Wausau School District Addresses Recent Closed-Session Board Meetings

WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau School District has released the following statement regarding a recent series of closed-session meetings:

“The Board of Education met and considered Ms. Vongphakdy’s appeal of Dr. Hilts’ decision finding insufficient evidence to uphold her complaint of discrimination under Board Policy 3122. Based upon the materials provided to the Board, the Board found there was insufficient evidence to overturn Dr. Hilts’ decision. The Board appreciates the parties’ thoughtful and thorough approach to addressing the investigation and concerns.”

The statement, released by Coordinator of Communications and Marketing Diana White, added that the district would not release any further information or grant interview requests.

The board met twice in closed session this week to discuss matters related to a complaint filed under Board Policy 3122. Monday’s agenda included a “meeting with interested parties,” and on Wednesday the board met with Superintendent Hilts to discuss allegations and findings related to the appeal.

While the district did not specify what triggered the complaint and appeal, the Vongphadky family has previously identified themselves as the ones who brought forward allegations that former East High Band Director Rob Perkins used racist and homophobic language directed towards a student, according to our news partners at WAOW TV.

Perkins was removed from the classroom while the initial investigation into the accusations played out. He was allowed to return for a short time before further investigations into the claims were opened by the Wausau Board of Education and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The board later accepted his resignation in mid-June.

Wausau School District Addresses Recent Closed-Session Board Meetings

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