Resident at Waukesha school board meeting alleges district is "tracking" students' orientation at Butler

At the Aug. 14 Waukesha School District Board of Education meeting, public commenter Paul Rees told the board he believes district staff are "tracking the orientation and activities" of students at Butler and said the practice was "Orwellian." Rees spoke during the meeting’s public comment period and asked that the board call the staff member he referenced to explain the matter.

“I don't know if you actually read the speech, but it was Orwellian in nature,” Rees said. “...they're tracking the orientation of our students and how they're doing in their schools.” He later asked that the board “call on him to come and answer to this board what is going on at Butler.”

Rees referenced a previous discussion involving a Mr. Rakowski and “PLPs” (personal learning plans) and said he had listened to the earlier remarks multiple times. He characterized the episode as cause for concern but did not offer documentary evidence during his remarks. The board did not debate or take action in response during the meeting record.

The comment period was open for one speaker; the board’s public‑comment procedures, announced at the start of the meeting, allow up to five minutes per speaker and a three‑minute notice on timing. No formal investigation or staff response was recorded in the meeting minutes from Aug. 14.

Ending The board did not announce follow-up action on this comment during the meeting. Any request to investigate or respond formally would require a separate agenda item or administrative follow-up.