Read, Emmeline Cook and Lakeside Elementary Schools to add airconditioning; district-wide site improvements; and acquisition of furnishings, fixtures and equipment? YES - 13,958 NO - 13,487 More election results: Wisconsin superintendent election results: Incumbent Jill Underly defeats Brittany Kinser More election results: Here's what Susan Crawford's Wisconsin Supreme Court win means for who controls the court Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@ and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville. This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh schools referendum passes, Hintz wins county executive race
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Oshkosh Area School District to hold '24 hours of giving' to support teachers, students
OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials with the Oshkosh Area School District say they will be participating in the Nationwide Give-Education Day Campaign by holding a '24 hours of giving' event in support of its teachers, students, and staff. Groundbreaking plans begin for 'first-of-its-kind' dementia village in Sheboygan County According to a release from the OASD, Give Education Day is a 24-hour online fundraising event in which the community is asked to come together on March 5 to help raise money to help support the teachers, students, and staff in the Oshkosh Area School District. Give Education Day is our chance to come together as a community and make a real difference for our students, teachers, and schools. Theresa Duren, OASD Education Foundation Director The OASD Education Foundation says they are seeking a total goal of $5,000 which will be used to make the following projects a reality in the next school year: Expand Student Learning Experiences Opportunities such as guest speakers, and hands-on projects that enrich learning beyond the classroom. Fund Innovative Classroom Grants Encouraging creative, hands-on learning experiences by supporting teachers' ideas for engaging students. Support Student Needs Supply basic needs items such as clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies, for our most vulnerable students. The OASD Education Foundation adds that they have already received a matching $1,000 gift from Aquire Restoration meaning that supports may have an opportunity to double their donation should they choose to participate in this special fundraising campaign. Popular bar near Lambeau Field to expand sky bar in time for NFL Draft Officials say safe and secure donations can be made anytime from now through midnight on March 5. Those interested in making a donation can do so here. Additional information and updates regarding the 24-hour fundraiser will continue to be made via the OASD Education Foundation's Facebook page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Readers appear split on Oshkosh Area School District's $197.8M facilities referendum
OSHKOSH – For the most part, the community doesn't appear to be in favor of the school district's referendum. Several Northwestern readers are diametrically opposed to the Oshkosh Area School District seeking $197.8 million to fund the second phase of a four-phase facilities plan that includes the construction of a new middle school at the Jacob Shapiro Elementary School site. Those against the referendum cite the district's mishandling of the South Park situation and a fear of increased property taxes, even though Superintendent Bryan Davis has continually uttered the words 'zero-dollar tax increase.' There are some referendum supporters who contend that facilities like South Park Middle School are no longer ADA compliant and the diverse needs of students are no longer being met at aging buildings. What we do know for certain is that if this reader callout is anything to go by, then Oshkosh is in for one interesting election April 1. Here's what our readers had to say: I understand why people are upset about this referendum and the circumstances surrounding its planning. But if you are thinking of voting 'No' as a protest vote, I urge you to think beyond Election Day. First, the referendum is not at fault. Second, the reasons for the referendum are valid and necessary. Third, at some point in time, this school will need to be built, and every year of delay will just cost us more money. A 'No' vote will only hurt us. I will be voting against this. At 71 years old, with the recent huge increases in property taxes, water and sewer bills, wheel tax, etc., in addition to the enormous cost of living increases due to inflation the past four years I simply cannot afford to pay for anything more. So, I will be voting "No"! I don't like it at all!!! It's a waste of taxpayers' money. My four kids NEVER went to Oshkosh public schools because of what is taught in the government schools. Until that changes, I'm TOTALLY against this outrageous cost to taxpayers. I think the schools are reaching the point of no return. South Park is not set up for today's standards or the needs of the future. Being ADA compliant is a huge deal since OASD has a diversity of students. Having all of 3K and 4K in one building would be helpful. Ending contacts with out-of-district buildings and making it easier for the staff to keep track of all of the students. Teachers having more resources at hand in one building as well. Traeger needs a kindergarten wing. It was an oversight not to have one in the first place. Two classrooms on one side while one classroom is on the other side of the building. Plus, it needs more bathroom space. A/C is important in all schools. The days get hot, and the kids get crabby. More news: Baksteen Valken, Oshkosh's LEGO team, is headed back to the American Robotics Competition I am very much against it. The citizens of Oshkosh just funded two new schools in the past few years. It is like the OASD think they have a blank check now, so they are tossing every imaginable item in a referendum hoping something will stick. I don't buy it. Prices have not receded since the super high inflation, and Oshkosh just increased the property taxes on a number of residents and businesses. Now, OASD thinks the time is right for asking more from the people of the city. The timing is bad. I will vote against it. I am in support of the referendum if the school board keeps its promise that it will not raise property taxes. Property taxes this year were absolutely out of control. Oh, hell no!!! They screwed up and bought properties without getting zoning checked and now want us to pay for their screw up ... NO, NO, NO. I must vote "No" to any school referendum being pushed through without due diligence regarding the Shapiro site and methane concerns. They have already wasted $1.2 million on the last plan because, although they should have, they didn't have the necessary information about the zoning. I believe they rushed this new plan just to get it on the ballot. Telling voters not to worry about the methane concern is not an acceptable response. So "No" for me. More news: Oshkosh raises storm and sewer water utility rates; residents to face $3-$5 bill increases I am all for the referendum as an unfortunate necessity. The Republican Legislature of this state needs to do their job and release the budget surplus to PUBLIC schools and other needs for the people! End the public funding of private charter schools and spend public tax dollars on public programs and needs! I have kids in the OASD and I see firsthand the degraded facilities and safety hazards present. How can kids learn in a dilapidated and uncomfortable environment? No AC, musty classrooms, non-accessible classrooms, and open-concept classrooms are all barriers for our young learners. If public schools were funded properly, maybe there wouldn't be such an influx of needed referendums in our state. Using public tax money for funding private and unregulated schools should be nonexistent. If someone wants to send their child to a private and/or religious school, I am all for it, but not at the cost of even a single cent of taxpayer money. Unfortunately for the citizens of Oshkosh, the school board is composed of people who have a pie-in-the-sky want list. There is no regard for the amount of taxes or the burden that is placed upon homeowners. There are many people who own homes and live on a meager income, which is often only Social Security. What are they to do about this outlandish want list? More people are taking advantage of the availability to switch to private schools and taking their tax dollars with them. The citizens of Oshkosh just got hit with a very hefty home tax averaging about $600. As a lifelong citizen of Oshkosh, I feel this referendum is not affordable. Vote "No" on this referendum. First, I think all monetary considerations by any city/county board should be held in November when a larger group of people vote and a better idea of their wishes would be determined. Half the monies used to build the new middle school would have been enough to renovate Merrill School. Merrill was built with quality craftsmanship and could have been saved. Oshkosh doesn't seem to have a vision of saving our history. And, I also think that this particular vote is going to put a lot of Oshkosh citizens in a financial bind. This economy has been hard on people and the school board seems to think we all have deep pockets. We've all had to "tighten our belts" and the board should take this into consideration. They may be responsible for giving Oshkosh good schools, but they are also responsible for giving the Oshkosh community what it can afford. Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@ This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Oshkosh schools facilities referendum gets split response from readers
