The Sun Prairie School Board has officially appointed Danny Miller to fill a vacant seat. Miller, an educator with a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, will replace former board president Katey Kamoku. Kamoku resigned in late August, citing personal and professional priorities. This appointment comes amid a period of significant turnover and public scrutiny for the seven-member board.
Key Takeaways
- Danny Miller appointed to Sun Prairie School Board.
- Miller replaces Katey Kamoku, who resigned in August.
- He holds a doctorate and has extensive teaching experience.
- This is the fourth board resignation since November.
- The board faces ongoing public pressure over past incidents.
Danny Miller Selected from Diverse Applicant Pool
Danny Miller was chosen from a pool of nine candidates. His selection was announced after a thorough review process. According to a school district news release, Miller is currently a teacher educator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before this role, he worked as a high school English teacher for 10 years. His background in curriculum and instruction, supported by his doctorate, is expected to bring valuable expertise to the board.
The board's decision to appoint Miller aims to stabilize its composition. The Sun Prairie School Board has experienced several resignations in a relatively short period. This has led to a need for consistent leadership and new perspectives.
Candidate Statistics
- Total Applicants: 9
- Selected Candidate: Danny Miller
- Previous Experience: 10 years as a high school English teacher
- Current Role: Teacher educator at UW-Madison
Recent Board Resignations Highlight Challenges
Miller's appointment follows a series of resignations that have affected the board's stability. Katey Kamoku, who was elected in spring 2023, resigned to focus on her children and job. Her departure marks the fourth time a member has stepped down since November of last year. This level of turnover is unusual for a public body of this size.
The resignations began with Alwyn Foster in mid-November. Foster's decision was reportedly linked to the district's handling of Sun Prairie East High School Principal Renee Coleman's exit. Shortly after, Lisa Goldsberry resigned in early December. Goldsberry stated concerns about district administrators holding too much power. She also mentioned that accountability within the system was "next to impossible."
Board Turnover Timeline
- Mid-November: Alwyn Foster resigns.
- Early December: Lisa Goldsberry resigns.
- July: Steve Urso resigns due to health concerns.
- Late August: Katey Kamoku resigns.
Colleen Uhlenkamp and Steve Urso were appointed to replace Goldsberry and Foster, respectively. This information comes from district spokesperson Adam Mumm. However, Urso also resigned in July due to health issues. Isaac Sung then replaced him. This sequence of events underscores the challenges the board has faced in maintaining a full complement of members.
Community Concerns and Public Pressure
The Sun Prairie School Board has also been under significant public pressure. This pressure stems from how the district has handled sex-related scandals involving staff members in recent years. These incidents have drawn widespread community unhappiness and calls for greater transparency and accountability.
One notable case involved Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, a former Sun Prairie West High School Dean of Students. He was fired on June 9 and charged on July 28 with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. He also faced 13 counts of possession of child pornography. Police testimony and a criminal complaint indicate he victimized two students and downloaded images of a third girl found online.
"The community expects transparency and accountability from its elected officials and school administration," stated a local parent advocacy group representative last month. "These ongoing issues erode public trust and demand robust action from the board."
Other Notable Incidents
Another case involved Matthew E. Quaglieri, a former Prairie View Middle School band teacher. In April, he was sentenced in federal court to 14 years in prison. Quaglieri was caught in October 2022 for taking videos of students in the school's bathroom over a period of four to five years.
Furthermore, in September 2024, Lamont Crockett, a former school resource officer for the district, received a four-year prison sentence. This was for child enticement charges related to his work in the schools from 2018 to 2020. These incidents have created a climate of concern among parents and residents.
Recent Staff Misconduct Cases
- Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier: Fired June 9, charged July 28. Counts include sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography possession.
- Matthew E. Quaglieri: Sentenced April to 14 years in prison. Convicted for secretly filming students in a school bathroom.
- Lamont Crockett: Sentenced September 2024 to 4 years in prison. Convicted of child enticement.
Focus on Future Stability and Trust
The appointment of Danny Miller is a step towards rebuilding stability on the Sun Prairie School Board. His academic background and teaching experience are seen as beneficial. The community hopes he can help address the challenges the district faces. A key focus for the board will be restoring public trust and ensuring a safe environment for students.
Education leaders from south central Wisconsin recently held a news conference. They objected to the state’s proposed biennial K-12 funding. Dave Hoekstra, Sun Prairie Area School District Board of Education Treasurer, explained that the Joint Committee on Finance's proposal does not adequately address district needs. This financial pressure adds another layer of complexity for the newly configured board.
The board's immediate priorities will likely include reviewing existing policies. They will also need to engage with the community to understand concerns. Ensuring accountability for staff conduct and maintaining fiscal responsibility will be crucial tasks. Miller's role will be important in navigating these complex issues and helping the district move forward.
The ongoing public discussions and the need for new funding models will demand significant attention from board members. The community's engagement will remain vital as the board works to overcome its recent challenges and build a stronger future for Sun Prairie schools.
