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Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Regular Meeting – Monday @ 5:15 –
CLOSED SESSION agenda pertains to discussion of employee leave of absence, employee sick days, SRO agreement and contract negotiation, nonrenewals, and negotiations.

Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
5:15 p.m.
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5:15 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82193883769?pwd=3i3xKyt1rS0HePeIu7d71txvFVA8xO.1
– Passcode: 234962
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 821 9388 3769
– Passcode: 234962
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Closed Session
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online – OPEN SESSION

Agenda (click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes proposal for a CTE (Career & Technical Education) Coordinator
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82923975255?pwd=RzJiRjJmclJYaVhzTWFCTjduQXRVQT09
– Passcode: 462046
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 829 2397 5255
– Passcode: 462046

City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes report on tree sale.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84880316529?pwd=PbAibfdQfgddmJzOil86ztpVNW38Eq.1
Meeting ID: 848 8031 6529
Passcode: 686860
Editor’s note: The phone number has not yet been provided; hopefully it will be added to the agenda – see link above.

City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Editor’s note: The agenda has not yet been provided as of 4/27/25.

Back to calendar

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

As was previously reported on The Banner, Whitewater Unified School District Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty has submitted her resignation effective June 30. There has been little community participation in the initial focus groups from which the Whitewater Unified School District School Board is seeking input as they pursue the search for a new district superintendent. Reportedly the initial in-person meeting on April 22, which was poorly advertised, was attended by only three persons. There were only nine participants in the Zoom meeting on April 24, during which, Scott Winch, a representative from the search firm, indicated that there were approximately 200 responses to a survey. He also stated that there have already been about 20 applicants for the position. Applications may be received through April 30. The first round of interviews will take place on May 12-13, with final interviews scheduled for May 22. Parents and community members will have an opportunity to meet and interact with the candidates on May 22 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Further information will be forthcoming.

Persons who may be unable to participate in one of the focus groups are welcome to submit comments to Winch at scottwinch@hyasearch.com.

The following was provided by WUSD.
WUSD Moves Forward with Superintendent Search

The Whitewater Unified School District School Board has engaged executive search
firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates (HYA) to lead the search for the district’s next superintendent.

As part of the search process, HYA will facilitate a series of focus groups.
These sessions are designed to gather input from students, staff, families, community members, and local
organizations. The feedback collected will help shape the profile for the district’s next leader.

Below are the dates, times, and locations of the community sessions:
● Friday, April 25, 12:00-12:45 p.m. for Businesses, Civic Groups, Parents, and Community Members.
Virtual Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/91902953403?pwd=OBRWLQJn7fhON4gPdwKnZZnkKWxGuF.1
Meeting ID: 919 0295 3403 Passcode: 908035
● Wednesday, April 30, 6:00-6:45 p.m. for Businesses, Civic Groups, Parents, and Community
Members in-person at Whitewater High School Library, 534 S. Elizabeth Street, 2nd Floor,
Whitewater, WI

All focus groups will address the same set of questions, including:
● What are the strengths of the Whitewater Unified School District that the next superintendent can
build upon?
● What are the challenges facing the Whitewater Unified School District that the next superintendent
should be aware of, or that you would like to see addressed?
● What characteristics or traits are you looking for in your new superintendent?
● Is there anything else you would like to share with us regarding the Whitewater Unified School
District?
● HYA will be recruiting potential superintendent candidates for this position. Is there anyone that you
can think of who might be a good fit as your new superintendent that we should contact? If so,
please share or email us his/her name and contact information.

The school board and HYA will use the input gathered from these conversations to guide the
recruitment and selection of superintendent candidates in the coming weeks.

The Making of Our Planet with Dan Tapster – Sunday, April 27 @ 3:00 p.m.

From the Emmy® Award-winning team behind Netflix’s “Our Planet” series, comes a new natural history speaker series: Our Planet Live. Brought to you by Silverback Films and Producer esk [esk is an independent creative producer based in Edinburgh, Scotland] in association with Netflix, Our Planet Live is a new and immersive live show featuring behind-the-scenes stories from the explorers, filmmakers, scientists, and adventurers that created some of the most eye-catching footage of our planet.

Step into the breathtaking world of Life on Our Planet in this special big-screen talk, featuring highlights from the acclaimed Netflix documentary, with expert insights, and behind-the-scenes footage from eight-time Emmy-nominated series showrunner, Dan Tapster. 

With a background in natural history filmmaking at the BBC and a decade leading the TV sensation MythBusters, Dan brings a unique blend of scientific storytelling and cinematic innovation. During his time with Silverback, the renowned studio behind The Hunt and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, he has overseen the fusion of advanced visual effects with stunning wildlife cinematography, bringing Earth’s 4-billion-year evolutionary saga to life like never before. 

At The Making of Our Planet, join Dan for an exclusive look into this ambitious project – from the science behind Earth’s previous extinction events to the groundbreaking techniques used to recreate prehistoric creatures and landscapes – followed by a live Q&A. 

At a time when the natural world faces unprecedented challenges, this is a rare chance to explore Earth’s history of resilience and discuss the importance of conservation and a sustainable future. 

The Young Performing Arts Center is located at 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus. Free parking is available in lots 1 and 2 [frankly, lot 2 is more convenient.] Tickets may be purchased online here for $48 or at the Ticket Services office, 800 W. Main Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tickets purchased at the door are subject to a $2 per ticket surcharge.

The National Honor Society at Whitewater High School celebrated National Student Leadership Week by hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on April 16! 49 units of blood were collected which have the potential of saving over 145 lives. They exceeded their goal of collecting 45 units and earned an $800 scholarship from the Red Cross.

NHS would like to thank all of the students, teachers and community members who participated and made this day a success! They would also like to thank the following businesses for donating pizza for the event: Dominos, Toppers, Rocky Rococo, and Rosa’s Pizza and Culver’s for donating coupons for a free pint of ice cream. A great time was had by all!

Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Pamela Sonmor-Wintz.

After twenty years of dedicated service to the community, Cold Spring Township Clerk Lisa Griep has announced her retirement, marking the end of an era in local government. Griep has been a fixture for two decades and will step down from her position this April.

Lisa Griep began her career with the Town of Cold Spring in 2005, quickly establishing herself as a diligent and committed public servant. Over the years, she has played a crucial role in maintaining the town’s records, overseeing elections in a transparent and fair manner, and providing essential services to residents.

Lisa’s service has been appreciated by both colleagues and community members. Marisa Piper Township Supervisor said, “Lisa’s dedication to our township has been remarkable, it strengthens our community, and her expertise will be greatly missed. We appreciate Lisa’s ability to adapt to new technologies and changing guidelines, which has ensured Cold Spring Township to function efficiently and accurately.“

Additionally, Byron Freeman has retired after sixteen years of service to Cold Spring Township as a Board Supervisor. Byron’s historical knowledge of the community, processes, and local ordinances will be missed. Crystal Hoffmann used her expertise in accounting as Treasurer to balance the books of Cold Spring for the last six years. Crystal will continue to work privately and for the Township of LaGrange.

The township hosted a small retirement celebration for Lisa Griep, Byron Freeman, and Crystal Hoffmann at the annual Cold Spring Township meeting April 15th, where Lisa and Byron were presented with certificates for their dedication to local government in Jefferson County from The Wisconsin Township Association. The combined years of service of all three is a testament to the importance of dedicated local government officials in shaping and supporting their communities.

Current Cold Spring Board members include Steve Hoffmann, Chairman; Marisa Piper, Town Supervisor #1; Justin Thom, Town Supervisor #2; Town Clerk, Heather Reu; and Town Treasurer Dawn Millard

Submitted by: Cold Spring Township Board

Editor’s note: Technically Cold Spring’s unit of government is a town, though it’s not unusual for those governments to be referred to as townships. Per the Wisconsin Towns Association, “Town government has a long history in Wisconsin, brought to the state by New Englanders in the early 19th century. In most states, the unit of government is referred to as a township; however, in several states, including Wisconsin, the form of government is a “town.” In the badger state, a “township” is only the surveying unit that is typically a six-mile by six-mile square.”

There was a great turnout for an afternoon of family-centered activities on Saturday, April 12 with the annual International Children’s Day celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, Whitewater.

This free fun family event included live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and ran from noon until 4 p.m. Information was available on local and regional services for families.  A variety of international food offerings from local organizations was also for cash sale.

Activities included:

1 p.m.: Meet the author Ruth Molina-Mota who read from her book Las Aventuras de Diego y Andy: Animales Unicos y Asombrosos. The book was read bilingually.

“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 12 was an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world. We are so pleased that another child-focused organization, the Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club, was one of our sponsors for this volunteer-based event,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.

Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser

“JAMES: A NOVEL”

League of Women Voters Book Club Final Discussion, Part III

The League of Women Voters of Whitewater Area’s Book Club is pleased to announce
the last of three discussions of the book James: A Novel by Percival Everett, on
Tuesday, April 29, starting at 6:30 PM. The discussion will be held at The Book Teller,
171 W Main Street, in Whitewater.

Fifteen individuals joined the LWV Whitewater Area’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Book Club last month for the second discussion of James: A Novel. WUSD High School
History teacher Greg Stewart led us through a thought-provoking discussion of life in
pre-Civil War America, including how this era has been portrayed in US school books.
It’s not too late to join us for the final discussion, to be led by UW-Whitewater
professor Dr. Tamara Lindsey. She will help us discern topics such as emancipation,
liberation, freedom, and social construction theory that arise in Everett’s conclusion to
his novel.

Join us at The Book Teller, 171 W Main Street on April 29, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm for
another engrossing discussion. For questions or suggestions of books for future
discussion, please call Deb Gamble at 262-853-1946. The League invites all in the
Whitewater community to join us in our discussions.

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages
informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of
major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook.

Drivers on Starin Road between Prairie and Prince Streets are encountering a plethora of new signs, reflecting changes that the Common Council approved on a trial basis in an effort to improve pedestrian safety. If these changes are not deemed to be effective, it’s likely that the road will be closed for most of the day, Monday through Friday, during university sessions. The speed limit for the entire section of Starin Road is now 15 mph versus the 25 mph limit that is in effect nearly everywhere in the city. Stop signs have been added for Starin Road traffic at Prince Street and at Warhawk Drive. Prominent signage is now posted at some of the crosswalks reminding drivers of the state law requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians. Florescent flags call attention to all of the changes. Consideration had been made for temporary installation of speed bumps, but that measure has not been implemented.

As was previously reported in the Banner, at its December 17 meeting the City of Whitewater Common Council declined to adopt the part-time closure of Starin Road that was recommended by the university and the city’s Public Works Committee. Those recommendations came after a two-week trial when the street had been closed for most of the day on weekdays. University staff had requested approval to erect an electronic gate which would close on a part-time basis the portion of Starin Road from Warhawk Drive to the street to the east of the bookstore. After a considerable number of public comments and lengthy council discussion it was ultimately decided to implement a number of traffic calming measures on a trial basis through the spring semester. The council will review the outcome of the trial in its second meeting in June, with the expectation that if it is not successful in improving pedestrian safety, they would consider moving forward with plans for a part-time closure in time for the fall semester.

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The Whitewater Arts Alliance show titled “Faces of Fairhaven” is open at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W. Main Street, until January 26. The gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, 12-4 p.m. The opening reception on January 9 attracted approximately 70 people, including a large number of residents and staff from Fairhaven, a number of whom saw their own work on display.

This special exhibition celebrates the vibrant community spirit of Fairhaven through a unique collaboration between UW-Whitewater drawing students and Fairhaven residents. The exhibit features a diverse collection of illustrations and craft projects that capture the essence of Fairhaven’s residents and their stories. Visitors will have the chance to see the remarkable artistic talents of both students and seniors, highlighting the rich heritage and creativity that characterize the Fairhaven community. This meaningful collaboration showcases the unity and shared creativity between Fairhaven residents and UW-Whitewater students.

The “Faces of Fairhaven” exhibit is the result of a collaborative effort among the WAA, Brian Robinson from Fairhaven Senior Services, and Lilly Handley, a drawing instructor at UW Whitewater. Their dedication and vision have brought together the generations in a shared artistic endeavor.

Photos of the reception are courtesy of Tom Ganser.

The League of Women Voters of Whitewater is pleased to announce the continuation of our book discussions that explore issues regarding the League’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy.

The 2024 National Book Award winner and finalist for the Booker Prize, James: A Novel by Percival Everett, is a re-imaging of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved Jim.  The powerful, thought-provoking novel is written in three parts, and we will be discussing each part separately. 

Part I:  Tuesday, February 18 @ 6:30 pm, at the home of Dr. Dwight Watson at 220 S. Church Street – Tara McKenzie-Peoteer, Whitewater High School teacher, will lead the discussion including such topics as comparing the text to Huckleberry Finn and the historical and contemporary use of the “n” word.

Part II:  Thursday, March 20 @ 6:30 pm – Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School teacher, will continue the book discussion with emphasis on the teaching of historical time frames and concepts such as cake walks, minstrels, slave narratives, and the Civil War.

Part III: Thursday, April 17 @ 6:30 pm – UW-Whitewater professor, Dr. Tamara Lindsey, will lead the final session with an emphasis on topics such as emancipation, liberation, freedom and social construction theory that suggests reality and knowledge are shaped by societal agreements and shared assumptions.

A limited supply of books is available at The Book Teller.  Call 262-269-9109 to hold a copy.  For questions or further information please call Deb Gamble at 262-953-1946. 

We invite all in the Whitewater community to join us in the discussions of the book of which The New York Times writes “below the packed dirt floor of Everett’s moral sensibility, James is an intensely imagined human being.”  Let’s delve into that world together.

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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!