Facility Rental

Yesterday afternoon, December 11, there was a Governor Walker recall event in the parking lot of Richfield Elementary. The school has been used as a community resource for a long time and it belongs to the entire community. The Richfield District has always been open to the public for just about any kind of event. There have been political events on school grounds in the past. Over the past few years, various political groups on both sides of the spectrum have used the facilities. As an example, there have been forums and debates of local and state candidates that were sponsored by various political PACs.

The group that made application are taxpayers in this community as well. As long as an event, does not jeopardize the safety of students, or engage in illicit or illegal activity, and those making application are taxpaying residents, most events are approved for use.

Having said that, the District does not advocate or support this event or what the event represents. In fact, the District, the Board, Administration or staff do not endorse any political ideology as a group. It is important for us to allow the rights of all citizens to be exercised, regardless of whether we do or do not agree. Since we have allowed conservative groups to hold events, we have to allow liberal groups to do the same.

We want to be clear the District does not endorse the activity that took place on Sunday. The group made application and paid the proper fees for use of the parking lot. We sought counsel prior to accepting this application. They engaged in a legal activity. There were no student activities scheduled for that time. The use was approved on that basis.

The District, including the board, administration and staff has been proud to focus on academic excellence and maintaining fiscal discipline. Enrollment and test scores have risen since this board took office, while maintaining the lowest per pupil tax in southeast Wisconsin. The teachers did not participate in the events last spring and, in fact, made it a point to strive for perfect attendance in their classrooms during that time. I know it is easy to make the assumptions regarding the district sometimes, if you do not have all of the facts. We will continue to keep the community informed and we are open to answer any questions you may have.

Regards,

Howard Wolf - President

Richfield Joint School District #1