10/7/22 Staff Member Investigation

Because of the nature of this investigation, this 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 that may resurface feelings for our staff and students. Please make certain to revisit the resources we provide below as needed.

At School

Student Services staff across all our 6th-12th grade schools are available to support students in safe spaces to help them process information and questions. School Counselors, School Social Workers, and School Psychologists, along with other staff, are providing opportunities for individual and group support.

If you believe your child will need small group or individual student services support at school, please contact one of the student services staff members or administrators at your school.

In the Community

The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has a variety of Survivor Services and helpful information. Their helpline is open 24 hours/day to connect you with an advocate to confidentially seek support: 608-251-7273.

Other Resources

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 first consider how to support your child through this traumatic event. Next, it will help you understand the stages of grief that you and your child and the entire Sun Prairie community will cycle through as this event unfolds.

If, as you monitor your children, you notice changes to your child’s emotional or physical health that concern you, please reach out to your family care providers and support network with concerns.

If you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you believe your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

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 first consider how to support your child through this traumatic event. Next, it will help you understand the stages of grief that you and your child and the entire Sun Prairie community will cycle through as this event unfolds.

If, as you monitor your children, you notice changes to your child’s emotional or physical health that concern you, please reach out to your family care providers and support network with concerns.

Our school district community is experiencing a traumatic event that impacts each of us as parents, caregivers, and staff members. It is important that we provide support to our staff as we navigate the days ahead. To that end, we have provided the following supports and shared the following resources with our staff:

District Supports and Resources

• Staff from Sexual Violence Resource Center and a Licensed Counselor/Therapist from REALiving have been present to provide group and one-on-one debriefing. 

• Therapists are available for one-on-one/small group support as needed.

• We temporarily reallocated administrative staff to provide support on-site.

• Teacher mentors were on-site to offer support for any staff in need of assistance.

• We encourage our staff to reach out to our SPASD Employee Achievement Program.

Sexual Violence Resource Center

• The Resource Center is focused on supporting all those who may have been affected by Sexual Violence of any kind.

• The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has a variety of Survivor Services and helpful  information. 

• Their helpline is open 24 hours/day to connect you with an advocate to confidentially seek support:  608-251-7273.

For more information about the criminal court process, view the following resource from the United States Department of Justice Offices of the United States Attorneys:

Steps in the Federal Criminal Process

SOURCE: OFFICES OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

It is important to know that, legally speaking, the school district is not considered a party to the case. Because of that, our access to timely information will be restricted as the case progresses through the federal criminal justice system. We will receive communication with the rest of the public. We’d like to acknowledge that there may be instances when we learn about a development in the case at the same time as the media and that the news may publish facts about the case before we are able to communicate about it with our staff and families. 

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin

The federal case is being handled by the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin. You can find more information on their website.

Click here to access the U.S. Attorney's Office website.

Sun Prairie Police Department

Nixle is a free service that gives the Sun Prairie Police Department the ability to communicate with subscribers via e-mail, text, and web messages with timely alerts on information important to them. Citizens can opt in to receive text messages, e-mails, or both. Alerts may include weather advisories, road conditions / closures, and announcements of snow emergencies.

Click here to access SPPD's Nixle.

 

We understand that there are claims on social media alleging that the District may have had prior knowledge of the matter. We want to state clearly that we do not have any reports – whatsoever – of prior misconduct. The District takes such allegations seriously and is committed to investigating any allegations made on social media or in the community. The District has asked Attorney Laura Pedersen to serve as a third-party investigator of such allegations. Please reach out to Ms. Pedersen directly to report any information you have. Her contact information is lpedersen@law-rll.com; Toll Free Direct Telephone Number: (844) 626-0909.

Dear Sun Prairie Staff,

Based on a recommendation from our school district attorney, the School Board took action tonight to accept the resignation of staff member Matthew Quaglieri, who is awaiting trial on charges of child pornography. This decision was made in consultation with and supported by district administration. We understand that there may be questions in our community about this decision. We want to explain why we have chosen to accept his resignation versus terminating his employment. 

1. As a part of this resignation, the district requested that the employee’s teaching license be surrendered without waiting for the completion of the state investigation. This ensures that there is no opportunity for future employment in schools throughout the state.  
2. This action shields our students from becoming involved in the termination process. Employees can challenge termination through a hearing before the Board. In the hearing, alleged victims could be required to testify. A resignation avoids that scenario.  
3. Accepting this resignation does not hinder the District from continued cooperation with law enforcement, prosecutors, the Department of Public Instruction, and any other governmental entity that may be involved in this matter.
4. Accepting this resignation puts closure and finality to the employment relationship and provides an opportunity for our school community to focus on helping students and families move forward rather than being pulled into an employment dispute.

In addition, this resignation agreement provides a strong defense to any employment claims the employee might attempt to make at a later date. This will ensure school and district administrators are not pulled away from other critical duties to testify or prepare for employment hearings. Avoiding legal entanglements will avoid unnecessary attorney’s fees related to employment proceedings. To be clear, the employee was not “bought out.” The employee has been on unpaid leave since October 7, 2022.

We want to reiterate that student and staff safety is a priority, and we will always make decisions based on what is best for our students. We will continue to support students and staff in every way possible. 

On behalf of the School Board, thank you for your ongoing support of this school district. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Dr. Steve Schroeder, School Board President
Bryn Horton, School Board Vice President
Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Equity
Janet Rosseter, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Dr. Chris Sadler, Human Resources Director
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations and Safety

Hello Sun Prairie Staff and Families,

We want to keep our community informed as we continue to monitor the case of Matthew Quaglieri. We were made aware that a hearing was held in federal court to determine if bail would be granted.  

At that hearing earlier today, the court approved his release with conditions. He was released into the custody of family members who live outside of Dane County. His release will be monitored by GPS.  He will not be able to leave that location without court approval, and therefore should not be in our community.

It is our understanding that, in addition to around-the-clock house arrest, he is not permitted to use a phone or any technology; he may not use social media or be on the internet; and he is not permitted to have any contact with a minor unless he is supervised by an adult who is aware of the charges against him.  

If you believe any of these conditions have been violated, the Sun Prairie Police Department can be contacted at 608-837-7336. Always call 911 in the event of an emergency.

The steps within the federal criminal process can be very confusing for all of us. For more information about these proceedings, please see this resource. 

As a reminder, the District has engaged Attorney Laura Pedersen to serve as a third-party investigator for any allegations that someone had knowledge of previous misconduct. If you have any information to report, please reach out to Ms. Pedersen directly. Her contact information is lpedersen@law-rll.com; Toll-Free Direct Telephone Number: (844) 626-0909.

If you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you think your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

We remain in this together.  We know your children may continue to have questions and worries.  We wanted to share this resource from the Department of Public Instruction again to support children who are Processing Grief and Traumatic Events. Our student services staff continue to be available to help your children if they need an additional person to process with.  

Again, we understand that there is a lot of updated information in this email. We have created and continue to update a webpage specific to this investigation so you can continue to find everything in one place. 

Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Janet Rosseter, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Dr. Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations

Dear Sun Prairie Families,

This afternoon we learned about an important update regarding the investigation at Prairie View from October 7th. We have been informed that Matthew Quaglieri has been brought up on federal charges by the US Attorney. He was indicted today by a federal grand jury on three counts of production of child pornography. If convicted, the production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count. He made an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon. At that hearing, he was detained pending trial. The next status conference in the case was set for November 22, 2022.

The district will continue to cooperate fully with the investigation. It is important to know that, legally speaking, the school district is not considered a party to the case. Because of that, we did not know about this development prior to it being released publicly. Moving forward, our access to timely information will be restricted as the case progresses through the federal criminal justice system. We will now receive communication with the rest of the public. We’d like to acknowledge that there may be instances when we learn about a development in the case at the same time as the media and that the news may publish facts about the case before we are able to communicate about it with our staff and families. 

The steps within the federal criminal process can be very confusing for all of us. For more information about the rules, key events, and proceedings that may take place in the next days and weeks to come, please see this resource. 

We understand there may be concerns that the District or particular staff had prior knowledge of the matter. We want to state clearly that we do not have any reports – whatsoever – of prior misconduct. The District takes such allegations seriously and is committed to investigating any allegations made on social media or in the community. The District has asked Attorney Laura Pedersen to serve as a third-party investigator of such allegations. If you have any information you would like to report, please reach out to Ms. Pedersen directly. Her contact information is lpedersen@law-rll.com; Toll-Free Direct Telephone Number: (844) 626-0909.

We would also like to reiterate the following: If you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you believe your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

We share all of this information with you in the spirit of community and transparency.  We are all in this together.  We know your children may continue to have questions and worries.  We wanted to share this resource from the Department of Public Instruction again to support children who are Processing Grief and Traumatic Events. Our student services staff continue to be available to help your children if they need an additional person to process with.  

Again, we understand that there is a lot of updated information in this email. We have created and continue to update a webpage specific to this investigation so you can continue to find everything in one place. 

With care, 

Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Janet Rosseter, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Jennifer Apodaca and Janet Thomas, Directors of Student Services
Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations

Dear Sun Prairie Families and Staff,

We are reaching out to update you on the staff investigation at Prairie View from October 7th. 

We are now aware that the Sun Prairie Police Department has filed the additional charge of “Sexual Exploitation of a Child” against Matthew Quaglieri. While the legal system has multiple definitions for this charge, this relates to the creation of recordings of students in the restroom.  

Because this is an active investigation, the Sun Prairie Police Department is limited in what they can communicate to the school district and general public. It’s important to know that this investigation and all the events associated with it will progress through the legal system. These events may include additional charges, additional counts on each charge, an initial appearance in court, the court setting the bail and conditions of bail, etc. While this investigation progresses through the legal system, we will fully collaborate with the Sun Prairie Police Department while focusing on supporting our students, families, and staff. 

We will closely monitor developments and take action at school to ensure a safe environment for all students. We know your children may have questions and worries.  It will be 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 support your child through this traumatic event and what may be appearing in the news as the investigation progresses through the legal system. For more information on the Criminal Court Process, please see this resource from the Dane County District Attorney’s Office. 

There has been no evidence to suggest that any recording devices were planted as a part of this situation. However, our Facilities & Grounds team swept the bathrooms at Prairie View before school on Monday.  No devices were found. 

As we are partnering with the Sun Prairie Police Department, they also have partnered with organizations to assist with the investigation. The SPPD has given us permission to disclose that they are working with the Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, in the investigation. That said, if you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you believe your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

We understand that there is a lot of information about this event. We have created a webpage so you can continue to find all of the resources in one place. 

Please know that we will continue to keep you updated as we are able.

With care, 

Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Janet Rosseter, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Jennifer Apodaca and Janet Thomas, Directors of Student Services
Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations

Resources: If you need resources specific to surviving sexual violence, the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has a variety of Survivor Services and helpful information. Their helpline is open 24 hours/day to connect you with an advocate to confidentially seek support: 608-251-7273.

Dear Sun Prairie Families,

Our school district community is experiencing a traumatic event that requires all of us as parents, caregivers, and staff, to work together to support our students.  Beginning Monday, each of our secondary schools will offer three tiers of student support. This support has been designed in collaboration with experts from the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center.

• All students in our secondary schools will receive information and processing opportunities. 

• Some small groups of students will receive targeted support and outreach.  

• And some individual students will receive individual support and outreach.

This tiered approach allows students to get the level of support that they need while maintaining their access to school and their routines and their people.  Additionally, our schools have a plan developed to provide safe spaces on Monday and ongoing for students to seek help and process the information they are hearing.

Over this weekend, your children may have questions and worries.  It will be 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 first consider how to support your child through this traumatic event. Next, it will help you understand the stages of grief that you and your child and the entire Sun Prairie community will cycle through as this event unfolds.  We hope you find these resources and the links within, helpful.  

If, as you monitor your children, you notice changes to your child’s emotional or physical health that concern you, please reach out to your family care providers and support network with concerns. 

If you need resources specific to surviving sexual violence, the RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has a variety of Survivor Services and helpful information. Their helpline is open 24 hours/day to connect you with an advocate to confidentially seek support: 608-251-7273.

If you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you believe your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

And finally, if you believe your child will need small group or individual student services support at school, please contact one of the student services staff members or administrators at your school.

With care, 

Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Jennifer Apodaca and Janet Thomas, Directors of Student Services

Dear Sun Prairie Families,

There is no greater priority than the health, safety, and welfare of our children. We are reaching out with a difficult message that may affect students across our secondary schools. This morning, our administrators assisted the Sun Prairie Police Department with an investigation at Prairie View Middle School into the actions of a staff member.  The staff member has been suspended while the Sun Prairie Police Department and the District investigate this incident further.

The Sun Prairie Police Department has just announced that Prairie View Middle School staff member, Matt Quaglieri, has been charged with the possession of child pornography. This investigation was prompted after a male student reported feeling uncomfortable and may have been recorded in a restroom at Prairie View.   

Supporting students and our staff is our number one priority. Our focus is on supporting students, families, and staff who have been negatively impacted by these actions. We want to make you aware of the support that we will have in place for students. All of us as parents, caregivers, and educators want to be there for our children. It is important for us to work together to support them. In times of uncertainty, everyone responds differently. Children will process these events differently. Student Services staff across all our 6th-12th grade schools will be available to support students in safe spaces to help them process information and questions. School Counselors, School Social Workers, and School Psychologists, along with other staff, will provide opportunities for individual and group support. 

At home, it will be important for parents and caregivers to be available for their children, to talk, to listen, or to simply be present. Please be aware of any changes to your child’s emotional or physical health, and reach out to your family care providers with concerns. 

We also want to clearly communicate that we have a plan in place to support the staff who have been impacted by this situation. 

If you believe you have information pertinent to this investigation, or you believe your child may be a victim, please contact the Sun Prairie Police Department Non-Emergency Line at 608-837-7336, or anonymously at 608-837-6300.

Because of the nature of this investigation, this 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 that may resurface feelings for our staff and students. Please make certain to revisit the resources we’ve provided as needed. 

The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has a variety of Survivor Services and helpful information. Their helpline is open 24 hours/day to connect you with an advocate to confidentially seek support: 608-251-7273. 

This has been a very difficult day for many of our students, families, and staff. The Sun Prairie community has always pulled together in unsettling times. Once again, this situation calls for all of us to support each other and the students and staff of Sun Prairie. 

Brad Saron, Superintendent
Stephanie Leonard-Witte, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching, Learning, and Equity 
Janet Rosseter, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations

Dear Prairie View Families,

Today at Prairie View, you or your student may have seen a police presence.  Our administrators assisted the Sun Prairie Police Department with an investigation into the actions of a staff member. The staff member no longer has access to school district facilities and resources. Because of the ongoing investigation and its relation to personnel matters, we are unable to provide any more details at this time.  

We appreciate your patience and please know that our goal is to communicate more information as soon as we can, in coordination with the Sun Prairie Police Department.  

There is no greater priority than the health, safety, and welfare of our children. Our policies and procedures are designed to protect students. To that end, the Prairie View team is cooperating fully with law enforcement and the District is conducting its own investigation. 

As always, we appreciate your support.  We are in this together. 

Brad Saron, Superintendent
Nick Reichhoff, Director of School Operations
Michelle Jensen, Prairie View Principal