Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Accountability topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents and teachers urge independent investigation; union and residents criticize leadership and staff treatment
Summary
Multiple speakers during public comment asked the board to launch a third‑party investigation into Superintendent Dr. Jeff Flagg’s conduct and raised concerns about staff treatment, employee engagement and public comment decorum at recent meetings.
Several community members and a teachers’ organization representative used the first public comment period at the Dec. 2 Fond du Lac School District Board meeting to call for a third‑party investigation into superintendent conduct and to describe a hostile working environment.
John Horn, speaking on behalf of the Fond du Lac Education Association, said teachers feel “unheard and undervalued” and urged the board to work with staff to address treatment and retention issues. Horn identified the FEA as the professional association representing district teachers.
Resident Matt Straveler told the board he was “extremely disappointed” that no independent investigation had been launched following episodes he described at Woodworth Middle School and elsewhere. Straveler said the board’s public communications had promised collaboration but had not produced action, and he urged a third‑party review as a way to “put the community at ease.”
Other speakers raised related concerns. Wayne Wilson warned the board about possible First Amendment litigation if public comment rules were applied unevenly and called for the board president to resign and for administrative leave for the superintendent pending an independent review. Resident Luke Frame and others said they feared a “fear‑based” culture in which teachers feel unable to speak candidly; Frame asked the board to reconsider the “hyper‑focusing on testing” and the perceived pressure on teachers and students.
Why it matters: public calls for an independent investigation and for administrative interventions — including requests that the board place the superintendent on administrative leave — are matters the board may decide to act on or to decline. Several speakers tied the concerns to employee retention and student learning.
Board members did not take immediate action on the requests during the meeting. The presiding officer reminded speakers of policy 0167.3 on public comment rules; several speakers referred to the First Amendment in arguing their rights to speak. The board acknowledged receipt of public comments and continued the meeting to scheduled business.
Quotes in context: John Horn, identifying himself as speaking for the Fond du Lac Education Association, said the FEA “stands firmly committed to the well‑being of our educators” and that staff “feel unheard and undervalued.” Matt Straveler said, “You are choosing to do nothing,” and urged the board to “launch a third party investigation.” Wayne Wilson said the board’s enforcement of decorum at a previous meeting violated a speaker’s First Amendment rights, and he called for the board president to step down.
The board did not vote on a request for investigation during the meeting. Several board members later praised teachers and asked administration to maintain focus on students while the board continues to receive public input.
