Opinion ID: 773170
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Fallout from the Wedgie Incident

Text: 23 The wedgie incident garnered a great deal of attention. Local newspaper stories reported details of the incident, including the fact that some of the parents felt that Ulichny had responded inappropriately and in too harsh a manner when calling the police. A petition was circulated in the community requesting an independent investigation into the handling of the incident. 24 Although there were obviously members of the community who felt Ulichny had mishandled the matter, there were also a significant portion of the community who supported Ulichny's actions. In fact, Flynn, who had approved Ulichny's decision to call the police, publicly supported Ulichny's actions. Also, Waukesha County Sheriff's Captain Thomas Lentz was quoted as saying, [w]hen the school requested our assistance, we responded, and it is my presumption the incident had gone beyond what was tolerable within the school. Colleen Krantz and Linda Spice, Suspensions for 'Wedgie' Upset Students' Parents Citations in Merton Middle School Incident Could Cost 6 Boys $141, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 25, 1997. 25 On November 6, 1997, while some members of the community were still complaining about Ulichny's handling of the wedgie incident, Flynn issued Ulichny's first quarterly progress report. Flynn, who had approved Ulichny's proposal to call the police to the school after the wedgie incident, concluded that Ulichny has demonstrated good performance in her role as Principal and noted her willingness, with results, to actively participate in the improvement process thrust upon her by the Board and the Superintendent. Furthermore, the School District had an outside consultant conduct a staff survey during the month of December, 1997. The survey report stated that there was an improvement in the relationship between Ms. Ulichny and the professional teaching staff and noted that, while some distrust remain[ed], it was on a subdued level since the 1996-97 school year. 26 On December 12, 1997, Flynn gave Ulichny her second quarterly progress report. In the second report, Flynn concluded that Susan continues to improve as a principal. . . . Her improvement orientation, her introspection, are exemplary. Three days after this report, and in an effort to assist the Board in making its decision regarding the possible renewal of Ulichny's contract, Flynn submitted a confidential report to the School Board regarding Ulichny's contract status and the progress of her assistance plan. The report listed specific areas of strength, areas of improvement, and areas for future growth. Furthermore, Flynn recommended that Ulichny receive a renewed contract for two years. According to Flynn, 27 Mrs. Ulichny has earned a 2 year contract. My impression was that I started with a first year principal. Improvement has been substantial and her improvement orientation will continue to help her improve. Her performance has been good this year, she has the potential to improve and has served the district well. 28 . . . Many times there currently exists with the employees and the community a propensity to make Susan the issue, instead of children being the issue. The support of a 2 year contract reduces that propensity. 29 At this time, Flynn was aware of the propensity among school employees and community members to make Ulichny the scapegoat for many of the problems. Flynn further recognized that if the Board showed its support for Ulichny, in the form of a two-year contract, the unwarranted finger- pointing at Ulichny might be reduced. On December 15th, the Board, in a closed session, voted to issue a two-year contract to Ulichny covering the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 school years.