To read more posts regarding Academic Failures: Sheboygan Area School District, click here.

**Lack of Transparency**

One of the key issues plaguing the SASD is its lack of transparency and accountability. The established state report card ranked the SASD in the bottom 9% of all school districts. Instead of addressing and reversing these poor academic trends, the district decided to create its own Career and College Readiness (CCR) Report Card. Parents and taxpayers want to know why they changed? And how does this improve academic achievement and readiness for the work world? The SASD has stonewalled in answering the key question: Why is the SASD hiding the CCR Report Card Data?

Superintendent Harvatine recently responded to the email of a concerned stakeholder by comparing the SASD high schools to Green Bay’s high schools, calling it an “apples to apples” comparison. As pointed out in our previous message, this comparison was both inaccurate and laced with misinformation. And when SASD Board President Mary Lynne Donohue receives emails from concerned parents, she simply defers to the superintendent. Why is she, an elected official, not responding to her stakeholders directly?

**Poor Student Achievement (Return on Investment)**

The SASD is in the bottom 9% of all Wisconsin school districts. And it is NOT improving. State report card ratings reveal that 91% of SASD high school students attend schools that meet few or fail to meet expectations. The majority of students that attend South, North, and Central High Schools are basic or below basic in Reading, Writing and Math! For a city that not long ago touted its schools as a reason for young families to move here, this is both appalling and unacceptable!

When Superintendent Harvatine directed a stakeholder to compare SASD high schools with Green Bay, the data revealed that all Green Bay High Schools perform better than South and Central. Three of the four Green Bay high schools perform better than North! In a self-proclaimed “apples to apples” comparison, SASD underperforms Green Bay high schools.

But it gets worse! Comparing South, North and Central to Milwaukee Public High schools is even more alarming. The majority of MPS high schools outperform South and Central. SASD high schools are worse than MPS high schools.

The SASD receives $159 million annually, predominantly from taxpayers’ pockets. Average spending at SASD high schools is over $13,000 per student; yet student achievement remains abysmal. The district’s focus on lowering taxes while neglecting academic improvement raises concerns about its priorities. Taxpayers and parents rightly demand that the SASD change course and use their money more effectively to give children the education they deserve.

**Damaged Trust in the Community**

The SASD’s lack of transparency and poor academic results have severely damaged trust within the community. Stakeholders feel frustrated, disappointed, and unheard. The current school board and school board president are incapable of correcting this concern. Though they are elected to serve the taxpayers, they simply refuse to reply to emails from stakeholders. Is it any wonder why they have lost the trust of this community? They are unfit for public office!

**Demanding Accountability and Change**

As concerned stakeholders, it is our responsibility to demand answers and accountability from the SASD. We must unite as a community, voice our frustrations, and urge the SASD to implement a more effective academic system and a way to see clear results. The SASD must prioritize student achievement, provide transparent and accurate measurement tools, and demonstrate a commitment to restoring trust within the community.

The time for you to act is now!

You are the solution! Be part of a movement to improve your community!

• Website: TakeBackSheboyganCounty.com
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