Winneconne Community School District sign. Aug. 27, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
WINNECONNE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Recall petitions against the president and vice president of the Winneconne Board of Education have been rejected, recall organizers say, adding another layer in ongoing contention in the small Winnebago County school district.
School Board Clerk Kari Flagg on Monday said that she has notified the petitioners of her decision and “filed the appropriate documents,” however, those documents have not been released.
Supporters of the recall effort say they believe Flagg’s decision is biased and they will immediately file a complaint with the Wisconsin Elections Commission.
The board has four members, including Flagg, backed by Moms for Liberty Winnebago County, a national organization with conservative political views that advocates for parental rights in public education and opposes LGBTQ-inclusive school curriculum.
Recall organizers say they collected 2,332 signatures received for the petition against board president Kati Calewarts and 2,308 signatures received for the petition against vice president Dean Ackmann. They needed to collect 1,475 valid signatures.
Only two board members were facing recall because Flagg and Cindy Otten haven’t served long enough to be recalled.
The Winneconne Board of Education was previously expected to review the petitions at its meeting Monday night. Instead, the petitions were addressed during public comment and following the meeting.
“It was certified insufficient,” Calewarts said after the meeting. “I’m aware because as somebody who is being recalled, that documentation was also provided to me.”
Some members of the public criticized the board.
“As leaders of the community school district, we expect you to lead your team with compassion, mercy, and understanding,” said Nate Harter, Winneconne resident. “So far, I am not seeing that out of any of you guys. We need to make some changes here.”
The petition rejection development came after Winneconne School District Administrator Peggy Larson officially retired last week. She also addressed board members during Monday’s meeting.
“I have many hopes for this group, but I want to share what my dad feels is very important. Increased awareness in local elections,” said Larson. “It’s essential to understand who you’re voting for, ask questions, engage in conversations, become informed before you go to the ballot box, and most importantly, vote.”
Fighting through tears, she thanked the community for allowing her to work with them and was greeted with a standing ovation as she left.
“Having the opportunity to serve this district and play a part in the lives and education of our students has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Thank you,” she said.
Larson was placed on paid leave in August. In a statement Friday, Larson said she wasn’t planning to retire and she challenged the results of an investigation that preceded her retirement. That investigation has not been publicly released, although FOX 11 has requested the related records.
While the four members with connections to Moms for Liberty were the four who voted to place Larson on leave, Calewarts denies that the four form a bloc.
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