WAUKESHA, Wis. – An increasing number of teachers and staff are leaving the Waukesha School District, causing concern among colleagues and families.
Carrie Kummrow, president of the Waukesha Education Association, said: “There are 54 resignations this school year. It’s double what it was two years ago and growing every year. That number isn’t even there. includes data from July and August,” said Carrie Kummrow, president of the Waukesha Education Association.
The union president clarified 54 resignations from April, May and June alone.
Kummrow cites a number of reasons for teachers leaving, including a lack of professional trust, concerns about COVID safety protocols, being repeatedly asked to do more with less, and not being adequately compensated. deserving, and lacking in diversity, inclusion and equity.
Public school districts in Milwaukee, Racine and Green Bay approved a 4.7% cost-of-living increase for teachers next year.
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Waukesha Education Association addresses teacher resignations
Kummrow said Waukesha’s board offered a 2.5% base rate along with $1,000 stipends and additional pay for some employees, but that still had to be voted on.
The biggest concern is how a staff revolving door will affect student learning outcomes.
Kummrow believes there will be a systematic change from the school board to attract and keep teachers in Waukesha.
“The fact that it’s on tonight’s board agenda sends a message of hope so that’s all we can hope for,” Kummrow said.
TMJ4 News reached out to district officials and school board members but did not receive a response to inquiries.
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During Wednesday’s meeting, there was a back-and-forth discussion about the district’s loss of teachers and why.
According to the local teachers association, the number of teachers leaving the Waukesha School District has doubled in the past two years.
“This is not a problem. It’s not going to go away. You can’t wait for it,” said parent David Simmons.
Despite the departure, others at the meeting expressed support for the board, and some of the board’s recent decisions were cited as reasons for the teacher’s departure.
“I just wanted to say thank you. Back to the basics,” said parent Kathy Keller.
We spoke to a number of teachers who resigned, citing issues like salary caps and politicization as ways to resign.
Amy Menzel, who is resigning, said: “It has been really difficult working here for the past few years. “I haven’t had a raise in five years. The district’s pay model has set me apart.”
Following public comment, the board shared numbers that tell a different story. Up to now, 63 teachers have resigned from their jobs in the district. However, the data for 2022 only covers the first six months of the year.
The number of people resigning in 2022 so far, is close to the total for 2018 and 2019.
