The Tosa Ledger

WHISTLEBLOWER DISCLOSURES

• Katie Petitt, a National Board Certified teacher, and district award-winner, submitted a detailed resignation letter documenting her experiences at McKinley. She outlines retaliatory discipline, leadership misrepresentation, and a culture of intimidation. READ MORE.

“I cannot faithfully serve a district that condones bullying, dishonest, and unprofessional behavior… I am genuinely worried for the psychological safety and wellbeing of my colleagues at McKinley.”

• Takela Jones, a special education teacher at Madison Elementary, filed a formal complaint citing race-based intimidation, retaliation, and hostile workplace conditions tied to her advocacy for students with disabilities. READ MORE.

“Our students are not being serviced as they should be… due to excessive meetings, staff absences, and a student/teacher ratio that makes it impossible to serve with fidelity.”

“I was told I wasn’t doing my job, when in fact, I was advocating for students’ rights and safety.”

Filings have been submitted with supporting documentation to the U.S. Department of Education and other agencies. 

*The 2030 Task Force makes no legal conclusions. These accounts are submitted in good faith for independent review.*

RESTORATIVE SPIN? STAFF AREN’T BUYING IT

Superintendent Means Sends “Restorative Practices” Email to School Community (McKinley)

On June 17, the district released a long-delayed summary of its climate investigations, citing “themes of mistrust, fear of retaliation, and disconnect.” The message included the full report by Chauna Perry Finch, a consultant hired to assess relational harm at McKinley.

But while the report was attached, the email itself named no names, shared no concrete data, and offered no accountability for what the findings implied.

“All parties at McKinley deeply care about students…” – Dr. Demond Means

Educators and staff are not convinced — and are starting to speak out.

VOICES FROM THE INSIDE

This is no longer isolated frustration. It is corroborated concern—across staff, buildings, and community members.

“The fake dedication to helping us makes me want to scream. It’s not about students — it’s about their egos.”— Anonymous Educator, June 18

“They haven’t released the staff survey yet. Other schools got to go over it with their administrator over a month ago.”

“I think an obvious request would be the staff survey.”

“Are you aware of an e-mail sent to staff from Demond Means? It was sent today. This teacher also said they have not received results of the staff survey. Other district schools have received theirs. Very interesting!!”

The takeaway is clear:
Teachers see the suppression. Families see the patterns. Leadership hopes no one asks why.

SURVEY SUPPRESSION TIMELINE

Despite district protocol, one school’s Spring 2025 staff survey results remain unreleased. Teachers believe the silence is not logistical—it is strategic.

Timeline

• April–May: Other schools review survey results

• June 17: Restorative letter released

• June 18: Survey still missing

MEANS’S “SHELL GAME” MESSAGE: A CLOSER LOOK

On June 12, Superintendent Demond Means sent an end-of-year email accusing state lawmakers of playing a “shell game” with school funding. He criticized the school levy tax credit and demanded greater investment in public education—particularly special education reimbursement.

But here’s what the message left out:

MORAL CONTRADICTION

While Dr. Means asks the state to increase special education reimbursements by millions, educators who served those students say the district is failing them internally.

Ledger Note:
You cannot demand more public dollars for special education while silencing the very people raising red flags—and call that “student-centered leadership.”

DEFERRED DIGNITY: ADA PROMISES DELAYED AGAIN

Finance Committee Meeting Notes – June 2025

• ADA improvements promised in the 2024 referendum are being delayed

• Superintendent Means redirected questions

• Board member Jason Wautier raised the topic of a forensic audit

“We’re talking about basic human dignity and access, not luxury upgrades. If there’s one issue that should unite the entire community, it’s this.”

BOARD REVIEW LOOMS: WHAT WILL THEY DO ON JUNE 23?

The Board will conduct its annual review of Superintendent Means on Monday, June 23.

This comes after:

• The formal request for termination proceedings

• Crisis conditions at McKinley, Montessori, Madison, and Underwood

One year ago: Means got a raise despite early signs of fiscal distress. One year later:

• WSTEM closed

• Legal investigative report cites “psychologically unsafe environment”

• Accelerated leadership and teacher turnover 

• $23M deficit projected

• Alleged suppressed data

• Weak academic outcomes

• Public trust eroding

Attend the June 23 Board Meeting. Speak Up.

Ask: Is it another trophy this year? What exactly has been earned?

CALL TO TEACHERS AND STAFF 

If you’ve left the district — you are not alone:

• 7 from Madison

• 13 from Montessori

• 4 from McKinley

• 7 from Underwood

More reports every day. Your voice matters. Help those left behind.
Share your story: 2030TaskForce@gmail.com

FINAL WORD: THE TIPPING POINT

“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.”

Legal Clarification

The 2030 Task Force does not allege crimes or accuse any individual of illegal conduct.
We submit - and encourage the board to submit - documentation to the appropriate authorities for independent review.

Our goals:

• Accountability

• Transparency

• A safe, healthy school community

Thank you for staying strong—in your schools, neighborhoods, and communities. The Tosa Ledger is your briefing desk for action and accountability.

The 2030 Task Force Executive Committee
2030TaskForce@gmail.com
www.Tosa2030.com

Disclaimer: This publication is intended for informational and advocacy purposes only. Views expressed reflect those of contributors and are not legal findings.