The Sun Prairie Area School District is experiencing significant internal division as parents, residents, and staff debate the accountability of its leadership. The controversy centers on the district's handling of events preceding criminal charges filed against a former high school administrator, prompting a formal vote of 'no confidence' in the superintendent.
A recent school board meeting highlighted the starkly different views within the community, with some speakers defending Superintendent Brad Saron while others demanded greater responsibility and transparency following the charges against a former employee.
Key Takeaways
- Former West High School dean Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier is facing both state and federal child pornography charges.
- Community members are divided over the performance of Superintendent Brad Saron, leading to a tense public debate.
- At a recent annual electors meeting, a 'no confidence' motion against Superintendent Saron passed by a vote of 68 to 45.
- A recent school board meeting featured emotional testimony from both supporters and critics of the district's administration.
Community Tensions Erupt at Board Meeting
The growing friction within the Sun Prairie community was evident at a Monday night school board meeting. The session was marked by tense moments as residents and district employees presented conflicting perspectives on the administration's leadership, particularly that of Superintendent Brad Saron.
The debate comes in the wake of serious criminal allegations against Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, a former dean at West High School. While Gilkey-Meisegeier is no longer employed by the district, questions about the administration's oversight and responsibility have persisted, creating a clear divide among community members.
Some staff members spoke out in strong support of the superintendent. Patrick Marsh Middle School Principal Rebecca Zahn was among those who defended Saron's leadership during the public meeting.
"It's rare to find a superintendent who truly puts students, not politics, first," Zahn stated during her comments to the board.
'No Confidence' Vote Signals Public Discontent
The community's dissatisfaction was formally expressed at a recent annual electors meeting. During this session, a motion of 'no confidence' in Superintendent Saron was put to a vote. The motion passed with 68 electors voting in favor and 45 against.
Vote of No Confidence
The resolution expressing a lack of confidence in Superintendent Brad Saron was approved by a margin of 23 votes (68-45) at the school district electors meeting.
For many parents and residents, the vote was a necessary step to signal a serious loss of trust in the district's leadership. Sun Prairie resident Tracey Frank emphasized that the outcome was a direct call for action and responsibility.
"We need accountability and I think that's what electors asked for was accountability," Frank said. "Anyone in the room, I would think has some concerns about the news that has come out, the harm to students."
What is an Electors Meeting?
In some Wisconsin school districts, an annual electors meeting allows qualified voters within the district's boundaries to vote on certain issues, such as the school budget and tax levy. While a 'no confidence' vote is often symbolic and not legally binding on the school board for employment decisions, it serves as a powerful public statement of community sentiment.
Parents Cite Safety and Leadership Failures
The core of the criticism against the administration revolves around the principle of ultimate responsibility. Some parents argue that as the district's top leader, the superintendent must be held accountable for any failures that occur under his watch, regardless of direct involvement.
This sentiment was shared in a local Sun Prairie Facebook group, where one parent drew a parallel to military leadership: "...in the military, even if you have nothing to do with the incident, if you are in charge and something bad happens, you are responsible."
Resident Brent Eisberner, who has been vocal in his criticism, explained that the situation has eroded his trust to the point where he has removed his children from the district. He believes the issues go beyond a single incident.
“He's been the leader of the administration of the school district here, while numerous criminal actions have occurred,” Eisberner said of the superintendent. “I don't think parents should have to worry about, if I send my daughter to this school, is she going to be sexually assaulted by a staff member?”
These comments reflect a deeper concern among some families that systemic issues may exist, and they are looking to the highest level of leadership for answers and assurance that student safety is the absolute top priority.
Legal Proceedings in Gilkey-Meisegeier Case
While the community debates administrative accountability, the legal case against the former dean, Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, is moving forward. He is facing charges of child pornography at both the state and federal levels.
The next step in the judicial process is a meeting scheduled for October 30. On this date, attorneys involved in the case will confer with a judge to establish a timeline for future court proceedings.
The outcome of the legal case is separate from the internal district debate, but the allegations remain the catalyst for the ongoing calls for accountability and transparency from Sun Prairie school officials. The community remains watchful as both the court case and the internal district discussions continue to unfold.