Gilman School Board takes unspecified action after investigation

After meeting in closed session with an attorney for an hour and a half on Monday, the Gilman School Board voted to accept the findings of an investigation into complaints against administrators and “act in accordance with the board’s closed session vote.”

Board president Cheryl Ustianowski did not specify what action was being taken, and the results of the investigation were not made public. The investigation was completed by attorney Justin Andrews, an associate at Weld Riley, S.C., who attended Monday’s meeting and left after the closed session discussion. Ustianowski said the complaints came from several employees and former employees accusing administrators of “creating a hostile working environment.”

The Star News has made an open records request for the results of the investigation.

Meanwhile, a petition is being circulated that calls for the immediate termination of administrator Walter Leipart. According to district resident Vonda Kinas, 150 people have signed the petition in less than a week.

“He no longer has the best interests of the children or the district at the forefront of his mind,” the petition states, referring to the February school board meeting when residents voiced complaints about Leipart.

When asked for a comment about the petition, Leipart said the allegations in the petition are the same as those that were investigated by the attorney. The school board has authorized the attorney to draft a response, which should be available within five days, he noted.

“In the meantime, I maintain that I have not participated in conduct that would support the allegations made and I believe the results of the investigation will tell a different story,” he wrote in an email. “I stand on my record of creating an empowered school that supports the district goals of creating an environment where both students and staff experience a culture of trust and respect, the opportunity to learn, feel valued and take pride in our school.”

At the start of Monday’s meeting, Ustianowski read a statement indicating that the district’s attorney, Stephen Weld, has advised against hearing citizens’ complaints in the petition prior to receiving the results of the investigation, calling it “premature.” As such, public comments were not allowed, and those who might disrupt the meeting were threatened with possible removal by school resource officer Thomas Tallier.

Ustianowski said public comments made at the February meeting were “arguably defamatory and slanderous,” and did not fit within the “fair and orderly public expression permitted by board policy.” She said the board “intends to fully reinstate the public comment period, possibly as soon as our May meeting.”

At the February meeting, several citizens also expressed support for principal Jerry Smith, who had apparently come under criticism for a personal relationship with someone in the community. Smith was not present at Monday’s meeting, and his district email address appeared to be deactivated.

During Monday’s closed session, a group of students waiting out in the hallway shared a statement of support for Smith, praising him for his emphasis on character development, his rapport with students and his involvement in the Gilman community.

“Mr. Smith’s dedication to our education is evident in his commitment to providing us with opportunities for growth and success,” the statement reads. “He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that we have access to resources and support systems that enhance our learning experience.”

Other business

 The board recognized newly elected board member Philip “Butch” Grunseth and reelected board member Darrell Thompson. Board members also reelected Ustianowski as president, Thompson as vice president, Lauren Zach as clerk and Jessica Wosicky as treasurer.

 Ustianowski announced the resignation of board member Tammy Weir, who submitted an April 15 letter stating that she needs to step down due to “unforeseen personal circumstances.”

“Serving on the Gilman School Board has been a privilege and an honor, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the betterment of our educational community,” Weir wrote. “However, recent developments in my personal life require my full attention and commitment, leaving me unable to fulfill my duties as a board member effectively.”

To replace Weir, the board will be seeking qualified applicants from within the district, conduct interviews and then vote on a chosen candidate.

 The board voted to renew contracts for all the teachers in the district for 2024-2025, along with three teachers who work for eSucceed Charter School. Leipart said the district is also continuing to recruit applicants for a special education teacher and a guidance counselor.

Thompson asked whether the district should also be looking for an additional science teacher, as he’s worried the district is “taxing one individual too much.”

Leipart said the district is in the process of certifying three of its agriculture classes within the science department, and will be seeking existing staff within the district “who may have licensure or interest as well.”

 The board approved the hiring of Amy Russ as the new part-time executive director of eSucceed Charter School, following the retirement of the former director. Leipart said the charter school’s governance board is in charge of picking its staff and decided to reduce the director’s position to part-time due to the current enrollment.

 The board approved an overnight travel request from the Gilman FFA, which is sending its Wildlife Career Development team to Madison for the state conference. The team, which consists of Wyatt Orth, Jaylyn Orth, Dawson Grunseth, and Dawson Robinson, has qualified for state four years in a row, and last year Jalen took second as an individual and the team came in third, Leipart said. Ag teacher Chanse Rosemeyer will serve as chaperone.

The board also approved an overnight travel request for the senior class trip, which will be to Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, May 5-6.

 Leipart presented information to board members about the district’s newly selected Amplify CKLA curriculum for 4K through fifth grade literacy. CKLA is one of the curricula that complies with the state’s new Act 20 literacy law, and it has been piloted by several staff members, Leipart said. The science-based curriculum incorporates basic grammar into all grade levels and classes, starting with word sounds and giving students the ability to learn new words on their own, he said.

When Thompson asked how long it will take to see “measurable results” from the new curriculum, Leipart said it’s hard to say at this point, but it will ultimately come down to how well the teachers follow the curriculum. Thompson said it will also require effort by the students.

“I do know that districts that have implemented it have seen immediate growth,” Leipart said.

The board will vote on approving the CKLA curriculum at its May 20 meeting.

The Rib Lake High School Forensics team traveled to DeForest last weekend for the State level competition. A total of 13 members advanced to the state competition. Madison Grzanna, Emma Tlusty, Kiana Dallman, Addison Gumz, Ana Martin, and Anna Konrad earned Gold medals with a perfect score of 25/25. Madelyn Dallman, Julia Dananay, Hadassah Nelson, Kendall Gebauer, Megan Buksa, and Tessa Krause earned Silver medals. Olivia Lopez earned a Bronze medal. “Congratulations to all our members on a job well done this season!” Said advisor Jamie Viegut Grubbs. SUBMITTED