News & Events

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

The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) on May 19 issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. As was previously stated in The Whitewater Banner, ongoing discussions and disagreements between the district and the City of Whitewater and its Police Department (WPD) regarding the long-standing WPD-provided program resulted in a school board decision on April 28 to request proposals from other agencies. The city had indicated that it did not intend to submit a proposal, but that decision will be revisited at the Common Council meeting on May 20.

Included in the agenda for the Common Council meeting is a memo from City Manager John Weidl. In the memo he indicates that in a May 16 meeting with city representatives, WUSD representatives stated that the council-approved proposal for a 120 day extension to the SRO contact with WUSD was never considered by the school board, and they never saw a formal letter that was sent by the police chief together with a redlined draft contract for immediate review. Weidl also indicates that the announced purpose of the school board’s closed session on April 28 was discussion of the SRO agreement and negotiations, but per the WUSD representatives the agreement itself was not discussed but rather a document of grievances about an employee not employed by the district was presented. It was also reported at the meeting on May 16 that allegedly an outside entity had already received the RFP and planned to respond, despite no apparent public distribution nor receipt of the RFP by the city.

Weidl’s memo includes the following:

What the Public Should Know
As this issue moves into public discussion, and likely into media coverage or third-party
commentary, the following must be made clear:

• The City of Whitewater adhered to every legal, ethical, and professional
  expectation: we proposed a path forward, thoroughly documented it, and
  remained responsive.
• The School District Administrator [Superintendent] failed to fulfill their duty to ensure proper
  review of our proposal, resulting in decisions being made without transparency
  or adequate deliberation.
• The grievance list created by one of its members was used in closed session
  without legal grounds or public disclosure.
• The RFP was launched without notifying the City, while at least one outside
  entity was already preparing a response.
• Despite all of this, we are now being asked to submit a proposal into a process
  built on procedural shortcuts, undisclosed documents, and legal ambiguities.
  The public deserves to understand that this is not a policy disagreement. It is a
  breakdown of basic governance, transparency, and accountability. We owe it to our
  residents, students, and officers not to lend credibility to a process that has been deeply
  flawed from the outset.

Finally, Weidl requests council direction on “1) Whether the city should submit a response to the RFP by May 27 [the due date has now been changed to May 30] or instead decline to participate due to legal and ethical concerns. 2) Whether to initiate a formal records request for the grievance document…. and 3) Whether to notify the District Attorney of a potential violation of Open Meetings Law….”

In suggesting to the school board that it approve soliciting bids for the SRO program, Superintendent Caroline Pate-Hefty stated that she believed the step was necessary due to the following concerns: 1) Failure of the police department to provide coverage when the SRO is absent, which by the end of April would be 27 days. 2) Failure of the department to follow the district’s policy requiring parents to be contacted prior to interviewing students. 3) Disagreement with the department’s new procedure requiring district staff to contact dispatch for all needs related to the SRO.

The Banner obtained a copy of the RFP on May 19, which was indicated to be the issue date. Bidders (“qualified individuals and/or organizations”) are required to review and sign off on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and to include a quote of the costs for providing services outlined in the sample MOU. No information is provided regarding anything else that bidders should include such as qualifications, relevant experience, personnel employed, etc. The due date for proposals is May 30, the bid opening date is June 2, and board acceptance for a two-year term that would begin on July 1, 2025 is June 23, 2024 [sic].

Of possible interest:

• The RFP makes no reference to the Whitewater Police Department; for example, the relationship between a possible outside entity and the department, such as communication of suspected crimes, is not addressed.
• The RFP addresses the concerns that the superintendent had identified. “The SRO or law enforcement officer conducting a student interview, will contact the student’s parent or guardian before conducting the interview unless the interview is initiated by a student, involves child abuse, or concerns an urgent matter of health and safety.” The agency would be required to provide an SRO for every school day regardless of the reason for absence of the assigned SRO(s). District personnel could report concerns and requests directly to the SRO.
• The SRO is required to be a “law enforcement officer,” which is defined by Wisconsin Statutes 164.01 as “… any person employed by the state or by a city, village, town or county for the purpose of detecting and preventing crime and enforcing laws or ordinances, who is authorized to make arrests for violations of the laws or ordinances which he or she is employed to enforce.” It is assumed that the SRO will have arrest powers in the district. The police chief previously told The Banner that he believes that any outside agency (other than the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department) would have to be deputized by the department.
• It is indicated that the “program cost includes budgeted wage, benefit, and payroll tax for SRO in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the _________ and the WPPA.” It would appear that this is a misstatement, unless WPD is the chosen agency, as WPPA presumably refers to the Whitewater Professional Police Association.
• The agreement carries over a section from the current one, wherein “program cost shall be shared by the ________ and School District.” The retention of this statement appears to possibly imply that there may be an ongoing expectation from the district that the city (or another entity) would share in the cost of the SRO even if provided by an outside entity. Currently the district pays 60% of the cost of salary and benefits of the SRO, and the city, 40%.
• The city had proposed the possibility of placing a second SRO in the district, but the RFP only refers to a single SRO.
• It is unknown how the RFP has been advertised. It does not appear to have been posted to the WUSD website, and it does not appear to be included on websites where government entities typically post their RFPs.

Editor’s note: Minor corrections and revisions were made on 5/20/25 at 6:15 a.m.

The Whitewater Historical Society will open their local history museum for the season with a special temporary exhibit celebrating the Coburn Company’s 100th Anniversary. An opening celebration will take place on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:00 p.m. at the museum on Whitewater Street.

The Coburn Company was founded by Ora Coburn in 1925. During its early years, the company, under the leadership of Ora’s sons, Deane and Ronald, was an innovator as the manufacturer and distributor of the world’s first practical electric fence. Prior to Coburn’s innovation in controlling the charge in electric fences to make them safe, electric fences were dangerous. After successfully promoting the One-Wire Fence, the Coburn Company branched out into the distribution of other agricultural products and in the 1950s, the company developed a catalog for dealers and retailers to purchase specialty items for resale, particularly items related to the dairy industry.

In the late 20th century, Deane’s son, James “Jim” Coburn became the leader of the company, growing the business to new heights as a leader in the distribution of agriculture-related products. Jim was joined in this effort by wife, Virginia, and after the 1990s, by their sons, Thayer and Joseph.

The Whitewater Historical Society’s exhibit illustrates the growth of the Coburn Company and features many artifacts on display. The museum is open every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9-12.

Whitewater High School music students performed well at the Wisconsin School Music Association State Solo & Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 26.

Twenty-five of the WHS students’ events received a 1st rating, while seven earned a 2nd rating.

In addition, several WHS students were recognized through the WSMA Exemplary Performance Recognition Project, which honors the most outstanding performances at each State Festival campus. Selected by adjudicators through a two-step process, the recognition is one of the highest distinctions awarded at the event.

Five WHS events received Exemplary Performance Recognition:
● Dante Baker – Marimba
● Alexander Clarksen – Music Theatre
● Ava Van Daele – Music Theatre and Classical
● A’lani Ross – Music Theatre

Four additional events from WHS were nominated for the award:
● Ava Van Daele and A’lani Ross – Vocal Duet
● Charlotte Hajewski – Music Theatre
● Samuel Nickelsburg – Music Theatre
● A’lani Ross – Classical

The event was held on the UW-Whitewater campus. A complete list of results is available here.

Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.

Updated 5/20/25 @ 9:35 a.m. to add WUSD School Board special meeting on Thursday.
Updated 5/20/25 @ 9:40 a.m. to indicate that the WUSD School Board/WEA Bargaining Session scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.

School Board of the Whitewater Unified School District and the Whitewater
Education Association – Monday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to exchange 2025-26 proposals. The meeting will be open to the
public. In addition, the parties may caucus individually in closed session. Subsequent negotiations will be conducted in closed session unless the parties agree to open sessions.

Irvin L. Young Library Board of Trustees – Monday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes demonstration of library’s new website and discussion and possible action regarding library’s social media accounts and continuing to allow public comments.
Cravath Lakefront Conference Room
312 W 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:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89087483919?pwd=fETZjbIiOS36jfGjg2ddiKeRemJgul.1
Meeting ID: 890 8748 3919
Passcode: A23rhghs
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US

Update: The district indicates that the following meeting has been canceled, “as an agreement was reached at the meeting yesterday.”
Whitewater School Board/Whitewater Education Association Bargaining Session – Tuesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: to exchange 2025-26 proposals. The meeting will be open to the public. In addition, the parties may caucus individually in closed session. Subsequent negotiations will be conducted in closed session unless the parties agree to open sessions.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. [Note new meeting time]
Agenda includes A representative from Bethel House is here to present 2024 data about community members who are facing homelessness or who are unhoused, Spring Splash after action report, Consideration of stop signs on Walworth Ave. at Prince St., Discussion and Possible Action regarding whether or not to submit a RFP for the WUSD School Resource Officer, Discussion and Possible Action regarding adding stop signs on Peck Street at the Whiton Street intersection, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Renewal of Twin Oaks Mobile Home Park License, Discussion and Possible Action regarding the future of the Starin Park Water Tower, Discussion and possible action regarding an ordinance changing the Common Council meetings to 6 p.m.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
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:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83293572322?pwd=jX54LaxWgjLVL6EVbNytae1nnkCUcj.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID:832 9357 2322
Passcode: 828277

City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Board Meeting – Wednesday @ 5:30 p.m.
Agenda includes tree planting at the Bark Park.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88307562402?pwd=Er49L1HWStfYB96uK4bCSrVZVJy6SF.1
Meeting ID: 883 0756 2402
Passcode: 283446
Or dial +1 312 626 6799 US

Whitewater Unified School District School Board Special Meeting – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Closed session to select the final candidate and possible consideration of contractual terms of employment/contract for the new superintendent. When the closed session ends, the meeting will end.

Written by Chris Lindeke

Advancing Education, Empowering K-9 Educators

A leader in teacher education in Wisconsin for more than 150 years, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will launch a Master of Science in Education in Elementary Middle Education starting this fall.

The program — which was approved by the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents at a meeting in April and is pending final approval from the state’s Department of Public Instruction — provides a pathway for people with a bachelor’s degree to earn K-9 teacher licensure. Applications are welcome at this time, and admission will be confirmed upon receiving DPI approval.

The degree addresses a critical workforce need for elementary and middle school teachers in Wisconsin and throughout the region.

“UW-Whitewater is a leader in teacher education, and the MSE in Elementary Middle Education was created with the local and regional need for teachers in mind,” said Lana Collet-Klingenberg, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “According to the Wisconsin DPI, the largest shortage area for licensure is now in regular education in elementary and middle school. This degree is ideal for working adults who have a degree outside of education or for paraprofessionals already working in schools.”

The MSE in Elementary Middle Education is a two-year, online, asynchronous program that allows students to work at their own pace. The curriculum includes courses and school-based placements in teaching mathematics, social studies, fine arts, science, and literacy before culminating with a full-time semester-long student teaching placement.

UW-Whitewater, which opened its doors in 1868 as a school for future teachers, licenses the most teachers in Wisconsin. In addition to its undergraduate programs, the university offers six other MSE educator preparation programs, including:

• Reading Instruction and Dyslexia Intervention
• Early Childhood Education Policy
• Instructional Design and Learning Technology
• Professional Studies (library media specialist)
• School Business Management and Leadership
• School Psychology (including Ed.S.)

Rock River Community Clinic Launches Capital Campaign to Sustain Local Access to Community Health Care Community Health Care

After 17 years of providing medical care out of the Watertown YMCA, and 18 years of providing dental care out of the Fort HealthCare Handeyside Clinic basement, Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is preparing for their next phase of patient care as the locations prepare for sale late 2025.

“It’s bittersweet to be moving out of our Fort Atkinson and Watertown clinics” states Olivia Nichols, RRCC CEO/Executive Director. “The care we provide was brought to life here thanks to countless hours of devoted volunteers and providers. We’re quite proud to carry on their legacy as we embark on this next chapter of our mission and service – it is needed now more than ever.”

Both building sales are part of larger community initiatives designed to centralize patient care and improve community access to healthy living. While significant, the need to relocate services has also allowed RRCC to reimagine service settings in the greater Jefferson County area to maximize access to affordable, comprehensive care. At the forefront of clinic goals, is integrating patient services to minimize overhead costs and maximize patient access to affordable services.

Specifically, as part of the 2025 Capital Campaign, RRCC aims to:
● Open a new integrated medical, dental & behavioral client site on the first floor of the Fort HealthCare Johnson Creek clinic to expand and integrate patient care services – a hallmark of community health centers and opportunity to expand dental access.
● Renovate the existing medical clinic in Whitewater to expand into the empty lower suite for administrative and business offices that maximizes clinic space for medical and growing behavioral health services.
● Relocate and renovate the Watertown medical clinic to the empty Medical Clinic building (Dr. Turke’s old office) on the Watertown Regional Medical Center campus.

“By integrating care services in Johnson Creek, we reduce barriers to accessing health care and gain collaborations that measurably and efficiently improve health outcomes,” states Dr. Nichols. “The proposed capital expansion will aid us – the collective greater Jefferson County region – in moving further upstream to reduce health disparities.”

In 2023, RRCC medical & dental clinics served 2,984 patients across 7,642 visits. In 2024, those numbers increased to 3,176 patients across 8,250 visits. Through the Johnson Creek expansion, RRCC estimates those counts will increase to 4,550 patients by 2026 and – with the expansion of behavioral health services – include 12,040 total visits.

The total project cost is estimated at $1.65 million, with $1.2 million needed for the Johnson Creek renovation, $175,000 for the Whitewater remodel, $50,000 to relocate the Watertown clinic, and $225,000 to support initial increased operational expenses and meet any incidental construction costs. Grant funding from local and regional funders is expected to cover approximately 50% of the project, with the remaining $800,000 to fundraise through the generosity of local donors.

The project is further supported through the greater Rock River Health Care Network (‘HealthWorks’). HealthWorks is a coalition of local healthcare organizations working collectively to improve health outcomes in Jefferson, Dodge & Walworth Counties by focusing on low- income family’s access to primary care. HealthWorks partners include Fort Healthcare, Greater Watertown Community Health Foundation, Watertown Regional Medical Center, Rainbow Community Care, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Human Services, City of Watertown Health Department, and Rock River Community Clinic.

“We’re incredibly thankful to our HealthWorks partners who support this work, and the early donors of this exciting project,” Nichols adds. “The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation has pledged a $250,000 grant and an additional grant for $80,000 has been committed by the Common Ground Healthcare Foundation. Matching gifts are also underway thanks to local providers including our Medical Director, Dr. Donald Williams. We’re so grateful for their investments in local community healthcare infrastructure and expansion.”

Donations are being sought from individuals, small businesses, and corporations, with giving levels ranging from $500 to $200,000. All donors will be recognized in the Johnson Creek lobby on our donor wall, with naming rights available at higher levels of donation for our business center, dental surgery room, lab rooms, etc.

“We realize the project presents a big ask to our communities, which already generously support our efforts,” states Nichols. “We believe wholeheartedly in the importance of this next step for RRCC and the foundational impact it will have on rooting our work and improving our care.”

RRCC hopes to confirm all capital expansion support by September 2025, with construction set to begin in October 2025. All clinic updates are planned to be completed by February 2026.

For more details, visit www.rockrivercommunityclinic.com/about-rrcc/capital-campaign-2025/ or contact Dr. Nichols at director@rockrivercommunityclinic.org or 262.472.6839.

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Rock River Community Clinic (RRCC) is a community health center that provides
comprehensive and cost-effective health care services to ensure all community members have access to the care they need. Serving families in Jefferson, Dodge, and Walworth County, RRCC includes medical clinics located in Whitewater and Watertown, and one dental clinic located in Fort Atkinson.

At RRCC, all community members are welcome and accepted, regardless of ability to pay, with discounted prices for patients who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible plans). RRCC also provides care coordination services to help patients overcome barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., transportation), and helps to coordinate referrals. Bilingual staff (Spanish & English) are available to support patients and their families. By increasing access to health care services, offering care at affordable costs, and assisting with healthcare navigation, RRCC works to create a healthier, more equitable, community. For clinic hours and directions, visit
www.rockrivercommunityclinic.org