Written Grievance Notice To: Ron Rasmussen Principal, Lincoln High School From: Rod Henke Associate Principal, Lincoln High School Date: October 3, 2016 Regarding: Employee Discipline Per Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Grievance Procedures A) Name and position of grievant Rodney H. Henke Associate Principal, Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wl B) Clear and Concise Statement of the Grievance On September 29, 2016, was given a letter that I was. receiving a) A disciplinary letter b) am expected to attend a Diversity Seminar scheduled for October and 5th c} A su5pension for one day without pay scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2016 . d) Five other points spelled out in the letter that I am also expected to adhere to. After receiving the letter, Mr. Rasmussen told me verbally that he didn?t?feel comfortable with me announcing the Homecoming, Hall of Fame football game the next night and am also to be removed from the announcingposition for the following home football game as well as all home playoff football games. Mr. Rasmussen also stated that further penalties could also follow including my removal from announcing at Lincoln High School home basketball games. He stated that he was thinking on this as a possibility as well. My grievance statement is that these multiple disciplinary actions are extensive, punitive and serve as a public embarrassment of a longtime loyal and hardworking WRPS district employee and goes beyond any reasonable measure. I request that the suspension without pay be revoked and removed. also want to address the conclusions that you listed for your decision and provide further explanation of the points you listed. It is my understanding that have ten (10) days after the facts which the grievance is based on to present the written grievance to my immediate supervisor, yet the suspension without pay is scheduled to be served on Thursday, October 6, 2016 which is only 5 days after my original date of notification. Therefore I am requesting that the recommended suspension be held in abeyance until the grievance process is completed. C) The Issue Involved The disciplinary letter given to me states that the action taken is due to my conduct during a student interview on August 29, 2016. The reason I have worked in school administration for over 25 years is that I love working with young people. I see my-role as a teacher and as an educator. can help a student grow into a responsible young adult that is A accountable for their actions, make good choices, makes good moral and ethical decisions about their lives, then I think I?m doing my job. This interview that Mr. Rasmussen refers to was not done in what would be considered ?good faith?. Earlier in that same day Interviewed another student about the same topic with both his parents present and I know all parties involved thought We had an excellent and successful meeting. The student and both parents thanked me for meeting with them, felt that they were supported and cared about and left happy with the outcome of the meeting. Has anyone asked why these next two students felt they had to secretly tape the meeting? Had either student been asked if they ever had a negative interaction with Mr. Henke? i felt that one of the students came to the interview with the intention of not willing to take some responsibility for his actions and to try and garner some kind of evidence that took accountability away from himself and place the blame on someone else. For these reasons, and the unwillingness particularly of one student to admit his actions could cause a negative perception, i took the extra time to try and communicate and educate both of these students. 1 could sense some defensiveness and resistance, which is why i attempted to have an open and honest dialogue with these students. At least three times I asked the students if they understood that we were trying to help them and keep them out of any unnecessary trouble that could come from this. Clearly now in retrospect, at least one of the students came into this interview without any intention of taking responsibility but to shift the blame onto someone else. The following day, Mrs. stated she was responsible for getting ex principal LeeAnn Schmidmyer fired from her position for racism, she also asked for-termination and punishment of a football coach a few weeks prior to this date. Now she is blaming me for how I handled her son?s actions. Clearly there is a pattern here. I try very hard to help students. At no time in this interview were there ever any bigoted, racist statements or bullying behaviors by me. i was honest and I tried to get both students to understand the perceptions of their actions and request them not to do it again. Both boys said they understood they shouldn?t do what they were doing and wouldn?t do it again. When they came into the meeting they were unaware of the possible consequences of their actions and now they both stated they understood why they shouldn?t do it again. i did what I was told by Mr. Rasmussen. There were no punishments issued, no formal warnings were written, no athletic codes issued and there has been no further damages or issues reported by the students or parents. D) I understand the concerns noted by Mr. Rasmussen and Kelly Schaefer. I don?t dismiss the points they made and always?want to learn and improve. I welcome the Diversity Training seminar and look forward to the experience and bringing additional skills to my position. i am nationally certified sports announcer. At one time there were only six of us certified in the State of Wisconsin. gladly furnished the script I wrote to the new announcer for last Friday night?s Homecoming game. Many people asked me on Friday why I wasn?t doing the announcing even to the point of asking who they had to talk to to get me back into the booth. Having said all that, I do not want-to make any event at LHS uncomfortable for anyone and i would be open to dismiss this further. My number one relief am seeking is the removal of the one day suspension without pay. Besides the reasons 1 listed in point C, I can say in over 25 years of service I have never received a disciplinary letter in my file much less an improvement plan and a suspension. in the meeting held with Mr. Rasmussen and Kelly Schaefer, it. was agreed that no one spent more time developing positive relationships with minority, special education, and at risk students than I have. As part of the Associate Principal?s position at LHS, there are many challenging and difficult situations-that arise on a daily basis and need to be dealt with. I carried out Mr. Rasmussen?s request that I investigate the situation and issue a strong warning. Now I?m being told that I didn?t handle it right and am facing disciplinary and suspension actions. The least we should expect when we are in these positions is support from our supervisor. E) Date of Incident: August 29, 2016 F) No safety rule violation G) GrievantSignature Date [0/03 Lincoln High School 1801 16th Street South RAPIDS WI 54494 Phone: (715) 424?6750 Fax: (715) 422-6097 Lincoln High School October 6, 2016 Dear Mr. Rodney Henke, This is submitted to provide you a written answer to the grievance you presented to my attention on October 3, 2016, regarding the disciplinary letter of suspension issued to you dated September 29, 2016. i have taken the matter of your disciplinary suspension without pay under further consideration and review and have concluded that the disciplinary action administered by me to you was appropriate and warranted. In accordance with your request to have your one?day suspension without pay held in abeyance while I reviewed your grievance, you did not serve the one?day suspension on Thursday, October 6, 2016, as originally outlined in the disciplinary letter dated September 29, 2016. As a result and due to my decision to uphold the one-day suspension without pay, your suspension without pay will be rescheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016. Please be advised that this written answer explaining my decision to decline your request to revoke and remove your one?day suspension without pay has now concluded step one of your grievance in accordance with the District?s Grievance Procedures. Should you elect to proceed with step two of the Grievance Procedures, you are required to submit your grievance to the District Administrator within ?ve business days after your receipt of this letter. Questions about this grievance response letter should be directed to my attention. Sincerely, Ronald A. Rasmussen Principal RodneyHenke (baa?21H! Date Signature is on acknowi?dgement of receipt only. c: Dr. Colleen Dickmann, Superintendent Personnel File Iii-J r5 it ?7 5 rut: a iz-jiL-i? s; I i ll Written Grievance Notice 2? Step OCT 1 0 2016 i To: Dr. Colleen Dickmann Superintendent, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools From: Rod Henke Associate Principal, Lincoln High School Date: October 10, 2016 Regarding: Employee Discipline Per Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Grievance Procedures A) Name and position of grievant Redney Renae Associate Principal, Lincoln High School, Wisconsin Rapids, Wl? B) Clear and Concise Statement of the Grievance an Step On September 29, 2016, was given a letter that was receiving a) A disciplinary letter b) i am expected to attend 3 Diversity Seminar scheduled for October 4th and Sim?Attended and completed. c) A suspension for one day without pay originally scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2016, now rescheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016. d) Five other points spelled out in the letter that I am also expected to adhere to. In addition to those punishments, after receiving the disciplinary letter, Mr. Rasmussen told me verbally that he didn?t feel comfortable with me announcing the Homecoming, Hall of Fame football game on September 30, 2016 and lam also to be removed from the announcing position for the October 7, 2016 home football game as well as all home playoff football games. Mr. Rasmussen also stated that further penalties could also follow including my removal from announcing at Lincoln High School home basketball games. He stated that he was thinking of doing this as a possibility as well. My grievance statement is that these multiple disciplinary actions are extensive, punitive, and serve as a public embarrassment of a longtime loyal and hardworking WRPS district employee and goes beyond any reasonable measure. i request that the suspension without pay be revoked and removed. i also want to address the conclusions that are listed for the decision and provide further explanation of the points listed. It is my understanding, that if the grievance is not satisfactorily resolved at Step 1, it may be submitted to the District Administrator within five (5) days after receiving the answer in the First Step. After receipt of the written grievance, the superintendent or her designee Will meet with the grievant in an effort to resolve the issues raised by the grievant. Within ten (10) days after the meeting, the District Administrator shall respond to the grievance in writing. Since the one?day suspension without pay is rescheduled for Friday, October 14, 2016, I am requesting that the recommended suspension be held in abeyance until the grievance process is completed C) The lssue Involved The disciplinary letter given to me states that the action taken is due to my conduct during a student interview on August 29, 2016. The reason I have worked as a teacher for 10 years and in school administration for over 25 years is that 1 love working with young people. I see my role as a teacher and as an educator. can help a student grow into a responsible young adult that is accountable for their actions, that makes good choices, and good moral and wise ethical decisions about their lives, then I think I?m doing myjob. This interview that Mr. Rasmussen refers to on August 29, 2016 Was not done in what would be considered ?good faith?. Earlier in that same day Interviewed another student about the same topic with both his parents present and I know all parties involved thought we had an excellent and successful meeting. The student and both parents thanked me for meeting with them, felt that they were supported and cared about and left happy with the outcome of the meeting. Has anyone asked why these next two students felt they had to secretly tape the meeting? Had either student been asked if they ever had a negative interaction with Mr. Henke? felt the students came to the interview with the intention of not willing to take responsibility for their actions and to try and garner some kind of evidence that would take accountability away from themselves and place the blame on someone else. For these reasons, and the unwillingness particularly of one student to admit his actions could cause a negative perception, i took the extra time to try and communicate and educate both of these students. I could sense some defensiVeness and resistance, which is why I attempted to have an open and honest dialogue with these students. At least three times asked the students if they understood that we were trying to help them and keep them out of any unnecessary perceptions that could come from their actions. Clearly, now in retrospect, at least one of the students came into this interview without any intention of ta king responsibility, but to shift the blame onto someone else. The following day, in our meeting with Mrs. - . she stated she was responsible for getting e?x-principal LeeAnn Schmidmyer fired from her position for racism, she has also asked for the termination and punishment of a current assistant football coach a few weeks prior to this date; Now she is blaming me for how i handled her son?s actions. Clearly there is a pattern here. i take an incredible amount of pride in my work. [try very hard to help students. At no time in this interview were there ever any bigoted, racist statements, or bullying behaviors by me. i was honest and tried to get both students to understand the perceptions of their actions and request them not to do it again. Both boys eventually said they understood they shouldn?t do what they were doing and wouldn?t do it again. Mr. Rasmussen told me to taik to the boys and give them a stern warning and tell them they better not do it again. did what I was told by Mr. Rasmussen. There were no punishments issued, no formal warnings were written, no athletic codes issued and there has been no further damages or issues reported by the students or parents. in this meeting, no voices were raised, nor any threats issued, only a dialogue attempting to address the issues raised. attempted to both explain the concerns as well as make the students feel supported. Kelly Schaefer told me that everything that I said was with the intention of helping the students. I understand the concerns noted by Mr. Rasmussen and Kelly Schaefer. i don?t dismiss the points they made and I always want to learn and improve. I welcomed the Diversity Training seminar and enjoyed the experience and was happy to bring additional skills to my position. I am nationally certified sports announcer. At one time there were only six of us certified in the State of Wisconsin. I gladly furnished the scripts I wrote to the new announcer for both the Homecoming game and the October 7, 2016 home football game. Many people asked me on Friday why I wasn?t doing the announcing even to the point of asking who they had to talk to to get me back into the announcing booth. My number one relief am seeking is the removal of the one day suspension without pay. Besides the reasons I listed in point C, i can say in over 35 years as an educator have never received a verbal or written warning, a disciplinary letter in my file much less an improvement plan and an unpaid suspension. In the meeting held with Mr. Rasmussen and Kelly Schaefer, it was agreed that no one has spent more time developing positive relationships with minority, special education, and at risk students at Lincoln High School than I have. As part of the Associate Principal?s position at LHS, there are many challenging and difficult situations that arise on a daily basis and need to be dealt with. I carried out Mr. Rasmussen?s request that I investigate the situation and issue a strong warning. Now For being told that didn?t handle it right and am facing disciplinary and suspension actions. The least we should expect when we are in these demanding positions is support from our supervisors. E) Date of I ncident: August 29, 2016 F) No safety rufe violation 6) Grievant Signature Date Lo . WISONSIN October 25, 2016 Mr. Rodney Henke Associate Principal Lincoln High School Dear Mr. Henke: We met on October 20, 2016 as a second step in the District grievance process to discuss resolution to the issues raised in your grievance dated October 3, 2016. have reviewed the information provided to me through both written and verbal communica?on. I am upholding the discipline decision outlined by Principal Ronald Rasmussen in his letter addressed to you and dated September 29, 2016. Please be advised that you may ?le an appeal Within ten [10] days of this decision. This appeal must be in written form, particularly describing the reason for the appeal. Should i receive a written appeal from you, lwill refer the matter to an Impartial Hearing Officer (1H0) as outlined by the District Grievance Procedure. Until this matter is settled, your one?day suspension will be held in abeyance. Sincerely, Dr. Colleen Dickrnann Superintendent CD /Inah c: Personnel File Received by: Date: (g l6 Ro dney Henke Signature is an acknowledgement of receipt oniy. THOMAS A. LENK EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTER 510 PEACH STREET - WISCONSIN 54494?4663 715-424-6700 RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS November 4, 2016 Dr. Colleen Dickmann Superintendent Wisconsin Rapids School District Dear Dr. Dickmann, The purpose of this letter is to file an appeal of your decision to uphold the discipline decision of Principal Ron Rasmussen dated September 29, 2016. I received your letter and signed a receipt for it on October 26, 2016. This letter falls well within the ten (10) days of your decision, to request the next step of the Grievance Procedure. The reason for this appeal is in response to your adverse decision in the Second Step of the WRPS Grievance Procedure. The Second Step states that the District Administrator will meet with the grievant in an effort to resolve the issue(s) raised by the grievance. in the meeting held on October 20, 2016, did not feel that was offered that opportunity. Therefore I am requesting the opportunity for this matter to be heard by an Impartial Hearing Officer in hopes I can be afforded a fair hearing by having the grievance be decided by the facts in this situation. Thank you for your consideration in this request and appreciate you holding the one~day suspension in abeyance until this matter is settled. Sincerely, Rodnem Associate Principal/ tincoin High School