An individual’s true colors shine when there is a major event. Last week, I saw the true colors of this community shine as events at East and West High Schools unfolded. What I observed was our teachers, administrators and staff protecting, persevering, and providing safety in a highly-stressful environment while a very small population of our students were making poor decisions.

I saw the West Bend Police Department immediately, and very calmly, collaborate with our administration and staff, as well as, deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s department to quickly restore order.

I discussed with parents, who came to the school, the events and watched as they supported their children. I received many texts and emails from leaders of the community offering help and assistance. I spoke with hundreds of students in their classes and lunch periods on Thursday and Friday and heard their own disappointment in the actions of their classmates.

I am sorry that this event occurred. I believe that, as a system, we have learned a lot. We will communicate with our students and staff in new ways to ensure greater understanding of the expectations. We will review our safety procedures and practices. We will create opportunities for feedback. We will continue to focus on providing every child great opportunities.

Thank you to the 2,200 students who made great choices and reflected the expectations of our community. Thank you to the staff who worked with all of our students to create normalcy on a highly abnormal day. Thank you to the law enforcement agencies for their support and extra workload. Thank you to the parents for being understanding and reinforcing expectations with their children. Thank you to the greater West Bend community for showing their true colors by responding and supporting our students and staff.

Sincerely,

Ted Neitzke
Superintendent of Schools