WUSD School Board Meeting Summary

Below is a brief summary of major points from the Board meeting Monday, October 26, 2026. You can review the entire agenda and supporting documents by following this link. Minutes of meetings are published within 45 days after a meeting is conducted.

Rhiann Dick -

Rhiann is the kind of educator who makes a difference every day! In just her second year of teaching, she has already become an incredible asset to WMS. She goes above and beyond for her students, builds strong relationships, and creates a welcoming, well-organized classroom where students are engaged and supported. Her intentional use of AVID strategies helps students take ownership of their learning and think at deeper levels. Rhiann has also stepped up to take on leadership roles within our building and gives her time outside the classroom coaching middle school cross country and track. Her energy, dedication, and willingness to jump in wherever needed make WMS a better place. We are lucky to have her on our team!!

Nathan Roley -

Mr. Roley wears many hats throughout the Whitewater Unified School District! In addition to teaching music, choir, and band at Lakeview, he spends two-thirds of his afternoons traveling between Washington and Lincoln to teach band. His organization and communication have been instrumental (no pun intended) in building the music programs across all three elementary schools. His kindness toward students and staff, willingness to help wherever needed, and incredible patience with beginning band students make him an incredible asset to our district. Thank you, Mr. Roley, for all you do to support our students and bring music into their lives!

Kathy Pieper has been supporting Lakeview for over 50 years, and her impact on our school and community is truly remarkable! Throughout the decades, Kathy has worn many hats, serving as a teacher, substitute, volunteer, and so much more. Even in retirement, her connection to Lakeview remains as strong as ever, as she continues to visit and volunteer at the school every week.

At Lakeview, Kathy has reached celebrity status! Students light up when they see her in the hallways and are always eager to share a hug. Every student knows Mrs. Pieper, and somehow, she seems to know every student, too. The relationships she builds with our students are a testament to the genuine care and love she has for the Lakeview community.

Kathy's generosity extends well beyond her time in the building. She is a dedicated supporter of our PTA and willingly gives both her time and her own money to support schoolwide events and activities that create special experiences for our students and families.

Kathy represents everything a community partner should be. Her commitment, generosity, and genuine love for Lakeview have made a lasting impact across generations of students, families, and staff. Lakeview is truly a better place because of Kathy Pieper, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our Lakeview family!

Tia Schultz has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Whitewater Unified School District community, especially at Whitewater Middle School, through her dedication to building relationships, creating opportunities, and strengthening connections between our students and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

In collaboration with our own Betsy Ransavage, Tia helped establish the UW-Whitewater Mentorship Program at WMS in 2023. Now in its seventh semester, the program continues to grow and make a difference in the lives of our students. Since its beginning, the program has facilitated an impressive 140 mentor-mentee pairings, with a handful of students having the opportunity for a second semester.

Through this partnership, UW-Whitewater students visit WMS once a week for an entire semester to connect with their assigned middle school mentees. These weekly meetings focus on building positive relationships, providing academic encouragement, developing confidence, and helping students feel connected to their school community. More importantly, the program gives students another trusted adult who believes in them, supports them, and helps foster a sense of belonging.

With Tia's help, the program has expanded beyond the traditional mentoring experience. During one semester, WMS mentees had the opportunity to visit the UW-Whitewater campus, tour the university, participate in special learning sessions with university staff, and enjoy lunch on campus. This experience allowed students to envision possibilities for their futures while strengthening their connections with their mentors.

The program has also incorporated WMS Hope Squad students, who participate in a panel discussion with university mentors about mental health, the challenges of middle school, and the importance of peer support. These conversations provide valuable insight into the experiences of today's middle school students while reinforcing the importance of relationships, empathy, and connection.

One of the most exciting outcomes of this partnership is the lasting impact it has had on both mentors and mentees. At least two former UW-Whitewater mentors have gone on to become full-time staff members within WUSD, demonstrating how this program not only supports our students but also helps develop future educators and professionals who are committed to our school community. Additionally, another mentor is currently in the hiring process for a position that would allow them to continue supporting a WMS student both inside and outside of school.

What began in 2023 as an opportunity to connect university students with middle school students has grown into a powerful partnership that strengthens relationships, builds confidence, and creates a true sense of belonging.

Tia's commitment to helping coordinate and sustain this program has created opportunities that extend far beyond academics. Her work reflects the power of community partnerships and the difference that one caring, supportive relationship can make in a student's life. We are incredibly grateful for Tia's continued dedication to Whitewater Middle School and the entire WUSD community!

Announcement: Karlee Villegas-Korbel and Xavier Ortiz presented the student report on behalf of Whitewater High School.

School Board Meetings are held in the Whitewater High School Library with Open Session beginning at 6:00pm.

• Monday, July 27
• Monday, August 24
• Monday, September 28
• Monday, October 26
• Monday, November 23
• Monday, December 21
• Monday, January 25
• Monday, February 22
• Monday, March 15
• Monday, April 26
• Monday, May 24
• Monday, June 28

Every Student, Every Day, in a Unified Way

Email: cdodge@wwusd.org
Website: https://whitewaterusdwi.sites.thrillshare.com/
Location: 419 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, WI, USA
Phone: 262-472-8700
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwusd/