Wauwatosa School Board candidates share views on sex ed curriculum, student discipline and more
One thing is certain in the Wauwatosa School Board race this spring: There will be new faces on the board.
With four seats up for election, just one incumbent, Jessica Willis, is running for reelection. She will face Mike Zollicoffer Jr. for Seat 7.
In other contested races: Liz Heimerl-Rolland and Chris Zirbes will face off for Seat 5, currently held by Michael Phillips. Lynne Woehrle and Daniel Gugala are vying for Seat 6, currently held by Sharon Muehlfeld.
Seat 4 is also up for election this year. Phillip Morris is running unopposed for the seat currently held by Leigh Ann Fraley.
Zollicoffer, Gugala and Zirbes are campaigning together as the Three Tosa Dads, but have denied having any connections to political groups, local or national.
Candidates decide which seat they want to run for; voters cast ballots for all of the seats, regardless of where in the district they live.
Candidates were sent questionnaires asking for their views on a variety of issues. Their answers were limited to 100 words.
What are your thoughts on the new sex education curriculum that was passed by the board last fall?
Gugala: I believe that the curriculum at the time was at least 10 years old so an update was necessary. It's unfortunate that the process for approving content meant to be inclusive was handled in a way that resulted in a community divide. Curricula needs to be updated every three years. The fact that it was 10 shows a lack of accountability. Other curricula are also overdue for review, which has resulted in academic performance issues. As a board member, I will ensure accountability for items as crucial as this.
Heimerl-Rolland: I agree with the human growth and development curriculum because it’s student centered and data driven. After 10 years with no updates, research proves it drives better health outcomes — helping prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. It’s also more inclusive, promoting better mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ students. That’s why Fair Wisconsin has endorsed me. Importantly, objectors can always choose to opt out. On the contrary, the chaotic process preceding the vote cannot happen again. The district must ensure it has credible systems to collect feedback from residents. Every part of board conversations should build community trust in the decision-making process.
Willis: I am very much in support of the recently passed Human Growth and Development Curriculum. It is age-appropriate and protects our youngest learners by teaching them correct anatomical definitions. I also support the curriculum in that it is comprehensive and inclusive, particularly for our LGBTQIA+ student population. I also appreciate that the curriculum is transparent and allows any family to opt out of individual lessons or the entire curriculum. It provides access to information so that families may address some of the topics at home with their students.
Woehrle: I support it. I thought it was well researched, aligned with principles of child development and inclusive for more students and families, particularly those who are LGBTQIA+. As a longtime educator — I’ve been in college classrooms since 1991 — I know that it’s key to monitor the implementation of any new curriculum so that we can make any necessary adjustments to maximize student learning. Because there is sensitivity around this issue for many families, we also need to ensure that students who opted out of the newly revised curriculum are getting substantive alternative work.
Zirbes: Parents in the community continue to stress their displeasure with the new curriculum. This curriculum is not the job of teachers and should be that of the parents when they feel the time is right. Teachers also have said that they are not in this case comfortable teaching this. The district could have also made this an opt-into class for the older students if that was the wishes of the parents versus an opt out of as they did.
Zollicoffer: I believe the way the new sex education curriculum was handled has led to some distrust within the community and has caused division. Parents were left out of the decision-making process. I am running because I want to give parents a seat at the table. I believe that young adults should be provided with a basic understanding of sex education, but we need to make sure the materials are age appropriate. As a board member I would review these materials as needed every three years.
There have been a number of issues with student discipline in the district this school year. How would you resolve these issues?
Gugala: I would address these incidents of physical and assaultive behavior as a first priority so students and teachers feel safe. I have been advocating for a fair and consistent discipline policy, and the board (recently) took steps ... to move that into practice — so that is a step in the right direction. I would continue to focus on understanding the data around these incidents so that we can be proactive in addressing these challenges.
Heimerl-Rolland: I’m the only Seat 5 candidate with extensive experience in violence prevention and conflict resolution. Everyone in our schools must feel safe. I’m a Tosa mom, and I want that for my kids. I’m proud to be endorsed by Tosa teachers at the Wauwatosa Education Association because they know I will support them. I believe in high standards and community building. If a student creates an unsafe environment, the disciplinary framework should be used with fidelity, including expulsions. The district should also consider creating an alternative program for students who made our buildings unsafe, providing accountability and supports enabling everyone’s success.
Willis: Safe, inclusive learning environments are at the top of my priorities. Students deserve to feel emotionally, psychologically and physically safe while at school. The district needs to have clear and explicit expectations to address student behavior. The board is actively putting structures into place to address discipline concerns. The board has adopted a disciplinary framework, approved dean of student positions at each secondary school, and is actively drafting discipline policy to ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable for disruptive behavior. We need to continue to empower our building leaders to respond to each discipline issue appropriately.
Woehrle: We need to implement an integrated, districtwide system of behavioral interventions that combines conflict mediation, restorative justice, positive behavioral interventions and supports, in-school suspension/alternative classrooms, and when absolutely necessary, exclusionary punishments. While there is not a single answer, as the stimulus for the behavior varies, we need to interrupt the impact social media has on escalating conflict. Also parents should model and join in consistent district messaging to students about school behavior. For a small group of students, there may be mental health concerns fueling their disruptive behavior. Other cases are about students feeling like they don't belong.
Zirbes: Nearly 50% of our kids don’t feel safe going to school or have anxiety about using the bathroom during passing time. While it may be a small percentage of our students that are chronically disruptive or engaging in fights, the education experience of the entire student body is impacted. The district guidelines for these punishments needs to be addressed as kids are not intimidated by the punishments and are looking past the consequences.
Zollicoffer: There have been several issues with discipline in the school district, and this needs to be corrected immediately. Students should not have to fear for their physical safety in our schools. The way that we resolve this problem is by making sure that we have a clear and defined policy in place with fair, consistent and enforceable consequences for students who are engaging in violent behaviors. We also need to improve parent engagement and form partnerships with families to get to the root of some of these behaviors.
What other pressing concerns are facing the Wauwatosa School District, and how would you address them?
Gugala: School safety, teacher retention, academic performance, fiscal considerations, student mental health issues, declining enrollment. Tosa schools have so many good things to offer, and yet we have many opportunities to improve. I will "roll up my sleeves" as a partner with school administration and bring a renewed enthusiasm for iterative improvements to elevate Wauwatosa schools.
Heimerl-Rolland: I’m a former educator. My top priority is growing student academic achievement outcomes across the board, inspiring all students to reach their potential. School culture is key to realizing that goal. We should invest in community building to create safe and inclusive schools, providing students what they need while closing gaps between our highest and lowest achievers. We must also invest to attract and keep top talent. That means paying our teachers, staff and aides what they deserve. I will fiercely advocate for an increase in educator compensation to ensure we’re a destination district, while maintaining the district’s strong financial position.
Willis: Disproportionality in academic achievement for our historically marginalized groups is something the district needs to continue to evaluate and address. We have data suggesting students of color, students with disabilities and students from low socio-economic status are not reaching their full potential. The district needs to ensure we have the supports in place to meet the unique needs of all students. This includes providing scaffolding and differentiation to individual students by giving teachers the resources they need. This also includes looking at the needs of each building and providing building leaders the resources they need to address the achievement gap.
Woehrle: 1. Expand the district’s data and analysis of the impact of social inequities on learning and behavior and develop thoughtful and effective interventions. Target resources to strengthen learning. 2. Review and set goals for climate-change readiness as well as expand environmental sustainability, curricular and extracurricular activities. 3. Address building culture and climate for staff and students so that all feel that "I belong." A positive school climate helps students learn. Deploy resources to interrupt bullying of special education students and to provide robust initiatives that make cultural and racial minorities feel welcomed and valued.
Zirbes: For months the district has been talking about the financial cliff that they are facing. The district has used short-term grants to fund new middle-level administrators’ salaries on three-year contracts. Now, with the grants ending, the district is facing a $1,600,000 deficit for the school year ending June of 2023. Also with enrollment down in three of the past four years, the board is looking for an operating referendum to help them balance their budget.
Zollicoffer: Teacher retention, declining enrollment and addressing the mental health needs of our students are all major issues. The biggest issues our district is seeing is the declining academic achievement. Reading and math scores are down, especially amongst our most vulnerable students. We need to be data driven in our decision, making sure we prioritize the academic achievement of all students. I plan to work together with the school administration so that we can make sure Wauwatosa Schools once again is a destination for families and for teachers.
Daniel Gugala
Age: 48
Address: 2331 N. 86th S.t, Wauwatosa
Past political experience: None
Community involvement: Volunteer coach (North Central Little League, Tosa Titans, Tosa Basketball League, Junior Trojans, and Wauwatosa Blazers)
Endorsements and donations: I have exclusively taken donations from my personal contacts and the community.Contact info: gugala4tosa@gmail.com
Liz Heimerl-Rolland
Age: 39
Address: 1715 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa
Past political experience: N/A
Community involvement: I'm a wife and Tosa mom of three amazing kids (one at Longfellow, one at East and one at UWM). As they’ve grown up, I’ve always enjoyed volunteering in the schools. I’ve led as president of the Lincoln Elementary PTO twice, where I helped to lead an effort to create a community service day, served on new teacher interview team, and more. I also led as a Girl Scout leader for six years; a youth sports team manager for football, basketball, soccer and volleyball over a decade; and a frequent volunteer across the district at mock interview days, multicultural fairs and more. In the community, my family also volunteers at Kinship Community Center food pantry, Running Rebels, and the Tosa Farmers Market. Professionally, I’m a former educator with a degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree from UWM in community engagement with a certificate in nonprofit management. Currently, I serve as program manager at the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Office of Continuing and Professional Development, where I guide medical professionals through their continuing education requirements and help with quality improvement projects throughout all of the systems to improve patient care. I have an extensive professional background in continuous process improvement, strategic planning, data analysis, budget management, program execution and leadership. With my background and experience, I’m ready to serve on the school board on Day 1.
Endorsements and donations: Endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 of Milwauke;, the Wauwatosa Education Association; and Fair Wisconsin, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ community; donations from the IBEW and Wisconsin Progress, which recruits and trains progressive candidates and leaders for local and state legislative offices.
Contact info: lizfortosaschools@gmail.com
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lizfortosaschools
Website: lizfortosaschools.wixsite.com/home
Jessica Willis (inc.)
Age: 39
Address: 6320 W. Wells St. Wauwatosa
Past political experience: Current Wauwatosa School Board member
Community involvement: Current Wauwatosa School Board member, PTA member, Wauwatosa substitute teacher, Destination Imagination team manager, Jefferson PTA Welcoming Committee chair
Endorsements: Endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 of Milwaukee; the Wauwatosa Education Association; Fair Wisconsin, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ community; and former Wisconsin Democratic Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes
Contact info: willis4wauwatosa@gmail.com
Lynne Woehrle
Age: 57
Address: 10121 W. Highwood Ave., Wauwatosa
Past political experience: None
Community involvement:● As director, master of sustainable peacebuilding, at the College of Nursing, UW-Milwaukee, my class did research for the city of Wauwatosa, Sustainability Committee.● Founding member and leader of Tosa Together● Vice president of Friends of Hartung Park● PTA member at my children's schools: Madison, Whitman and West● Co-writer on the $48K grant Wauwatosa School District was awarded for restorative justice initiatives● Whitman Middle School principal hiring committee, 2022● Tosa West Orchestra reception coordinator 2021-22
Endorsements: Endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 494 of Milwaukee; the Wauwatosa Education Association; Fair Wisconsin, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ community; Wauwatosa Ald. Sean Lowe; former Wauwatosa Ald. Jeff Roznowski; and 2021 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Susan Richardson.
Contact info: friendsoflynnewoehrle@gmail.com
Chris Zirbes
Age: 50
Address: 2658 N. 88th St., Wauwatosa
Past political experience: None
Community involvement: Past president and treasurer of Wauwatosa Mayfair Rotary Club (15 years+), vice president of Wauwatosa West Jr. Trojans Baseball club and member of Wauwatosa Jr. Blazers football
Endorsements and donations: All of my donations have come from friends, family, neighbors, colleagues etc. My average donation is about $70. Unlike the others, I have not been endorsed by an out-of-town union. I have gotten nothing from any national, state or local politicians. See https://www.chriszforwsd.com/endorsements.
Contact info: zirbes4tosa@gmail.com
Mike Zollicoffer Jr.
Age: 47
Address: 2880 N. 117th St., Wauwatosa
Past political experience: None
Community involvement: Coached Jr. Trojans Football, coached Tosa Basketball League and Clinic (TBL). Also a PTA member.
Endorsements and donations: I have no big endorsements ... Just receiving donations from people who support me.
Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Four seats up for grabs on the Wauwatosa School Board
