I would like to know why Michelle Weisrock is being promoted to an administrative position after a year of causing nothing but upheaval at Maple Grove with parents and staff. Perhaps it's time for the school board to have "closed sessions" with teachers and parents in the district instead of administration.

@Jean - you answered your own question - Weisrock was hired by the administration - she caused nothing but upheaval, now gets promoted and other teachers not get repremanded for stuff that supposedly happened over 7 years but never addressed before now. Who has who in their pocket - Farner only cares about his salary doesnt live in our district and now he can put spies in the school on his behalf. Glad my children are no longer in their schools . Just have to wait until I can sell my house for what I paid for it and get the hell out of this district.

Welcome to the real world teach!

Hey John. Had to delete your comment because it violated Patch's terms of service. -- David

Then I suggest you follow up on why all of these administrators and teachers have been leaving the past 2 years...there is one common thread. Conrad Farner. Put two and two together. The school board needs to wake up as well. No District has that much turnover in this short of time.

Seriously...Superintendent Farner does not live in Greenfield? That's a red flag already. Not sure what Ms. Patten's teaching license certification is. When I was teaching (albeit in MPS,) I was certified to teach grades 1-3. I could only be assigned to teach at one grade level above or below that certification and it could only be for one year per state law. It happened only once and the administrator felt justified because I was assigned to teach a split class of grades 3 and 4. It was a challenging year as any/all split grades tend to be. Many teachers that I worked with changed their state certification when reassignments such as Ms. Patten's situation (grade 1 to middle school) occurred. In other words, you can ultimately have some control over your grade level teaching preferences.

I wish I would have known Mr. Perry was retiring, he was a great teacher! I had him in 6th grade, and luckily my daughter had him this year for 5th grade. It's sad to see what's going on in our own district...

The tactics employed here demonstrate that the administration either does not understand how to improve performance, or more likely, that they administration intends to make this teacher's life miserable and hope she resigns.

If the intent was actually to improve performance, they would keep her in her current assignment and develop a list of measurable goals for her to achieve. This allows management to compare future performance with past performance in similar circumstances. Giving her an improvement plan and then moving her to a different work location with different managers, different peers and different job tasks guarantees the inability to make an apples-apples comparison of performance.

This is such a common theme with Farner and the current administration. Take teachers we don't like and put them into an untenable situation at the middle school. This teacher will no doubt be asked to teach some challenging students, be bounced from classroom to classroom and work a schedule that no other teacher is required to work. They will then be assigned a "special project" with an unachievable timeline.

How about if you don't like someone and you want to retaliate, just fire them and suffer the consequences. Be honest and explain that you wanted to get rid of them because they didn't buy in to the Kool Aid you were selling. Or admit you gave the employee a terrible manager but they were supposed to get along and not say anything. How about just being honest.

It seems as though many people know the problem. So why don't you speak up to your school board and do something about it? This man needs to go. How do you just make up an employees record and change it? She only had great performance evaluations...and all of a sudden she needs improvement? Are you kidding me. If the residents of Greenfield don't do something about this man your School District will be destroyed. It's no longer a matter of if, but when things will fall apart under his "leadership". It is bad and you don't even know 1/2 of what is really going on.

Bravo to all of the above comments! I observed Mrs. Patten and Mr. Perry teaching on numerous occasions over several years. They are both exemplary. Moving Mrs. Patten and pushing Mr. Perry to retire were retaliatory actions by Conrad Farner. The atmosphere at Maple Grove and the district as a whole has deteriorated shamefully in the past year. Mr. Farner has applied to other districts but unfortunately whenever his name is made known in southeastern WI, his reputation for leading by intimidation breaks, and he is rejected. I am so disappointed that the school board can't see through him. Wake up! It is very hard to teach in such a repressive environment, he is killing learning.

Welcome to the Mr. Farmer's "divide and conquer" ways.

Way to go Farner. I think he needs to be re-evaluated and reassigned. Sorry to say but I have a sneaky feeling this is just the tip of the ice berg. It really is a shame because not only does it affect the teachers but it also affects the students they are trying to educate. Farner really needs to move on from this district.

The Administration of SDoG does what they want, when they want, and without consideration and common decency for those involved. The parents and taxpayers of GF need to rise up and get new leaders that care about the future of GF!

From a few years ago at a school board meeting it was clear that Mr. Farner considers himself above the mere peasants of his kingdom. His comment that once the parents/taxpayers received their degree then they could get a superintendent job & run their district the way they wanted, meanwhile he will run his the way he wants. unfortunately that is into the ground. If only we could dump him on some other district, though I fear the next in line will continue along the same route that has been setup by Farner.

I thought it was just my feelings and opinions about Mr. Farner; glad to read others disapprove of his tactics!

All previous Superintendents either lived in or moved into Greenfield shortly after they were hired. This was a Board Policy. Did the Board repeal the policy or did Conrad encroach upon the legislative authority of the board ? If the latter is the case, the contract might be voidable. Independent Legal counsel may be necessary. Bob Heule, former Greenfield School Board Member

Part of Board Policy 1200 relating to hiring of a Superintendent states that solicitation be from a "wide geographical area". How wide?, apparently the width of the administrative offices.

yeah its good to see others do not like Farner either - too bad no one can stand up to the school board and let them know - since everyone has to protect their kids from retaliation.

@Ann, I don't dislike the man, but his method of running the district has reached a point where it may beyond reconciliation with the community.

Formula: Next board meeting + citizen attendance = Pile on

As I rose this morning, I opened my patio door and smelled the sweet aroma of an uprising

Moving Mrs. Patten was retaliation and based on mistruths. All because the West Allis Teacher (friend) of Michelle Weisrock didn't like her. Funny they had to move two other teachers to make room for her at Edgewood b/c people hated her at Maple Grove. They are simply trying to force Mrs. Patten out. Michelle and her teacher friend made it clear they were getting rid of the first grade team at Maple Grove before the year even began... they openly stated it. Sad! Mrs. Patten is an amazing 1st grade teacher and the children of Greenfield are losing out. The number of teachers at that meeting to support Mrs. Patten should have been a clue to the board that something was going on. Parents need to speak up- only 7 out of 20 regular education teachers will be returning. They have removed the veteran teachers so they can bring in their own people and control them... but what is best for the children of Greenfield? Next year, 45% of the staff at Maple Grove will be new... is this not alarming? And who is on the hit list next year? How many more teachers will be "moved". It is not normal practice and the number of resiginations is incredibly high! Please- Russ Spahn... ask questions, get in the school and talk to the teachers that are still there and scared to death to say anything for fear of Farner and Bugnacki will do to them! It isn't just Farner... it's a boy's club people!

Well I stumbled across this and find it all so disturbing! My husband and I are going to this next meeting now. I hate to hear a great teacher retired because an administrator disliked him? Are the people running our schools adults? So my child isn't going to have the best teacher possible but instead they will be based on who likes them? I'm getting burning mad just thinking about it. Like we don't have enough challenges in our district without this?

The next school board meeting is MONDAY JUNE 25TH AT 6:30 AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER. We must rid ourselves of administrators who make decisions based on vendettas. We need a new administration that makes decisions based on what is best for students and their learning. How is moving a teacher with expertise in first grade to the middle school good for students? It is not! Nor is harassing an outstanding teacher until he retires. This is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to return to a district where teachers are comfortable collaborating and bringing new educational ideas forward instead of just keeping their heads down and towing the line.

Karen K. and Shari....
You have no idea how bad it really is. The tip of the iceberg is correct...it goes very deep below the surface. If former employees would/could tell the truth both Farner and Bugnacki would be unemployed. The control everything right now. This is not just people felling bitter...this is much deeper than that.

Listen to Mr. Seymour he is so correct. I have talked with several staff members from one of the elementary schools and the stories I have heard regarding Farner and Bugnacki are unbelieveable but like everyone is saying they are so afraid to speak out due to retaliation. That is a dirty rotten shame. Something needs to be done soon before Greenfield's School district gets run down to nothing just like the last district Farner worked for. GET HIM OUT OF HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Every parent and citizen should go here https://apps2.dpi.wi.gov/sdpr/spr.action and check the data for the School District of Greenfield. Compared to other districts, Greenfield has consistently scored second to last or third from the bottom in WKCE testing and ACT tests. This administration should be completely replaced based simply on this consistent and dismal performance.

Why do we keep giving millions of taxpayer dollars to a failing management team?? The school board sits on their hands and listens to the BS....how about showing some results!?!?!?!?

They lose their best administrators. They see the light and leave to green pastures (or even other countries). Why stick around in a place where you feel like crap and get yelled at constantly. Ask yourself this...why are there only 2 CO admins who give themselves raises/titles and control everything? Citizens of Greenfield...wake up and get things done.

How long does Farner's contract last? Maybe it's time for a more successful recall.

If nothing else, the board should buy out the remainder of his contract. A small price for peace.

You know the truth Karen K.

Hey folks, I deleted a few comments that were on the fence when it comes to violating Patch's terms of use. Let's keep rumors off the message board.

Wow, this is like listening to rant radio - not a lot of critical thinking, and a few individuals who seem to have nothing better to do than stir the gossip pot )for which Greenfield is already so well-known). A few posters here should be ashamed of themselves for ignorant posting! I TEACH in this district, and while many of us take the higher road and do not engage in these type of forums, I have chosen to join you on the lower road for a moment. While I agree that there are issues in this district, I don't see that they are any more severe than what other districts face. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion, and mine is that things in SDoG are not nearly as "horrific" as some are portraying here. Test scores ARE low - and have been for decades - however, only in the last few years have things been put in place to begin to right the ship. The administration that some have decided is the worst ever just absorbed one entire position last year, and seems to be having hard time getting everything done. I am NOT a huge fan of the superintendent, but do recognize that he has done some good things for GF. The people who are screaming bloody murder are also those who should take a look in the mirror: one of the biggest problems that teachers in GF face is the bullying behavior of other teachers. Try to bring administration into that, and now the bullies cry foul at administration AND target those who tried to get help. Admin is not the only dysfunction at work here.

KK. They chose to "absorb" a position last year and give themselves raises so I don't think we need to feel sorry for them. Do you want them to change your personnel file so that your record looks bad? Do you think it is OK to scream at people who disagree with you? I understand that you like teaching in Greenfield, but you are truly blind to what is going on behind the scenes. There are things that have happened are are happening that you don't know about.

Hi John, can you point me toward the documentation on admin raises? I thought I was told by a school board member that the assist supt was taking on the other assist supt job for NO pay raise. Maybe I misunderstood him. In all my years here, I have never seen these behaviors firsthand. I have heard of the supt getting too riled in meetings (but all secondhand information, which I refuse to react to), but I seem (as do many of my colleagues) to be missing this part of the subculture that you describe. If I'm blind to things that are really happening, then ignorance really is bliss! :) If you can tell me where to find the raise data, I would appreciate it, thanks!

Please read Community Columnist Laura Schubert's article in the Journal-Sentinel on New Berlin's adoption of the Post Act 10 handbook ( page 15A). It happened about a week or so after Greenfield's action. Who set the pace?

KK, I would like to tell you what I know and how I know it, but I can't due to the fact that it would be wiped off of this site. You are blind to many things that are going on. You don't see what happens behind the scenes...I have. Keep being ignorant it will make your life easier.

KK = http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/dataondemand/33534649.html?appSession=25746215528492 (this is what the 2010/2011 school year incomes are). Mr. Conrad made $141,072 with fringe benefits of $46,858; pretty good income without a doctorial degree. And, http://m.jsonline.com/159629475.htm informs you of approval of 1.5% raise for Greenfield administration; math based on income would increase annual salary by $2,116.08. In the real world, people are not even getting raises and if they do it usually is less than $500 annually. I am aware they have taken on additional responsibilities, but does it make you think why people are not applying to work with or for Mr. Conrad in the administration building. In the world today there are a great amount of unemployed individuals, I personally have seen lines, and lines of people applying for jobs (i.e. go to job fairs, target job fair, etc.). Just trying to make you look outside the box.

KK stay strong, remember if admin replace people that leave they get ripped on for that as well. I don't care what anyone says, everyone hates the boss, me as well, I have had my hours changed 4 times in a year, it is part of my contract. All the teachers complained about the contract and they can be moved per the contract. John how much do you make, lets say $70,000+ benies and you have the summer off. Not me, I would love your job, lets be adults and do our job and teach our kids.

This has nothing to do with the changes that occurred to our salaries, etc. I'm fine with the amount of money I make (which isn't close to $70,000 more like 50,000) and with the added costs of pensions and insurance. To me it is fair. This is about two leaders who make poor decisions and treat people terribly. That is no way to run a business or a school district. If a teacher sucks...then get rid of them. Don't make stuff up because they disagreed with you. 7 Years worth of positive reviews does not lead to an 8 page improvement plan. RAJ if you only knew the truth of what has gone on behind the scenes you would be screaming at the top of your lungs to get rid of these guys. They are probably going to be sued for illegal practices and then the District will be in huge trouble because the truth will then have to come out under oath.

Thanks for the additional data (Greenfield ResidentToo). @Shari - I am not arguing that there is a not disconnect between central office and community. This has been the case for some time now. I am simply saying - especially now that I have talked with more colleagues since yesterday - that things are not always as grotesque as they are being portrayed. I also know that there are elements being spouted that are NOT true...and have grown and morphed through the rumor mill. (John - I know you will call me ignorant for that remark as well...I'm okay with that. :)) I also don't believe that roping in the entire administration into the boss's corral is completely fair. I'm sure everyone has made their share of mistakes, but I've also seen (FRISThand, in these cases), those under the supt - from district office to principals -making decisions that they personally don't agree with, but need to be compliant with their leader. I dislike engaging in gossip because I've seen how things can become completely inaccurate over time, but if - as a previous poster alluded to - the supt is indeed looking for another position, he must be aware that his time has come as well. I know not all is perfect (far from), and never will be under ANY leadership, but I remain committed to this district, and while I don't always agree with decisions or method, I have to believe that at the root we're all in this for kids. RAJ - thanks for your comments from a different angle as well!

*FIRSThand.....not FRISThand.......* I have summer grammar issues apparently.

BIG NEWS! I heard that Alverno College is advising its graduate teaching students not to apply at Greenfield and New Berlin.

David, the very sad thing is...99% of what is being said in this discussion is not rumor. You just need to ask the right people and ask the right questions.

It would be great if the Patch would investigate. Perhaps the Patch could conduct some exit interviews of the administrators and teachers that have left/retired. Maybe they could be surveyed. Soon you will see that the breakdown in the district is not repairable without the removal of Conrad Farner.

Isn't it a coincidence that Greenfield and New Berlin were the first two districts in S.E Wisconsin to adopt post Act 10 employee handbooks, and are now the most undesirable districts to work for.

RUSS SPAHN FOR GOVERNOR IN '14

Please attend the school board meeting. Become an involved parent and community member. Please fight for our children at GHS, GMS, and G K-5. Stay involved and support our teachers and staff.