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Wauwatosa outlines DEIA, student-services and special-education changes ahead of August board meeting
Summary
District leaders described expansions in DEIA work, multi-level student supports, and special-education process changes; equity-walk proficiency rose and initial special-education evaluations decreased from 201 to 186 this year.
Shondaanda Holland, director of diversity and inclusion, told the board the district launched an inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. speech and art contest, assigned a DEIA advocate to each building and delivered districtwide DEIA-focused professional learning. Holland said equity-walk data improved between semesters: "proficiency increased to 64.3% on those same equity core beliefs" from 57.1% earlier in the year.
Staff framed these efforts as part of multi-level systems of support (MLSS). Presenters described new child study teams, continued implementation of restorative practices and a push to integrate social-emotional and behavioral learning in classrooms. Programs highlighted included Best Buddies, Own It, True School and Girls on the Run.
Daryl Hansen and other staff said student services intensified small-group social-emotional and behavioral supports; approximately 260 students engaged in those services in the first semester of 2024–25. Hansen also described the Aurora Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP), saying it can provide "up to six sessions per issue" and that school-level administrative referrals are lower than desired; the district plans to increase expectations around SFAP utilization.
Stacy Clum, director of special education, said alignment of evaluation processes with MLSS led to a decrease in initial special-education evaluations from 201 to 186 this past year and that the district has introduced collaborative IEP team meeting agendas to increase family voice. Staff said they are at the "evaluate" stage for K–8 social-emotional learning curriculums Second Step and Character Strong and will examine fidelity going forward.
Why this matters: the updates affect curriculum choices, family engagement in IEPs, and how the district allocates staff and limited space for programs such as champions. Presenters pointed to the attendance hub launched in 2023 and said academic and career planning (ACP) will be a focus in the next strategic plan.
Staff closed by urging community partnership, reminding families to use school channels and by opening the floor for board questions. The complete presentation will be delivered to the board at the August meeting.
