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Volume IV – June 25, 2025
Volume IV – June 25, 2025
A Weekly Dispatch from the 2030 Task Force
A Weekly Dispatch from the 2030 Task Force
The Tosa Ledger offers a clear, weekly roundup of actions, alerts, and stories that matter. Forward freely. Act boldly.
The Tosa Ledger offers a clear, weekly roundup of actions, alerts, and stories that matter. Forward freely. Act boldly.
FEATURED ESSAY: “REFLECTIONS ON A SCHOOL BOARD IN DOUBLE-DOWN DEFENSIVE MODE”
The most widely shared essay in our campaign to date is now live.
“Equity has become a rhetorical shield—invoked to silence critics, deflect accountability, and justify sweeping policy decisions that have undermined educational opportunity, alleged to have harmed vulnerable students, and triggered the loss of veteran staff.”
This piece chronicles the June 23 WSD board meeting from inside the room—pairing firsthand observation with district data, educator testimony, and public records. It is a sweeping indictment of dysfunction cloaked in mission language—and it is gaining traction.
PODCAST FEATURE: “THE REFERENDA” WITH DR. DEREK GOTTLIEB
Out this week. Tune in to The Referenda podcast to hear Dr. Christopher Merker speak with Dr. Derek Gottlieb about:
The xCore Report and why it matters
How Wauwatosa got here, the “Civic Awakening” —and what comes next
Governance, accountability, and the culture of administrative spin
Why failure to act now could mean referendum failure in 2028
EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT: JENNY LEIGH SPEAKS OUT
After 25 years in the district—23 of them at McKinley—retiring teacher Jenny Leigh has come forward publicly.
In response to the district’s June 17 “Restorative Practices” letter, Leigh submitted a written testimony challenging the narrative that no one was responsible.
“Mr. Martin’s conduct has caused an irreparable amount of harm… The trust is not simply broken—it is gone.”
“He is… the reason staff members have chosen to leave.”
Her letter is courageous, candid, and chilling. It affirms what many have said for months: the crisis at McKinley wasn’t a misunderstanding. It was mismanagement.
Response to 6_17_25 Statement_Findings.pdfMEDIA WATCH: WSTEM AND THE SILENCE OF LEADERSHIP
On Monday, TMJ 640 Radio ran a segment on the closure of WSTEM. They reached out to Superintendent Demond Means for comment.
As of the broadcast, he had not responded.
We have not seen Dr. Means respond in news coverage for several weeks—apart from select op-eds. The absence of public engagement is drawing increasing attention.
Meanwhile, WSTEM’s final applicant pool was reportedly 57% students of color—the most diverse in its history. Closure was framed as equity. The reality appears far murkier.
STAFF DEPARTURES: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
If you’ve left the district—you are not alone:
10 from Madison (one mid-year in each of the last two years)
13 from Montessori
4 from McKinley (one mid-year)
14 from Underwood
2 from WSTEM
We have also received reports of departures at East and Longfellow, pending confirmation.
Your voice matters. Share your story: 2030TaskForce@gmail.com
OVERSIGHT UPDATES: THE STATE IS WATCHING
In the past week, multiple oversight bodies have formally acknowledged receipt of complaints:
The Governor’s Office confirmed internal referrals and handoff to DPI
The Department of Public Instruction is reviewing the matter
Formal complaints have now been submitted to the State Legislature, including Senate and Assembly education committees
We are engaging congressional offices to ensure federal visibility and response
The silence in Wauwatosa is not being matched in Madison—or Washington.
EYES ON TOSA: OTHER DISTRICTS TAKE NOTICE
This week, a district organizer from outside Wauwatosa contacted us to learn more:
How did the 2030 Task Force organize so quickly? How did you build momentum? What drew state and local media to cover your efforts?
Their interest wasn’t in our report—it was in our model.
The answer? Truth. Clarity. Community. And a refusal to be misled.
What's Next?
Formal complaint reviews are now underway at the state level
Additional legislative offices are being contacted
Community documentation and advocacy efforts are growing
Have a tip, document, or story to share confidentially? Reach us at 2030TaskForce@gmail.com
We are not going away. We are building a district—and a democracy—worth believing in.
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.
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