Findings from the Wauwatosa Community Survey
Dear Wauwatosa Community,
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent community survey. Your engagement and willingness to share your thoughts on the state of our schools is invaluable. The overwhelming response – representing Tosans from nearly every neighborhood – reinforces what I have long believed: this community cares deeply about the future of education in Wauwatosa.
Your feedback has provided important insights into the issues that matter most – academic excellence, responsible financial management, and strong leadership that puts students first. These perspectives are not just numbers in a survey; they are a call to action, and I promise to carry your concerns forward in this election and beyond.
Hearing from so many of you gives me even greater confidence in this campaign and what we stand for: a renewed commitment to accountability, transparency, and ensuring that every child in Wauwatosa receives the high-quality education they deserve. This campaign is about all of us – our students, our families, and our future.
Thank you again for raising your voices. I look forward to continuing this conversation and working together to bring meaningful change to our schools.
Sincerely,
Christopher K. Merker, CFA, Ph.D.
Candidate for Wauwatosa School Board, Seat #7
Survey Details:
Survey responses collected between Jan. 15 and Jan 30, 2025; survey sent to 450 residents via email and made available on social media
115 responses collected yielding a response rate of 25.5% – the high end of most community engagement surveys (SurveyLab)
Respondents represent a range neighborhoods including 88th and North, East Tosa, East Towne, Fischer Woods, Glenview Heights, Highland Park, Highlands, Hillcrest, Historic Heights, Inglewood, Jackson Park, Jacobus Park, Jennings Park, Lowell Damon Woods, Ludington Commons, Mayfair Park, McKinley, Near Mount Mary, Pabst Park, Parkway Estates, Pasadena, Ravenswood, Ruby Gardens, Sheraton Lawns, Swan Park, Underwood Parkway, Wellauer Heights, and Wellauer Park
Learn more about the findings: Wauwatosa School District Survey Analysis Report
Key Findings from Survey
1) Most Pressing Issues Identified by Respondents
Academic Performance Decline – Concerns over decreasing proficiency levels in core subjects like reading and math.
Financial Mismanagement – Skepticism about the district’s handling of funds, particularly since the last referendum.
Superintendent and Board Accountability – Calls for increased transparency, potential leadership changes, and a forensic audit.
Equity vs. Standards Debate – Concerns that current equity-focused policies may be lowering overall academic standards.
Teacher Retention & Treatment – Acknowledgment that teachers are underappreciated, under-supported, and leaving for better opportunities in other districts.
Student Behavior & Discipline – Perception that behavior expectations at the secondary level are too low.
“When we moved here, our schools were at the top of all rankings and now they’ve all dropped. When you look at the proficiency numbers across the board they are consistently moving in a downward trajectory.”
“Declining performance = declining community”
“My concerns are the continual decline of less academics being taught resulting in a continue drop in results. To fall from being a top educational district to where Tosa stands today in rankings is a shame and disgrace.”
2) Resource Allocation & Facility Concerns
Middle School Relocation to High Schools – Concerns that this proposal was made without sufficient community input; requests for evidence of success in other districts.
School Closures & Consolidations – Mixed opinions, with some advocating for closing underutilized elementary schools (Eisenhower, Jefferson) and consolidating resources.
Re-prioritization of Secondary Schools – Belief that the district is over-investing in elementary schools while neglecting middle and high school infrastructure.
“The district needs to make tough decisions on facilities to get expenses back in line, elevate the core learning of students and properly support teachers in the classroom and financially.”
“I feel that the passed ‘24 referendum forced us to prioritize elementary buildings, when we should have been focusing on the larger needs of the secondary schools.”
3) Perceptions of the Financial Situation
State Funding Issues vs. Local Management Failures – Respondents recognize flaws in the state funding model but also believe the district’s financial management has been poor.
Concerns Over Tax Burden – Some residents feel Wauwatosa’s property taxes are becoming unsustainable.
Call for Fiscal Responsibility – Many advocate for a more strategic, long-term financial plan that includes cutting waste and reassessing spending priorities.
“I do not believe the current situation is something we can tax our way out of, which seems to be the current way of doing things.”
“At a certain point, taxpayers will no longer support these referendums if the district is unable or unwilling to do their part in reducing or eliminating the deficit.”
“The community deserves an unbiased wholesale look at the district funding, facilities and programs in order to establish a successful plan for the future.”
4) Importance of Board Members With Children in the District
Strong preference for school board members with children currently in district schools, as they may be seen as more directly invested in educational outcomes.
5) Other Ideas and Community Perspectives
Decline in Educational Standards & Advanced Courses – Frustration that advanced course offerings have been reduced, contributing to lower academic rigor.
Teacher-Parent Accountability – Calls for more honest conversations with parents about their role in student success, rather than placing full responsibility on teachers.
STEM vs. Arts/Humanities Balance – Some concern that prioritizing STEM too heavily could come at the expense of well-rounded education in arts and humanities.
School Board Overhaul – A sizable portion of respondents feel the current board should be replaced entirely due to past mismanagement.
Conclusion
This survey highlights a strong sense of dissatisfaction with the district’s financial management, leadership, and perceived academic decline. There is significant support for structural changes, including school consolidation and administrative accountability. Community members want data-driven decision-making and transparency, rather than reactionary policies. The findings suggest a critical need for stronger leadership, improved fiscal oversight, and a renewed focus on academic excellence.
