Embedded Files
June 16, 2025
Dear Members of the Wauwatosa School District Board,
Please note: For transparency and accountability, this email has been blind copied to members of the 2030 Task Force and select media contacts.
As of June 16, 2025, the 2030 Task Force has submitted ten formal complaints to state and federal oversight agencies regarding governance concerns in the Wauwatosa School District. These filings cite:
Alleged retaliation against educators and community members
Alleged failure to safeguard the rights of students with disabilities
Alleged misuse of public education funds
Alleged interference with public speech and civic engagement
The following agencies are currently reviewing these matters:
U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights (OCR), Inspector General (OIG), and Office of the Secretary
U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division
U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce (in process)
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)
Office of the Governor – State of Wisconsin
Wisconsin State Superintendent
Wisconsin Senate & Assembly Education Committees (pending)
Formal notification is now being provided to the Wauwatosa Board of Education to ensure full transparency.
Educator Disclosures Submitted for Review
The Task Force has transmitted written statements from two current or former Wauwatosa educators. These individuals independently describe patterns of workplace intimidation, procedural breakdowns in special education, and internal responses that raise significant questions about institutional accountability.
Katie Petitt, a longtime district educator at McKinley Elementary School, provided a detailed letter upon concluding her employment this past week. Her letter reflects deep concern for students with disabilities and describes what she experienced as a retaliatory workplace culture.
Takela Jones, a special education teacher at Madison Elementary School, has filed a formal complaint citing race-based intimidation, retaliation, and a hostile work environment tied to her support for students receiving disability services.
These statements are presented in the spirit of transparency and with the understanding that further investigation is the responsibility of the appropriate agencies.
We wish to be clear: the 2030 Task Force makes no legal conclusions. These accounts, along with supporting documentation, have been submitted in good faith to state and federal entities for independent review and determination.
Public Access to Documentation
Public Access to Documentation
All public-facing records and media access are available here:
Requested Actions from the Board
Requested Actions from the Board
The 2030 Task Force respectfully requests that the Wauwatosa Board of Education:
Formally acknowledge receipt of the Petitt and Jones letters and notification of submitted complaints
Publicly agendize and deliberate the May 31 termination petition in a timely and transparent manner
Confirm whether district counsel has assessed legal exposure, particularly in light of the complaints currently under review, including matters that may relate to:
Special education services and disability accommodations
Whistleblower protections under federal and state law
Public speech protections for parents and staff
Use of federal funds for policy programming
Wisconsin Open Records Law compliance
On Legal and Fiduciary Responsibility
While the Task Force takes no position on whether unlawful conduct has occurred, the involvement of multiple oversight agencies and formal complaints from educators reflects a serious escalation. Continued failure to address these issues publicly or procedurally may increase scrutiny and risk for the District and individual board members.
We understand the Board will conduct its scheduled review of Superintendent Means on June 23, 2025. Given the timing and visibility of these matters, that review now carries broader significance—both publicly and institutionally.
Enclosed
Katie Petitt – Whistleblower Letter (June 13, 2025)
Summary Links to supporting documentation and filings [Takela Jones – Filed May 12, 2025]
Comment 1
Comment 2
Comment 3
Comment 4
Comment 5
Comment 6
Comment 7
Legal Clarification
Legal Clarification
The 2030 Task Force does not allege that crimes have occurred or that any individual has violated the law. We share testimony and documentation with the appropriate authorities for investigation, and encourage the Board to do the same. Our goal is to ensure accountability, transparency, and a safe learning environment for all members of the Wauwatosa community.
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