In a controversial move made behind closed doors, the Wauwatosa School Board has voted to terminate the charter of WSTEM — the Wauwatosa STEM School — one of the highest-performing elementary schools in Wisconsin. The school, which is housed within Wilson Elementary, will close on June 30, 2026, despite previously receiving board approval to operate through 2030. The 4-2 vote to close the school came fast, and blindsided the community.
WSTEM has been recognized as one of the top three elementary schools in the state by U.S. News & World Report, celebrated for its rigorous curriculum in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Its sudden closure has left parents shocked and local officials outraged. It was one of the few shining spots in Wauwatosa, a school district that was once a shining star and now struggling according to school report cards.
WSTEM report card gives them a score of 94.6 out of 100. The school outperforms 1,202 of the 1,206 elementary schools in Wisconsin, putting them in the top 5 elementary schools in the state.
Critics say the decision is politically motivated and rooted in the district’s desire to “racially balance” schools — a move they argue violates federal law and the constitutional rights of students.
WILL (Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty) announced legal action against the Wauwatosa School District. In October 2024, WILL Deputy Counsel, Dan Lennington, declared, “Shutting down science and math programs because too many white students are in the program is despicable, and illegal. As we promised to do, WILL is taking every legal action available to reverse this damaging decision. If the Biden Administration does not open an investigation, we hope the new Trump Administration will.”
School Board Member Michael Meier also broke ranks with the board’s decision, expressing concern over the long-term impact of diversity-driven policy decisions. “Students and families deserve a high-quality education, which is why I am speaking out,” said Meier. “The prolonged, arbitrary DEI-driven focus on racial composition has, in my view, undermined both education and safety, now culminating in the push to close the WSTEM school. I welcome a federal investigation and urge the public to join me in speaking out.”
The district plans to replace WSTEM with a “STEM for All” initiative, introducing a STEM elective across elementary schools. But many fear this is a watered-down replacement that will erase a proven program in the name of ideology.
Families and advocates say the fight to save WSTEM is not over. With lawsuits, organizing efforts, and public campaigns underway, they intend to preserve one of Wisconsin’s most successful education models — and hold the board accountable.