WASB consultant reviews Kenosha Unified board survey; culture and planning emerge as focus areas

Kelly Thompson, a consultant from the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), presented the results of the district's board self-assessment at the March 25 agenda-review meeting, identifying strengths and areas for improvement and urging the trustees to choose focused board goals.

Thompson said the district scored highest in data-driven decision-making and community engagement categories and lowest in culture, planning, district operations and policy. She recommended the board take the assessment data, pick one or two board-level goals and then schedule follow-up work such as calendarizing regular reviews of capital planning, curriculum cycles and policy updates.

The presentation included a longitudinal comparison to the board's 2023 results and a comparison to statewide averages; six of nine categories improved since 2023, Thompson said, but culture and planning remained weak relative to the state. She suggested practical steps to reduce variation in board members' understanding—sharing an internal calendar of recurring agenda items, orienting new trustees, and setting agreed norms and measurable board objectives.

Members raised strongly worded concerns and described strained interpersonal dynamics. Trustee Landry urged transparency and stronger community outreach after the failed referendum. Trustee Tunney and others criticized some board colleagues for perceived uncooperative behavior; the transcript records heated comments over attendance, norms and the board's internal culture. Several trustees expressed support for a culture goal tied to maintaining high expectations for students and respectful public conduct.

Superintendent Dr. Weiss and Thompson recommended scheduling a board work session or retreat with all trustees to convert the survey findings into two or three concrete board goals and an annual calendar for recurring reviews. Thompson said the district could assign specific items (for example, capital planning or curriculum adoption cycles) to months on a calendar so trustees know when to expect reports and when to prepare questions.

The board did not adopt formal board-level goals during the meeting but discussed placing a goal-setting item on the next board agenda so all members could participate.