McFarland School Board votes 5-0 to enter closed session over certified staff personnel complaint

School Board President Meghan Fessler called the special McFarland School Board meeting to order April 2, 2026, at 6:01 p.m. in the District Office Board Room at McFarland High School. Bruce Fischer, District Clerk, moved “to go into closed session at 6:11 p.m. under Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(g) Conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved and (f) Considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons … (To discuss certified staff personnel complaint).” Megan Chatman seconded the motion and a roll-call vote recorded Meghan Fessler, Craig Howery, Bruce Fischer, Megan Chatman and Meredith Hughey as voting Aye; the motion carried 5-0.

The meeting record lists no administrators present and identifies guests in attendance as attorney Shana Lewis of Renning, Lewis, & Lacy, s.c.; Kimberly Walker; and Tracy Tompkins of MWH Law Group. The board “discussed a certified staff personnel complaint with legal counsel,” according to the public minutes; because that discussion occurred in closed session, the transcript contains no further substantive detail about the complaint or any personnel actions. Later in the meeting, Megan Chatman moved to adjourn, Meredith Hughey seconded, and the motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m. Bruce Fischer, District Clerk, is listed as the person who respectfully submitted the minutes.