By Patricia Bogumil
Editor
Two 15-year teachers at Waterford High School were recently notified school administration is recommending their employment contracts not be renewed for 2014-15.
Each met with the full school board May 7 in a closed, non-public meeting that was not publicly posted according to state Open Meetings rules.
Nevertheless, what school officials call their “private conference” with each teacher drew a crowd of concerned students and parents who heard via the grapevine what was happening that evening.
The teachers’ supporters were planning to be back, with reinforcements, when the school board next meets tonight, May 14, 7:30 p.m., at the high school.
• Social Studies teacher Brad Slinde met in closed session with the full school board in his private conference May 7 to plead his case against getting laid off. Slinde was unsuccessful. The board reportedly voted in closed session May 7 to not renew Slinde’s teaching contract, citing performance issues, which Slinde disputes.
• Math teacher Jody Johnsrud also met in a closed private conference with the school board May 7 to plead his case. His employment situation was reportedly left open, without a board vote taken.
A thumbs-up or thumbs-down vote on Johnsrud is likely at the board’s next meeting, May 14.
Johnsrud could lose his job because of a need to cut staff for math, in which fewer students have enrolled than in the past, according to Superintendent Keith Brandstetter. But Johnsrud – no slouch at understanding numbers – disputes Brandstetter’s figures and hopes to convince the board May 14 that Brandstetter’s figures just don’t add up.
Closed meeting issues
Meanwhile, some parents are questioning the legality of the May 7 meeting. Madison attorney Bob Dreps, who specializes in the state’s Open Meetings Law, considers that a valid point and addresses the issue in a telephone interview with the Waterford Post.
For the full story, see the May 16 print edition of the Waterford Post.
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My son was fortunate enough to have Mr. Slinde as a history teacher. He was able to reach each child no matter their strengths or limitations. He cared about his students enough to stay after class or meet them before school began because HE CARED! PERFORMANCE ISSUES my Bum! Parents were able to contact Mr. Slinde and he would always respond, is the school aware of that? My question is this! Who will replace Mr. Slinde? Does that person know someone on the School Board? Ask any student about Mr. Slinde and they will all respond the same thing, “he was able to teach not instruct, he reached every student including those who rather not be in class, he went above and beyond what other teaches did, basically he CARED and WE LEARNED”! Maybe he just didn’t schmooze enough w/ administration like some that have jobs and shouldn’t. School Board playing games with teachers that give a hoot is unacceptable!
My son has Mr. Slinde for History. History is a hard class to teach and it can be very boring. My son loves Mr. Slinde’s class because he makes is very interesting. Mr. Slinde cares so much about his students. I was at the School Board meeting on May 14th and to see many of those students come up and talk from their heart was very moving! How the Board can just ignore what the students and parents had to say is unacceptable. The Board based all their information on what the administration had to say. Someone said at the Board meeting if Slinde was a coach in a major sport at school would they even consider letting him go. Is WUHS about academics and reaching of students who don’t want to learn or is it more of what sport the teacher is a coaching. Few years ago a current teacher was involved with some inappropriate behavior with a female student. Back then there was Unions to protect this persons job. My question with this behavior and no unions anymore, why wasn’t he first on the chopping block? Is it because he is a head coach of one of the major sports at the school? I wonder if parents brought this up again, how would parents feel about these two good teachers being let go? Good Luck Mr. Slinde (I would have said the the other teacher, but they decided to give him a contract) – I hope you get a good lawyer to represent you against the school. God Bless you and thank you for your years of service and your wonderful teaching skills!!
Agree! Mr. Slinde wasn’t an athletic coach instead he was every one of his students’ coach. But we all know.. if you coach sports your job is secure! Slinde will find a better place to work, where Administration will appreciate his dedication to his students. Funny how WUHS views “sports” as education and they always find deep pockets. New uniforms.. done! New field..done! Yet the band had to raise money for their uniforms. Ever wonder where our School Board’s true interest is? I agree, if Slinde was a coach, his job would have been secured. Surely the Board wouldn’t offer the job to someone they know, now would they? Mr. Slinde was an inspiration to my son, his friends and myself. His dedication is unsurpassed by anyone. Two teachers that made a difference in my son’s life “Slinde and Musilek” both gone! What does that say for WUHS. Maybe they just cared too much! Mr. Slinde, God’s Speed! We pray you find a home where others appreciate your sincerity and caring ways! You will always remain an inspiration to us and MANY other students.