Parents speak out following ruling against West Allis-West Milwaukee School District

 

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- A Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) ruling against the West Allis-West Milwaukee (WAWM) School District in a bullying case has parents fired up and calling for resignations.

One parent said she wants to know how much money's been spent on attorney fees after this ruling came out last week, forcing the district to come up with a corrective action plan that includes additional staff training. 

"Why is the school so afraid to discipline these people? Is there a double standard?" said Alexander Stonehouse, parent.

A dozen parents asked the hard questions at the first board meeting since the DPI ruling was released. The DPI ruling is about a 6th grade student with disabilities at Lane Intermediate who was repeatedly bullied by classmates -- the last incident of which he was body slammed, hitting his head on the pavement. 

In addressing it, administrators went against the school's own policy on bullying. 

"The superintendent, assistant superintendent and school board president are held to higher standards, and the handling of this case, those standards were not met," said Gary Schultz, former WAWM School Board member. 

Parents said what's happening in the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District's not only embarrassing, it's also not safe for students, and the disruptions are affecting their education.

"Just last week, we had, I think it was we had another incident at Nathan Hale where there was a big brawl interrupting exams," said David Jesse, WAWM School Board candidate. 

Parents put a lot of blame on Superintendent Marty Lexmond, so they're calling for him to step down, along with the board president. 

"It's just absolutely disgusting, and for him to put on a good face and make everything sound fine, and it really stinks. That's why I asked for him to leave tonight," said Steve Broadwell, who lives in the district. 

"What good is an anti-bullying policy if nothing is done? It's time to have accountability for those who bully in our schools," said parent Rhonda Noyse.

We talked to the superintendent and a handful of board members Monday night, each declining to talk about parents' concerns, saying these are ongoing student issues.