The Wauwatosa School Board is under fire after a recent settlement highlighted serious legal violations and financial mismanagement within the district. 

Michael Meier, a current board member, successfully sued his own board for repeatedly violating Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law. The district settled the case for an eye-popping $132,500, a stark reminder of the importance of transparency in public institutions, according to Wisconsin Public Radio.

Meier’s lawsuit, filed in November 2022, accused the board of holding secret meetings, discussing public records requests behind closed doors, and using private channels to collaborate outside of properly noticed sessions. Despite his victory, Meier expressed little satisfaction, emphasizing that the settlement’s hefty price tag should highlight the severity of what has happened within the school district. 

The timing of this settlement couldn’t be worse for the Wauwatosa School District, which is already grappling with a $4 million accounting error and plans to request an additional $124.4 million in funding through two November referendums. The financial burden of the settlement, coupled with the district’s existing deficit, raises serious concerns about the board’s ability to manage public funds responsibly.

Superintendent Demond Means has attempted to downplay the significance of the settlement, suggesting it allows the board to refocus on strategic goals. However, the fallout from this scandal may undermine the board’s credibility as they seek further taxpayer support. As the district moves forward, transparency and accountability will be crucial to restoring public trust.