New Flambeau School recall sought

The recall petitioners, Sara Baker and Ruth Opachan, have expressed concern for a dysfunctional school board that has, in their view, affected the school and community. Both Baker and Opachan have spoken at each of the school board meeting since July. Some of the concerns they have seen over the past few months is the behavior of some board members toward other board members, staff and community members.

Baker believes “a new composition of board members would bring together people who can work together, provide a positive support and accountability system for the administrative team which would allow the district to again focus on what is most important, which is the students, their education and turning them into well rounded adults.”

Baker said they are required to have at least 398 signatures, based on the last Gubernatorial election. So far Baker and Opachan have 580 signatures for each Zimmer and Stewart.

The first recall petition, filed July 26, failed after examination due to the header of the petition recall not containing a reason for the recall and was therefore found insufficient. The first recall petition included school board members Pat Anderson, Stewart and Zimmer. Anderson will be up for re-election in the spring 2019 election and therefore was not included in the second recall petition. During the first recall petition, Doug Verdegan was also one of the petitioners.

The goals for the recall petition have not changed, says Baker. She still feels Stewart and Zimmer are not making good decisions in the interest of the students, staff and taxpayers.

Baker and Opachan have been working with the Wisconsin Election Commission with this recall petition. Baker said the commission has helped provide the petitioners with a timeline that could allow for the recall to happen during the February primary election. She added, “it is our hope the review of the signatures and completion of submitting paperwork will happen within a timeline to avoid additional costs to the school for a special election.”

Of special concern for Baker and from those she’s talked with in the community is the “lack of transparency among the board itself, with administration and with the community.” She says the community wants to know why District Administrator Erica Schley was put on paid administrative leave and many people are concerned about the financial strain it has caused. Having done the math, Baker said the paid administrative leave has cost the school district approximately $47,900 and attorney fees since the 2018 spring election is near $23,000.

“This recall is a sign of hope for those that have signed in support, for the staff and for the students who deserve a board who has a unified goal of providing educational excellence at Flambeau,” says Baker.

The petitioners are anticipating submitting the petitions this week.