PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — There was a different atmosphere Monday night at the Fond du Lac School District’s Board of Education meeting — the first since their embattled superintendent announced he was stepping down.
Just a few months ago, another school board meeting was full of people looking to oust Superintendent Jeffrey Fleig from his position.
But on Monday, many people, like Richard Gedemer, spoke in Fleig’s support.
“Fond du Lac should weep for losing Dr. Jeffery Fleig, a superintendent who has led this district through a great transformation where there is a focus on student academic achievement,” Gedemer said.
Jen Lucas shared a similar sentiment. “I’m grateful for your leadership. I think Fond du Lac hopefully, we can unite, hopefully this school, this community.”
Others, like Brian Willis, said Fleig leaving was ultimately the right decision.
“We need leadership in this district with the best interest of our students, teachers and staff,” he said. “We currently have leadership with their best interests in mind. Just because members of this board are not running for reelection or are retiring, does not mean that they are free from accountability.”
Fleig drew criticism last fall from parents and teachers who said he mistreated staff and belittled them in front of co-workers.
Paula Klapperich, a member of the Facebook group titled ‘LOSS OF CONFIDENCE in Fond du Lac Superintendent Jeffery Fleig’ was at the meeting, and says they look forward to the next steps.
“That a superintendent is hired that will come in and will listen to the parents, will listen to the community, will listen to the community, and just, you know, just kind of take it all in,” Klapperich said.
The Fond du Lac school board did not offer comments, but discussed the looming vacancy of the superintendent position within closed session.
You can read Fleig’s full letter announcing his resignation below:
Dear Families:
After taking time to reflect over winter break, I realized it is time to prioritize my family. My son attends Arizona State University and is on the swim team. Over the next three years, I want to focus on supporting him as he competes at the NCAA Division I level and prepares for the 2028 Olympic Trials.
As I prepare for the next chapter, I am announcing my intent to retire on June 30, 2025. My mission in the Fond du Lac School District is complete. I am grateful to the community, the administrative team, the superintendent’s office staff, and all staff members for your support.
After more than three years of leading the Fond du Lac School District, I can confidently say that we are now in a much stronger position than when I took the helm on July 1, 2021. I am especially proud that, for the first time in 11 years, all 14 schools have met expectations on the DPI Report Card. Furthermore, our district’s ranking has risen to 205 out of 421 in the State of Wisconsin, a remarkable leap from 375 out of 421 when I started. These impressive results are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our administration and staff.
I implore the Board and the staff to stay the course, focusing on student outcomes, going forward. I look forward to watching the Fond du Lac School District continue its upward trajectory from afar.
Sincerely,
Jeff Fleig, Ph.D.
Superintendent
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