Update to the Community on SPWHS Investigation

Wisconsin law requires certain school district professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect, ensuring the safety and welfare of children. Abuse and neglect are statutorily defined terms. Abuse includes physical injury inflicted by non-accidental means, sexual exploitation, emotional damage, trafficking, and neglect. Physical abuse is any act that results in bodily harm, including burns, fractures, or internal injuries, regardless of intent. Sexual abuse includes offenses such as sexual assault, child enticement, and possession of child pornography. Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, endangering the child’s well-being, and includes deprivation of food, shelter, medical care, or supervision. 

The obligation to report suspected child abuse or neglect arises when a mandatory reporter has “reasonable cause” to believe a child has been abused or neglected.  Reports are made to either law enforcement and/or child welfare agencies in Wisconsin. When a report of suspected abuse or neglect is made, the county child welfare agency conducts an initial screening to determine if the report meets the statutory definition of abuse or neglect. If the report is screened in, an investigation is initiated. Social workers typically interview the child, parents, caregivers, and other relevant individuals. If abuse or neglect is substantiated, the county agency develops a case plan that may include parenting classes, substance abuse treatment, and/or counseling. In addition, a person may be charged with one or more crimes under Wisconsin’s criminal code.

More information concerning Wisconsin’s mandatory reporting statute, including a link to DPI’s training materials, is available on the DPI website.

In contrast, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs and activities, promoting gender equality in education. In simple terms, Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in all education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX has been amended through federal administrative changes several times. In 2020, amendments were enacted that added certain due process protections for accused students.  In 2024, further amendments were made to address issues relating to gender identity and sexual violence.  Finally, in 2025, the law reverted back to what was in effect after the 2020 amendments were enacted. The law mandates school districts to have a policy in place prohibiting discrimination based on sex and to have policies in place to address and investigate complaints of such policy violations.

More information concerning Wisconsin’s mandatory reporting statute, including a link to DPI’s training materials, is available on the Wisconsin DPI website.

More information concerning Title IX is available on the Wisconsin DPI website and the U.S. Department of Education website.

The School District’s investigation focuses on whether any District employee violated any District policy, rule or other expectation of employment. In contrast, the SPPD’s investigation focuses on whether any person violated Wisconsin’s criminal code. The School District’s investigation and the criminal investigation are separate but related, as some of the events that are the subject of those two investigations overlap. Again, the School District is focused on employment violations, whereas the SPPD is focused on criminal violations.

As noted above, employment investigations can take days, weeks, or even months to conclude. The length of the investigation depends on the nature and complexity of the allegations and the amount of evidence available. In this case, the investigation took as long as it did due to its complexity and the volume of relevant information. It was a robust, thorough, and involved review of extensive documents and interviews with many persons who had relevant information. 

The School Board met in closed session on several occasions to, among other things, authorize the investigation, select an investigator, and obtain brief updates on the status of the investigation.

Various state and federal laws prohibit school districts from providing certain information to the public. For example, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits the District from disclosing personally identifiable information in education records without the written consent of an eligible student, or if the student is a minor, then the student’s parents/guardians. Similarly, Wisconsin’s pupil records statute prohibits the District from disclosing information about a student to others without consent except in very limited circumstances. These two laws mandate that the School District keep student records and student information confidential. 

With respect to employees, generally speaking, Wisconsin’s public records law prohibits the District from releasing records containing information relating to the current investigation of a possible criminal offense or possible misconduct connected with employment by an employee prior to disposition of the investigation. However, once an employment investigation is concluded and has reached its disposition, and subject to certain notice requirements afforded to current and former employees and subject to Court orders, the District is not prohibited from releasing investigation documents in response to a public record request. 

Other leadership updates:

• Human Resources Director Chris Sadler, Prairie Phoenix Academy Principal Nehemirah Barrett, Youth Advocate Shelby Wampole, and Cross-Categorical Teacher Zenna Schultz will return to work.
• In addition to Principal Ploeger, Director of Student Policy and School Operations Bridget Kotarak will also not be returning to our District.

Our primary focus at this time is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high-quality education and support our students deserve. We want to assure you that:

• We will provide strong, consistent leadership for the remainder of the school year.
• Our dedicated teachers and staff remain committed to supporting our students' academic and personal growth.
• All school programs, activities, and services will continue without interruption.

Peg Shoemaker will continue to serve as Interim Principal until further notice. We will begin a formal search for a principal this spring and will ensure that staff, student, and parent/caregiver involvement are part of that process.

To date, the Wisconsin legislature has not passed statewide grooming legislation. There is a hearing on a bill criminalizing child grooming scheduled for January 6, 2026. If that legislation is passed, the School District will strictly follow the law and update its policies as necessary to address the changes in the law.

On 1/7/26, during the first block, teachers acknowledged and reinforced the information that was sent to students and families on 1/6/26, focusing on the facts and that student safety and support are our priority. Staff will monitor for students who seem to be showing a need for additional support. Extra Student Services staff will be available for any student who needs additional time or space to process their feelings or the information.

We are encouraging our staff to utilize our District EAP or seek the support of others as needed. In addition, we are providing on-site support for the staff and providing several options for the staff to help them process the information, receive support, and have their questions or concerns addressed.

We know that this situation has broken trust with our students and families. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students, which is our number one priority. Since the investigation began, we have taken some steps to learn from this incident, including:

• Providing clear expectations for staff regarding communication and mandatory reporting.
• Partnering with The Elephant Alliance to expand training for all to better recognize signs of grooming and take action. All of our school leaders and SP West staff recently participated. Work is ongoing to expand this training to other groups of staff.
• Providing training for students to recognize the blurring of boundaries.

We know that this situation has broken trust with our students and families. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students, which is our number one priority. Since the investigation began, we have taken some steps to learn from this incident, including:

• Providing clear expectations for staff regarding communication and mandatory reporting.
• Partnering with The Elephant Alliance to expand training for all to better recognize signs of grooming and take action. All of our school leaders and SP West staff recently participated. Work is ongoing to expand this training to other groups of staff.
• Providing training for students to recognize the blurring of boundaries.

Employment investigations and criminal investigations are separate, but sometimes related, inquiries. Employment investigations are conducted to determine whether an employee engaged in misconduct or otherwise violated the employer’s workplace rules or requirements. The purpose of these investigations is to determine if the employee engaged in the alleged conduct, and if so, whether the conduct warrants disciplinary actions. Employment investigations may be performed internally by a supervisory employee or externally, by an independent third party, such as an attorney or other individual with experience investigating allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace. Employment investigations often involve interviews of witnesses and other individuals with relevant information and the review of records, including documents, electronic communications, and video recordings.

Employment investigations can take days, weeks, or even months to conclude, depending upon the nature and complexity of the allegations and the amount of evidence available. Employment investigations may result in no action being taken against any employee, the employer issuing discipline to an employee, up to and including termination, or the employer making changes to policy and/or procedures. 

In contrast, criminal investigations are performed by law enforcement officers at the municipal, state, or federal level. They are initiated in response to reports of alleged criminal activity. Criminal investigations are undertaken to determine whether someone has committed a crime or violated an ordinance. Criminal investigations can take days, weeks, months, or even years, depending upon the nature and complexity of the suspected crime and the amount of available evidence. Criminal investigations may result in criminal charges being filed against a defendant who, if convicted, may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

What is an administrative leave?

Administrative leave occurs when an employee is temporarily relieved of their job duties while still receiving pay and benefits. Often, it is used during an employment investigation to preserve operational integrity and investigative integrity while the employer conducts and completes its investigation. Being placed on administrative leave is not evidence of guilt or an indication that the employer has evidence to support disciplinary action. It allows a government employer to respect the employee’s due process rights, while removing the employee from the workplace while an investigation is pending. An employee on a paid administrative leave may perform work during the administrative leave, as required or requested by their supervisors. Employees on paid administrative leave must adhere to certain conditions, such as being available for communication or refraining from contact with colleagues or witnesses involved in the investigation.

Administrative leave can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, depending on the situation. Most public sector employers do not affirmatively announce to the public when an employee is on administrative leave to ensure compliance with various laws and policies, including the requirement under Wisconsin’s public records law that an authority not disclose information relating to a current employment investigation prior to the disposition of the investigation.

In Wisconsin, school district employers must follow several laws and rules, including the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA). The WFEA states that employers, including schools, cannot make employment decisions—like hiring or firing—based on someone’s criminal record, unless the employee has a conviction that is a felony or is clearly related to the job. 

If a school district refuses to hire someone because of a criminal charge that does not lead to a conviction or a misdemeanor that is not closely connected to the job, the decision likely violates the law and could be the basis for a complaint filed with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. If successful, this could result in the employer being forced to hire the person and/or pay them damages. More information is available on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.

All employees recommended for hire in the Sun Prairie Area School District must pass a background check. For jobs that require a license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (Wisconsin DPI)—such as teachers and principals—a background check is required when applying and again every five years after that.

In addition to the district’s background check, the Wisconsin DPI is also required by law to run a background check for everyone applying for an educator license in the state. The main goal is to make sure the person has not done anything that could harm the health, safety, or education of students. Employees in our district who are licensed—or are working to get licensed—must pass both the district and the Wisconsin DPI background checks to be eligible to work.

The State of Wisconsin offers multiple pathways to meet the requirements to become a licensed teacher, pupil services professional, or administrator. Alternative pathways and similar programs were implemented to address teacher shortages in specific areas and to otherwise expand the labor pool from which to draw effective educators. When an individual is not yet licensed by the Wisconsin DPI, but demonstrates that they have a bachelor’s degree, are enrolled in a higher education program, and are working with the Wisconsin DPI to secure licensure, school districts are permitted to hire the individual with the understanding that the Wisconsin DPI will be issuing a licensure with stipulations or an emergency license. This allows the individual to perform work for the school district in a position that would otherwise require DPI licensure. 

More information is available at https://dpi.wi.gov/licensing/pathways-licensure.

Answer: Yes. The School District completes a background check on every potential employee. Every potential employee must be cleared for employment based on the background check results.

Yes. All employees are required to take part in training on appropriate boundaries with students and Mandatory Reporting.

As of June 9th, 2025, this person is no longer an employee of the Sun Prairie Area School District.

No. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they are innocent until proven guilty through our criminal justice system.

Your children may have questions and worries. It is important for parents and caregivers to be available for their children, to talk, to listen, or to simply be present. The Department of Public Instruction has assembled this resource to help adults support children who are Processing Grief and Traumatic Events. This resource will help you consider how to support your child through this traumatic event. It will also help you understand the stages of grief that you and your child, and the entire Sun Prairie community will experience as this event unfolds.

If, as you monitor your children, you notice changes to their emotional or physical health that concern you, please reach out to your family care providers and support network with concerns. Also, please let your school guidance counselor know. 

If you suspect your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department's non-emergency line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

The SPWHS administrative team, supported by District administrators, is working on a plan of support for students, staff, and families to be integrated into the back-to-school plans for our September 2nd first day of school and as needed throughout the school year. If you believe your student would benefit from specific support, please contact Mr. Ford (ebford@sunprairieschools.org) for last names A-K and Mr. Barth (jebarth@sunprairieschools.org) for last names L-Z. 

In a school community of nearly 9,000 students and nearly 1,400 employees, there are rare but deeply troubling instances when an individual violates the trust we’ve placed in them and the training we’ve had them engage in. While these situations are not common, even one is too many. We want to acknowledge the pain, anger, and disappointment that a situation such as this can cause. 

Even though it may feel this way, there is no definitive study suggesting that the numbers of these incidents has increased in school districts across the State or the Country. Experts speculate that more students and parents/caregivers appear to be willing to come forward to report incidents, and there is more media (traditional and social media outlets) attention to these incidents, which can make it feel like the prevalence of these incidents is increasing. 

These events DO NOT reflect the Core Commitments, Mission, or Vision of the SPASD, or the care and commitment of the staff of this organization, who serve with integrity, professionalism, and trustworthiness every day. 

The SPASD administration is uncompromising in its commitment to protecting the safety of our students and upholding the highest standards of safety and conduct, even as we confront this situation.

Concerns of any kind can be reported to a school administrator at the student’s school or to a district administrator at the SPASD District Support Center at (608) 834-6500. Students, parents/caregivers, school staff, and community members can also report school safety concerns or threats through the Speak Up, Speak Out Wisconsin website, a school safety resource center supported by the WI Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety. It offers individuals the ability to submit concerns in a confidential manner.

The Sun Prairie Area School District community deserves transparency from its public school system. Today, the Board of Education has intentionally released the findings of an independent investigation conducted by an outside attorney. The Board of Education initiated the investigation to ensure that concerns raised within our school district at Sun Prairie West High School were thoroughly examined and investigated by an objective and qualified attorney.

We recognize that the findings in this report and the accountability that arises out of it are complex for all of us. Any time an investigation has implications for so many careholders within our community, the impact is significant. The Board has decided to release this report publicly, as we know transparency is necessary to rebuild trust with our community.

We must also acknowledge that with complex investigations such as this, there are legal limits on what we can share. We have worked hard with legal counsel to be as thorough as possible within the legal and ethical boundaries set by law, and as advised by our attorneys for the school district.

What we can say, and we want to be very clear about this, is that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Every decision we make, including how we responded to this investigation, has centered on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment for our students, staff, parents and caregivers, and our community. We realize that this took longer than anyone expected, and the efforts put into this investigation reflect a focus on ensuring we have all the necessary information that our community needs to acknowledge and repair harm together. The investigation report can be found on this page, as well as updated Frequently Asked Questions, and all of our archived communications about this matter.

As we move forward, we respectfully ask for your patience and partnership. Healing and rebuilding trust will take all of us. We ask the community to join in this work to support the students of Sun Prairie West High School.

Respectfully,
SPASD Board of Education
Diana McFarland
Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Dr. Danny Miller
Dr. Isaac Sung

Included in this communication: 

• Conclusion of independent investigation
• School leadership update
• Continued student support
• Rebuilding trust and next steps for support

Dear Sun Prairie West High School Families,

In September, the School Board hired an independent attorney, Sam Hall, to conduct an internal investigation after the arrest of former Dean of Students Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier. This internal investigation focused on whether any school district employees were aware of inappropriate conduct and whether any school district employees failed to timely report any suspected child abuse pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 48.981(2)(a)16m or any other applicable laws or district policies. We want to thank you for your patience as we have waited for the independent investigation to conclude.

Attorney Hall recently presented the results of his investigation to the Board of Education, and we have decided to make his report available to the public. The investigation report can be found on the web page, where you can also find the Board of Education’s public statement, updated Frequently Asked Questions, and all of our archived communications about this matter.

We do want to inform you of an important leadership change at Sun Prairie West High School. Ms. Ploeger will no longer serve as the West High School principal. We appreciate all she has done to open and lead our West High School since its opening in the fall of 2022.  

Peg Shoemaker will continue to serve as Interim Principal until further notice. We will begin a formal search for a principal this spring and will ensure that staff, student, and parent/caregiver involvement are part of that process.

Our primary focus at this time is to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high-quality education and support our students deserve. We want to assure you that:

• We will provide strong, consistent leadership for the remainder of the school year.
• Our dedicated teachers and staff remain committed to supporting our students' academic and personal growth.
• All school programs, activities, and services will continue without interruption.

We know that this situation has broken trust with our students and families. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our students, which is our number one priority. Since the investigation began, we have taken some steps to learn from this incident, including:

• Providing clear expectations for staff regarding communication and mandatory reporting.
• Partnering with The Elephant Alliance to expand training for all to better recognize signs of grooming and take action. All of our school leaders and SP West staff recently participated. Work is ongoing to expand this training to other groups of staff.
• Providing training for students to recognize the blurring of boundaries.

We acknowledge the time it has taken for these investigations to conclude. 

We are dedicated to supporting any students, families, and staff who have been affected by this situation. If you believe your child needs specific support at school, please connect with Student Services.

If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Office of the Superintendent at 608-834-6502 or bgsaron@sunprairieschools.org. We value your partnership and support as we move forward.

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to Sun Prairie West High School.

With care,

SPASD Board of Education
Diana McFarland
Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Dr. Danny Miller
Dr. Isaac Sung

Hello Staff, Students, and Families at Prairie Phoenix Academy and Other Alternative Programs,

In September, the School Board hired an independent attorney, Sam Hall, to conduct an internal investigation after the arrest of former Dean of Students Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier. This internal investigation focused on whether any school district employees were aware of inappropriate conduct and whether any school district employees failed to timely report any suspected child abuse pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 48.981(2)(a)16m or any other applicable laws or district policies. We want to thank you for your patience as we have waited for the independent investigation to conclude. 

Attorney Hall recently presented the results of his investigation to the Board of Education, and we have decided to make his report available to the public. The investigation report can be found on the web page, where you can also find the Board of Education’s public statement, updated Frequently Asked Questions, and all of our archived communications about this matter.

Because of his role at SP West High School last year, we wanted to make sure that Mr. Barrett’s name was cleared prior to his return. We are pleased to inform you that Principal Barrett will be returning to Prairie Phoenix Academy on January 12, 2026. 

We are thankful to Ms. Smith for serving as the Interim Principal during his absence. We look forward to a great second semester. 

With care,
SPASD Board of Education
Diana McFarland
Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Dr. Danny Miller
Dr. Isaac Sung

Dear Sun Prairie Community, 

As your elected Board of Education, we understand that our community is still awaiting answers from the Board’s employment investigation surrounding the Sun Prairie West High School. 

At this time, we do not have any further updates from our last communication, as the investigation remains ongoing. While we know it is difficult to wait for answers, the amount of time the investigation is taking is a direct reflection of its scale and thoroughness and reflects how seriously we take this situation.

We appreciate your patience as we await the outcome of the investigation. The Board will continue to update the community as we learn more. For our prior updates, you can visit our website.

If you have information related to this investigation, please reach out to the police department first and then the Board’s investigator, Attorney Sam Hall at SHall@crivellolaw.com.

Thank you,

Board of Education

Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Diana McFarland
Dr. Danny Miller
Dr. Isaac Sung

9/22/25

Dear Sun Prairie Community,

We hope that the first couple of weeks of school have been going well for your students. We are excited to have them back on campuses and in the classrooms again. 

The School Board is aware that the community has a strong interest in the ongoing SP West investigations. We have promised to communicate when we have information to share. This continues to be a slow process while the police conduct a criminal investigation, and the independent employment investigation initiated by the Board continues. 

Included in this Communication 

• Public Record Requests
• Update on the Board of Education Independent Employment Investigation

Public Record Requests 

In response to multiple public records requests, the District is releasing the personnel records it holds for former employee Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, as the District’s investigation of his employment is complete and his employment has been terminated. In accordance with applicable law, the District has withheld materials protected by attorney-client privilege under Wis. Stat. § 905.03, certain information such as social security numbers and home phone numbers, addresses, and emails that the law requires us to redact, and information that would identify minors as required by Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10)(a).

Note: These employment records can be found on the webpage where you can also find all of our archived communications about this matter.

Records relating to the District’s current and ongoing independent employment investigation of current employees are confidential under Wis. Stat. § 19.36(10)(b), which states that “[u]nless access is specifically authorized or required by statute, an authority shall not provide access under s. 19.35 (1) to… [i]nformation relating to the current investigation of a possible criminal offense or possible misconduct connected with employment by an employee prior to disposition of the investigation.”

Update on Sun Prairie Board of Education Independent Employment Investigation

As previously communicated, the Board of Education retained an independent investigator to conduct an employment investigation. This investigator has the authority to conduct witness interviews and review any documentation deemed relevant to the investigation. Our investigator began work over two weeks ago and, when the investigation is complete, will report his findings directly to the Board.

We will share updates as information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have any information relevant to either investigation, we ask that you contact the Sun Prairie Police Department and then the Board’s independent investigator, Attorney Sam Hall, via email at SHall@crivellolaw.com.

With Care,

The SPASD Board of Education
Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Diana McFarland
Isaac Sung

Contents of Released Records

Investigative Records

• Anonymous Electronic Tip - April 3, 2025 (Page 1)
• Tip Line Email Communication - April  4, 2025 (Page 2)
• Notice of District Directed Leave - April 4, 2025 (Page 4)
• Notice of Conclusion of Investigation - April 7, 2025 (Page 5)
• Investigation Interview Notes - April 7, 2025 (Page 7)
• Investigation Summary - April 7, 2025 (Page 10)
• Notice of District Directed Leave - June 1, 2025 (Page 14)
• Disciplinary / Termination Letter - June 9, 2025 (Page 15)
• DPI License Review Referral - June 30, 2025 (Page 18)
• DPI License Review Communication - July 2, 2025 (Page 19)

Personnel Records

• Other Personnel File Records

Dear Sun Prairie Community,

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school next week. We also want to acknowledge that this is a challenging time for our community. We value your partnership as parents and caregivers, and we want you to be informed about how we are supporting students and continuing the healing process in our high school communities.

Included in this communication: 

• High school student lessons on safety, empowerment, and community
• Update on SPASD Board of Education Employment Investigation
• Website updates with answers to frequently asked questions

Student Lessons: 

To support students, all high school students will participate in lessons on Thursday, September 4. These lessons were designed in partnership with the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center and SPASD Student Services. They are focused on fostering safety, empowerment, and community. We are sharing them in advance with parents and caregivers of our high school students so they may review them and discuss them with their students. 

In addition to lessons and supports for students, we are reinforcing expectations for staff regarding professional boundaries, including appropriate communication channels between staff and students. All staff, including those working with athletic teams and clubs, are required to use only district-approved communication platforms to ensure safe, monitored interactions with students. In addition, reinforcement of mandatory reporter responsibilities has occurred with our high school staff. 

Update on Sun Prairie Board of Education Independent Employment Investigation

As noted in our August 15 statement, the Board hired an independent investigator to conduct an employment investigation. The investigator has the authority to interview staff and review any documentation deemed relevant for the investigation.

The Board’s employment investigation focuses on whether any district employees failed to perform their employment duties.

Following a cooperative meeting with the Sun Prairie Police Department this week, the Board’s investigator has been cleared to begin interviewing witnesses and employees. Once the investigation is complete, the Board will be informed of the results and will share as much information as possible with the community while following all legal requirements.

At times during pending investigations (both criminal and employment), an employee may be placed on administrative leave to preserve operational integrity while law enforcement, the district, or both conduct their investigations. In line with legal requirements, the district does not share specific details about pending investigations or personnel matters.

What we can share is that certain personnel have been placed on administrative leave based on information currently available. These decisions will continue to be reviewed, per the Board’s directives, as both the criminal and employment investigations proceed. The district is prepared to take immediate action if new information from law enforcement or the independent investigator requires it.

Please also know that we continue to cooperate fully with the Sun Prairie Police Department’s criminal investigation. If you have any information to share, we encourage you to contact the police department directly.

Updates to the Website

We have updated the FAQs on our webpage to include answers to frequently asked questions, including:

• What is the difference between an employment investigation and a criminal investigation?
• What is an administrative leave?
• How do background checks work?
• How can someone serve as a Dean of Students without holding a teaching license?

We are grateful for your partnership as we begin this new school year. Together, we can create safe, supportive, and welcoming spaces where every student feels a strong sense of belonging. 

With care,

The SPASD Board of Education
Bryn Horton
Colleen Uhlenkamp
Amanda Davis
Melissa Grayson
Diana McFarland
Isaac Sung

and

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Dr. Stephanie Leonard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity

A Message from the Sun Prairie Area School District Board of Education:  Former SPWHS Staff Member 

8/15/25

Dear Sun Prairie Community,

The Sun Prairie Board of Education wishes to acknowledge the deep concern resulting from the charges against a former Sun Prairie West staff member. We recognize that this situation has shaken trust within our community and has raised serious concerns among families about the safety and well-being of their children as the new school year approaches. Please know that student safety remains our top priority.

On July 24, we shared a communication with families and created a dedicated webpage to address questions related to this situation. At the request of the District Attorney’s office, local law enforcement, and the Board, some of the District’s initial efforts to gather more information were temporarily paused. Since then, the Board has been meeting weekly with legal counsel to ensure we are addressing this matter with the urgency and seriousness it requires.

We truly appreciate your continued patience. Following collaboration with the District Attorney’s office and local law enforcement, we now have updates to share, including the Board’s next steps:

1. The Board has engaged an attorney from the Milwaukee area to lead an independent investigation. This attorney was intentionally selected because they have no prior connection to the District to ensure a fully objective and impartial review of how information was managed at both the school and District levels. All findings from the investigation will be reported directly to the Board for appropriate follow-up and action.
2. To ensure the Board’s employment investigation does not interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation, District representatives met earlier this week with the District Attorney’s office and the Sun Prairie Police Department (SPPD). During that meeting, the District was asked to delay the start of its investigation by two weeks to allow the SPPD to complete its work. We agreed to honor this request. In the meantime, the Board’s investigator will begin reviewing all currently available evidence. The Board remains committed to completing its investigation as promptly as possible, while recognizing that the criminal investigation must take priority.
3. District administrators are partnering with Student Services staff, the employee assistance program, health clinic personnel, and local agencies to ensure support is in place for high school students and staff as they return to school. High school staff will continue receiving training focused on appropriate boundaries and mandatory reporting requirements. At the start of the school year, high school safety lessons will include instruction on healthy boundaries and how to report concerns. Parents and caregivers will be notified about these lessons in advance, giving families the opportunity to discuss the content beforehand.

We ask for your patience as this process continues. To fully cooperate with SPPD and the District’s Attorney’s office, this process may move less quickly than we would like. However, we are committed to the process and will continue to meet as often as necessary to address the situation.

As we move forward, the Board remains steadfast in our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safety of every child. We recognize that restoring trust requires both openness and responsible action, and we will provide updates as information becomes available. Together with our families, staff, and community, we will work to ensure our schools remain places where students are protected, supported, and continue to thrive. 

Sincerely, 

The SPASD Board of Education
Katey Kamoku
Bryn Horton
Melissa Grayson
Amanda Davis
Diana McFarland
Colleen Uhlenkamp

Nothing is more important than ensuring the well-being and safety of our students. Today, July 24, 2025, the Sun Prairie Police Department arrested and charged former Sun Prairie West High School employee Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier. You can view their press release HERE.

We are deeply concerned and unsettled by this development. If the allegations that led to this arrest and the charges are true, these actions jeopardize our efforts to cultivate a culture of care where every student feels safe, every day. We continue to be focused on fully cooperating with the SPPD, understanding the full scope of this situation, and determining the most appropriate course of action.

District and SPWHS administrators have fully cooperated with the SPPD as they investigated this person's conduct.

This person was terminated on June 9, 2025.

If you have any information relevant to this investigation, or if you suspect your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department's non-emergency line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

Our primary focus remains on supporting our students and staff. We are dedicated to assisting students, families, and staff who have been affected by these events. We want to assure you that we are putting support systems in place for our students. Please check this web page for answers to questions you might have, and updates as new information becomes available.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Dr. Stephanie Leonard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity
Ms. Jen Ploeger, SP West Principal

Dear Sun Prairie West, East, and Prairie Phoenix Academy Parents, Caregivers, and Students, 

In an effort to keep our community informed, we are reaching out today after becoming aware of an investigation being conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department.  School and district administrators are assisting law enforcement with an investigation into allegations of inappropriate communications and relationships between staff and students from Sun Prairie West High School. Any staff members currently involved in the investigation have been placed on administrative leave and no longer have access to school district facilities or resources.

We understand that issues surrounding the behavior of staff will raise concerns and unease, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of every student remains our absolute top priority. Because of the ongoing investigation and its relation to personnel / confidential student matters, we are unable to provide any more details at this time. Furthermore, as we are cooperating fully with an investigation being conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department, our ability to share specific details is significantly limited by legal and investigative protocols. While we know you expect and deserve transparent communication, we must prioritize the integrity of these processes and the privacy of our students above all else. Please know that we are taking this matter very seriously and are committed to addressing it thoroughly and appropriately. We’ve included more information about federal, state, and local policies that dictate how the District manages confidentiality below for you as a resource. 

We understand that members of our community will have questions. We appreciate your patience until such time that the police indicate we can share more information.  Rest assured that the police have been in touch with any families currently involved in this situation. Our goal is to communicate more information as soon as we can, in coordination with the Sun Prairie Police Department. 

Because of the nature of this investigation, it will likely receive news coverage across our region and the state. It’s important to understand that the legal process has many steps, and each step represents an opportunity for more news coverage. Student Services staff are available to support students in safe spaces to help them process information and questions. If you believe your child needs specific support at school, please connect with Student Services (EAST / WEST / PPA).

Please read the attached letter from Chief Warych. We are grateful to the Sun Prairie Police Department and Chief Warych for their partnership. 

As always, we appreciate your support.  
Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Dr. Stephanie Leonard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Ms. Jen Ploeger, SP West Principal
Mr. Jim Ertel, SP East Principal
Ms. Nikole Sconiers, PPA Principal

What are the federal and state laws and local policies that dictate how the District manages confidentiality?

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) This federal law affords parents the right to access their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from these education records. This law also prohibits the District from disclosing “personally identifiable information in education records” without the written consent of an eligible student, or if the student is a minor, then the student’s parents.
• Wisconsin State Statute 118.125. This is Wisconsin’s pupil records statute. This state law prohibits the District from disclosing information about one student to other students, families, and third parties, except in very limited circumstances outlined in the policy, such as directory information.  
• OE 3: Treatment of Community Stakeholders and OE 10: Learning Environment.  These are School Board policies that, among other things, mandate that the Superintendent protect confidential student information. 
• WI DOJ Public Records Compliance Guide (page 42). Generally, the law prohibits the release of records containing information relating to the current investigation of a possible criminal offense or possible misconduct connected with employment by an employee prior to disposition of the investigation.

___________________________________________

A Message from Sun Prairie Police Chief, Kevin Warych

Dear Sun Prairie West High School Parents and Guardians:

I am writing to inform you of the Sun Prairie Police Department’s ongoing criminal investigation involving staff at Sun Prairie West High School.

We are investigating allegations of criminal activity involving inappropriate relationships with staff. Upon learning of these allegations, our department promptly initiated an investigation. The alleged staff have been placed on administrative leave by the school district and are not currently present on school grounds.

We understand that this news is disturbing and may be unsettling to members of the school community. Please know that our top priority is the safety and well-being of your children, and we are conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. At this time, due to the active and sensitive nature of the case, we are limited in the information we can release publicly.

If you or your child has any information that may be relevant to this investigation, we urge you to contact our department directly at (608) 837-7336. Any information shared will be handled with the utmost care and discretion.

We also recognize that situations like this can be emotionally challenging. We encourage you to speak with your children and support them during this time. Our victim services team is ready to assist any families who may need additional resources.

We take these matters with the utmost seriousness and are committed to conducting a thorough and just investigation. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we move forward.

Respectfully,
Kevin Warych
Chief of Police

Dear Sun Prairie Middle School Parents and Caregivers

In an effort to keep our community informed, we are reaching out today after becoming aware of an investigation being conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department.  School and district administrators are assisting law enforcement with an investigation into allegations of inappropriate communications and relationships between staff and students from Sun Prairie West High School. Any staff members currently involved in the investigation have been placed on administrative leave and no longer have access to school district facilities or resources.

We understand that issues surrounding the behavior of staff will raise concerns and unease, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of every student remains our absolute top priority. Because of the ongoing investigation and its relation to personnel / confidential student matters, we are unable to provide any more details at this time. Furthermore, as we are cooperating fully with an investigation being conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department, our ability to share specific details is significantly limited by legal and investigative protocols. While we know you expect and deserve transparent communication, we must prioritize the integrity of these processes and the privacy of our students above all else. Please know that we are taking this matter very seriously and are committed to addressing it thoroughly and appropriately. We’ve included more information about federal, state, and local policies that dictate how the District manages confidentiality below for you as a resource.

We understand that members of our community will have questions. We appreciate your patience until such time that the police indicate we can share more information.  Rest assured that the police have been in touch with any families currently involved in this situation. Our goal is to communicate more information as soon as we can, in coordination with the Sun Prairie Police Department.

Because of the nature of this investigation, it will likely receive news coverage across our region and the state. It’s important to understand that the legal process has many steps, and each step represents an opportunity for more news coverage. Student Services staff are available to support students in safe spaces to help them process information and questions. If you believe your child needs specific support at school, please connect with Student Services (CHMS / PMMS / PVMS).

Please read the attached letter from Chief Warych. We are grateful to the Sun Prairie Police Department and Chief Warych for their partnership.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Dr. Stephanie Leonard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity