'We are taking action': Wauwatosa School District superintendent says bad behavior will not be tolerated

WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Wauwatosa School District is taking a new stance on fighting and inappropriate behavior after parents passionately expressed concerns about the safety of their kids during a school board meeting on Monday.

One parent, Kate Bertram, told CBS 58 there are typically two to three fights each week at her daughter's Wauwatosa high school.

"The disciplinary process is very forgiving," Bertram said. "Our children deserve a system that protects them."

Superintendent Dr. Demond Means sent a letter home on Wednesday telling families it's time to take action.

"I am outraged and frustrated with the students who blatantly reject the code of conduct of our school district. The behavior is unacceptable and is not tolerated," Means said in the letter. "I share the community’s disappointment and frustration with the students (and families) who have engaged in irresponsible and inappropriate behavior on our school grounds."

The district has issued 14 expulsion notices so far this year, more than the last seven years combined, according to Means.

"We're not going to sacrifice our learning environment anymore for students who can't follow our rules," Means told CBS 58.

In the letter, Means said the students who become involved in fighting, physical altercations, classroom disruptions and other chronic behavior will be severely disciplined. 

"The bottom line is there are students making poor decisions and they are against our values, and if that's continuing to happen, we're going to remove those students from our schools, that's it," Means said.

It's not just students. Some parents are also physically getting involved, forcing one school to shelter in place last week.

"We have a strong partnership with the Wauwatosa Police Department. Those individuals will receive citations," Means said.

Parents, like Bertram, said they're hoping the district lives up to its message.

"I think Dr. Means heard the concern and outrage on Monday night and I think that's great. It will be very telling on what we see now going forward," Bertram said. "Wauwatosa is a great place and we just want it back."

Meanwhile, the message is a little too late for other families.

Tanya Jahr told CBS 58 she plans on enrolling her son in high school in a different district next year.

"I was hoping that these behaviors would have gotten under control by now, but I don't see that happening," Jahr said.

The superintendent is encouraging students to use the Speak Up, Speak Out tipline to report concerns.