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Many of you have contacted the SASD regarding concerns about results in student achievement. Currently, 91% of high school students in the SASD attend a high school that meets few or fails to meet expectations. Most students that attend South High School, North High School, and Central High School are basic or below basic in reading, writing, and Math. Seth Harvatine responded that the SASD utilizes a long-range plan to address these concerns.

In examining the long-range strategic plan, there are even more reasons to be concerned. The Sheboygan Area School District (SASD) has left many of us frustrated and deeply disappointed with their strategic planning and accountability approach. It’s incredibly concerning that the SASD has chosen to use its own accountability tool, the Career and College Readiness (CCR) Report Card, instead of the established state report card. This decision only creates confusion and raises doubts about their commitment to transparency and consistency.

What adds to the frustration is the SASD’s lack of transparency regarding the CCR data. Where is this data published? Despite claiming to value stakeholder engagement and a “we mentality,” they fall short of delivering on those promises by withholding crucial information about student performance and college readiness. What are they hiding?

Furthermore, the first goal of the SASD’s strategic plan is to ensure that all students are engaged in a rigorous and relevant curriculum. What does this mean? The lack of clarity and a way to measure if the goal is met does little to instill confidence in the SASD.

Additionally, the SASD’s decision to use their own CCR report card as an accountability tool raises legitimate concerns about the validity and effectiveness of their continuous improvement efforts. Not using the same standardized measurement tools as other districts in the state makes it impossible to track progress accurately and evaluate their performance in a meaningful way.

As concerned stakeholders, it’s crucial that we demand answers and accountability from the SASD. We have the right to know how our students perform and how our tax dollars are utilized. Let’s unite as a community to express our frustrations and call for transparency. By voicing our concerns, we can push the SASD to reassess their approach and work towards a more effective and accountable system that truly serves the best interests of our students.

Here are several questions you can send directly to SASD Superintendent Seth Harvatine at sharvatine@sasd.net:

• Why is the Career and College Readiness (CCR) Report Card data not available to the public?
• How can the SASD be trusted to measure accountability when the measurement tool is hidden from the public?
• When will the SASD release to the public all the CCR data from the start of implementation to now for South, North and Central High School?

On a related note, the SASD Board is responsible for governance, including hiring a superintendent. Recently, the Board decided to hire internally for that role. The School Board has an obligation to answer questions of stakeholders regarding governance.

Here are several questions you can send directly to SASD Board President Mary Lynn Donohue at mldonohue@sasd.net:

• Does the current school board support the direction of the SASD based on this strategic plan?
• Does the school board support the current levels of achievement at South, North and Central High Schools?
• What is the school board policy regarding the superintendent keeping the CCR data hidden from the public?

Is the SASD delivering a return on your investment (tax dollars) in terms of student achievement results and preparing kids for life after high school? You have a right to know how the SASD measures and holds itself accountable!