As new information becomes available and as relevant questions come up, updates will be shared on this page.
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Subject: Update and Invitation to Connect
Hello Osceola Families,
One thing we all have in common is a deep desire for children to be safe and supported at school. That shared commitment is where this message begins. Student safety is always a top priority, and recent social media conversations have raised questions and concerns. It is completely understandable that families are looking for clarity and reassurance. This message is shared with care for our students, families, and our community.
To support trust and transparency, the district is taking several steps. Here are a few:
- A webpage is being developed to share information that can be made public and to ensure our community has access to clear, consistent updates in one place. This page will be located under the district section of the website once it is live.
- An outside investigator has been retained to review processes and policies related to the 2023 incident.
- All staff complete annual DPI-required mandatory reporting training in the fall. In addition, Polk County Human Services is providing an in-person refresher for all staff during professional development sessions this spring.
- We are also exploring Community Education opportunities for parents and community members on topics such as child safety and how to have age-appropriate conversations with children.
Families are encouraged to use the district’s 4 Steps for Resolution process, which helps ensure concerns are heard, documented, and addressed at the right level. When concerns are reported through appropriate channels, they are taken seriously, carefully reviewed, and addressed in accordance with district policy and the law. If required, outside agencies are involved, and their guidance is followed. Please know that anonymous reports can be especially difficult to investigate because there is no way to ask follow-up questions or gather additional details. Direct communication allows concerns to be understood more fully and addressed more effectively.
Open communication and a willingness to listen help our community work through challenges together. To support this, I am offering 30-minute connection time slots over the next three weeks, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., for anyone who would like to come in and talk. You are welcome to attend individually or in small groups. Here is the link to my calendar so you can book a time that works for you. I care deeply about our students, our staff, and our families, and I genuinely want to listen and learn from you.
Before closing, it feels important to say this clearly and from the heart: Osceola is a district and a community we should be proud of. We have been extraordinarily successful because our students work hard, our staff care deeply, and our families and community partners consistently show up for kids. We have celebrated excellence in academics, activities, the arts, and athletics. We have celebrated major accomplishments and meaningful milestones. We rally for one another when needs arise. Our businesses and civic organizations invest time, talent, and resources into supporting young people. It truly takes a village to raise children, and Osceola is that village. A strong community builds strong schools, and strong schools strengthen a community. People choose Osceola because of what we build here together. Please do not lose sight of that.
Thank you for continuing to care about our schools, our students, our staff, and one another. Open, respectful communication helps our community move forward together.
With kindness,
Becky
Subject: Update from the Board of Education 1-16-2026
School District of Osceola Families,
The Board wishes to take an opportunity to communicate with the school community to address recent concerns raised relative to the District’s handling of a matter involving criminal charges, the District’s subsequent investigation and actions, and the eventual sentencing in 2025 of a now-former District employee. We understand the depth of concern within our community. Student safety is and always will be our highest priority, and we are committed to earning and maintaining the trust of our families, staff, and community members through responsible action and accountability.
In August 2023, the District learned criminal charges had been filed against a now-former employee. Upon learning of such charges, the District immediately communicated with local law enforcement, legal counsel, and the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and cooperated fully. In addition, the District immediately commissioned an investigation conducted by an independent attorney. That investigation was completed in October 2023. The District is limited in the information that may be released relative to the investigation due to various state and federal student privacy laws, which prohibit the public release of the investigation report, and personnel matters are confidential under the law. These requirements exist to protect the rights and privacy of students and employees and ensure due process and the District is legally obligated to comply with them.
Following the completion of that investigation, the District took steps to strengthen protections for students. These actions included updating relevant policies and procedures and increasing the frequency of required staff training to reinforce expectations, reporting obligations, and student safety protocols.
In the wake of recent concerns regarding the District’s handling of the matter in 2023, the District has maintained ongoing communication with law enforcement and the DPI. Both local law enforcement and the DPI have received the 2023 investigative materials. In addition, recent concerns raised have been provided to both local law enforcement and the DPI. At this time, no new information has emerged that would necessitate further review by either law enforcement or the DPI. Throughout the process, the District has fulfilled its obligations in both the letter and spirit of the law and has approached its responsibilities with care and seriousness. The District continues to work collaboratively with the Osceola Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The safety and well-being of our students is a foundational priority for the District and guides all of our actions and decisions. With that commitment in mind, the District has engaged the law firm of Boardman and Clark to conduct a careful, independent review of our policies and procedures related to the District’s handling of the 2023 now-former employee matter, and to provide recommendations for strengthening the District’s policies and procedures moving forward, as appropriate. The Board will also continue to ensure that District administration offers additional and ongoing training opportunities for staff related to reporting obligations and expectations, and student safety protocols.
We understand that legal limitations can be frustrating for community members who are seeking more detailed information. While there are restrictions on what can be shared publicly, we want to emphasize that student safety remains central to every decision we make. The District is committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement as we move forward together. As appropriate, we will provide updates to the community of the independent review conducted by Boardman and Clark.
Finally, individuals who have concerns about a child's safety should contact the Osceola Police Department at 715-294-3628 or Child Protective Services at 715-485-8400.
Respectfully,
School District of Osceola School Board
Brooke Kulzer
Kysa Marten
Cory Schmidt
Jan Carlson
James Davis
Dear School District of Osceola Community,
On January 5, the Board of Education received correspondence raising concerns about a matter that was filed in 2023, fully investigated, and further resolved through the legal process in 2025. The Board is also aware of anonymous social media commentary related to this issue.
We recognize the sensitivity of the circumstances. These claims largely rely on selective readings of impact statements from a sentencing hearing and are not investigative documents or legal findings.
Looking back on events through hindsight or emotional interpretation does not alter what was known, reviewed, and addressed at the time. Anonymous claims do not change the facts or the outcomes of prior investigations.
The District acted in line with established policies and procedures and in collaboration with law enforcement, while balancing student safety, individual rights, and confidentiality. For these reasons, the District is limited in what it can share publicly.
The matter will be reviewed by the full Board in executive session at its regular meeting on January 14, as required for personnel issues. The Board cannot comment publicly on executive session discussions.
The School District of Osceola remains committed to the safety, well-being, and education of all students.
Sincerely,
The Osceola Board of Education
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Why was this page created?
This page was created to provide our school community with clear, consistent information regarding concerns that have been raised about a past situation involving a former employee. We understand that families want reassurance, transparency, and accountability. While there are legal limits to what can be shared publicly due to student privacy and personnel laws, the district is committed to sharing what we can and providing updates as appropriate. This page is intended to serve as a central place for accurate information.
Why is a 2023 incident being talked about now?
The situation has resurfaced due to recent community questions and social media discussions. Although the events are not new, renewed attention has led people to seek clarification.
What action steps has the district taken in response to these concerns?
- An independent review is being conducted by the law firm Boardman & Clark.
- A dedicated webpage has been created to provide clear and consistent updates.
- Staff will participate in additional in-person refresher training this spring, provided in partnership with Polk County Human Services, specifically on mandatory reporting and grooming behaviors.
- Families have received the district’s Four Steps for Resolution process to ensure concerns are heard and addressed at the appropriate level.
- The superintendent has offered in-person meetings, which can be scheduled through an online calendar, to provide opportunities for direct conversation.
What is the timeline for the independent review?
The review process has begun by BoardmanClark. While a completion date is not yet known, the firm understands the Board’s expectation that the review be both thorough and conducted in a timely manner.
How can I raise a concern I have with the district?
The following steps outline a communication protocol that encourages positive resolution. All families, students, staff, and community members are encouraged to follow these steps. Four Steps to Resolution🔗
What is mandatory reporting?
In Wisconsin, mandatory reporting refers to a legal duty under Wisconsin Statute § 48.981 requiring school employees to immediately report when they have “reasonable cause to suspect” that a child has been abused, neglected, threatened with abuse or neglect, or will likely be.
Who must madatory report in a school system?
All school employees are mandatory reporters in Wisconsin. Under Wisconsin law, any school teacher, administrator, school counselor, school employee, or school volunteer who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected is legally required to make a report. This applies regardless of role, licensed staff, support staff, aides, coaches, substitutes, office staff, bus drivers, custodial staff, school nutrition staff, and volunteers.
Where can I find more information on mandatory reporting?
More information concerning Wisconsin’s mandatory reporting statute, including a link to DPI’s training materials, is available on the Wisconsin DPI website.
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