(Fox 11 Online)
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — An investigation into whether two Oshkosh Area School District board members were operating fake Facebook profiles to oppose the district’s upcoming referendum found no wrongdoing.
Documents show Mallory Schneider Birschbach, a district parent, requested the investigation.
Board members Tim Hess and Kelly DeWitt admitted to creating the Facebook aliases. In her complaint, Schneider Birschbach alleged the board members were posing as Mike Melter and Missy Green. Both pages have since been deleted.
The complainant says, “These two need to be held accountable for their behavior. They have been using these profiles for partisan gain, and it’s apparent that their messaging is negatively affecting this district and community, as whole.”
District documents show the fake pages were used to oppose the district’s 2025 referendum. The $197.8 million plan calls for the consolidation of middle schools and the repurposing of existing facilities.
The Facebook pages existed long before the referendum came into view — they were also used to oppose the closing of Merrill Middle School.
The investigation determined the Facebook profiles did not violate the district’s social media policy because they were found publicly — which puts them outside of the scope of the policy.
In a joint statement from DeWitt and Hess, they said:
We believe the complaint filed by the citizen in question was nothing more than a partisan attempt to cause division among the Board and censure views and opinions with which the complainant disagrees.
They also say their viewpoints are protected constitutionally, and fostering community discussion of district issues shouldn’t be viewed as an attempt to undermine anyone.
However, the other board members condemn the pair’s actions, stating:
Regardless of the determination, this is a serious concern and this behavior is not in line with our expectations of each other as elected officials. We believe that our community deserves both the facts and our collective commitment to ethical and professional leadership.
You can read the full statement from the Board below.
The Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education has concluded an investigation into allegations regarding the social media conduct of Board Members Dr. Tim Hess and Kelly DeWitt. Following a formal complaint by a community member, an investigation was conducted by the Board of Education’s legal counsel. The Board issues the following statement from Board President Beth Wyman:
“The Board recently investigated potential policy violations by two board members regarding social media accounts used to undermine the Board of Education, the District and district staff. It was determined that insufficient evidence exists to find a violation of Board Policy. Regardless of the determination, this is a serious concern and this behavior is not in line with our expectations of each other as elected officials. We believe that our community deserves both the facts and our collective commitment to ethical and professional leadership.
Speaking on behalf of Dr. Hess and Ms. DeWitt, their legal counsel acknowledged that the Facebook page with the alias “Mike Melter” belonged to Dr. Hess and the Facebook page with the alias “Missy Green” belonged to Ms. DeWitt. The alias pages have been deleted.
Our guiding principle as a district is unequivocally ‘Students First.’ The Board is deeply disappointed that board member behavior has diverted attention and efforts away from our core mission of education and the betterment of our district’s future. Any deviation from this focus diminishes the educational opportunities available to our children.
As board members, we must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior. It is our duty to ensure that trust is placed in our guidance and leadership. We remain steadfast in our dedication to creating an atmosphere where educational excellence thrives, and where every student is given the opportunity to succeed. In doing so, we pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.”
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