Charter Oak Primary School PTC Special Action Committee c/o Charter Oak Primary School PTC 5221

Timberedge Dr. Peoria, IL 61615

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Amy Bjornstad, PTC Special Action Committee Media Liaison 309.657.6060 apbjornstad@gmail.com

Charter Oak Parent Teacher Committee Responds to Administrative Leave of Principal John Wetterauer
Charter Oak PTC questions Mr. Wetterauers placement on administrative leave and calls for his immediate reinstatement.
PEORIA, IL, December 13, 2013 Responding to the recent allegations and actions taken by the District 150 Administration, the Charter Oak PTC, the PTC Special Action Committee and the Charter Oak community pledge its strong support of Charter Oaks principal, John Wetterauer, and call for an immediate investigation into the sudden administrative leave of Mr. Wetterauer from his beloved elementary school. While the Charter Oak Parent/Teacher Committee is working hard to provide the almost 500 children at the school with a sense of normalcy, the Special Action Committee is focused on gathering information, building support for Charter Oak and providing information to the public. Following are some of the facts under consideration: 1. Fact: The Charter Oak PTC and the Chairman of the Special Action Committee have NOT been in contact with John Wetterauer, are NOT receiving guidance from him, and any actions taken in support of the principal or the school have been the PTCs own. 2. Fact: According to the District 150 School Board policy 5:240, administrative leave exceeding 10 days must be approved by the Board. The Charter Oak PTC, Special Action Committee and community urge the District 150 School Board to vote immediately to reinstate John Wetterauer in his full capacity as the more-than-full-time, award-winning, dedicated principal of Charter Oak Primary School. 3. Fact: The District 150 administration placed Mr. Wetterauer on administrative leave on Monday, December 9, 2013, with no explanation to the faculty. Despite their claim that they felt it was our duty and responsibility to be forthcoming and transparent about this matter with our parents,

4. 5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

faculty and community, the District 150 Administration placed the terrible burden of notifying the teachers onto the shoulders of the schools long-time secretary. No administration or union representatives were present. As we understand it, it is the administrations policy to instruct the teachers not to talk to anyone about Mr. Wetterauers administrative leave, including parents. Fact: The District 150 administration did not provide the parents with any explanation until more than 24 hours later, after being prompted by the media to provide information for a story. Fact: The District 150 administration failed to provide parents with information regarding the appointment of an interim principal in a timely manner. As of Thursday afternoon, some parents were still unaware of the change in leadership. Fact: The District 150 administration has implied that the administrative leave of Principal John Wetterauer is a personnel issue that does not affect the children, as was stated to a PTC representative by a member of the districts administrative staff. It is the position of the PTC and the Charter Oak community that because Mr. Wetterauer is such a ubiquitous presence in the school, including greeting each child at the door, being a strong presence at lunch and on the playground, and visiting each classroom every day, his absence without explanation has caused an uncomfortable disruption to routine to these children; faculty and parents have been given no tools in which to counsel them. Fact: The District 150 administration has admitted that Principal John Wetterauer fully cooperated with the investigation into the potential irregularities in the test scores, even offering to take a polygraph. The result of his helpfulness and cooperation was administrative leave. It is the position of the Charter Oak PTC and community that Mr. Wetterauer's presence at the school at this point would not impede any outside investigation and he should be allowed to return to continue his exemplary work. Fact: Under the dedicated leadership of John Wetterauer, the teachers, staff and the Charter Oak community have worked together to catapult the school to the top in terms of academic achievement and accomplishments. Not only are they one of the top schools in the district, they are one of the top schools in the nation, as exemplified by their 2012 Blue Ribbon designation bestowed by the U.S Secretary of Education. It is the position of the Charter Oak PTC and community that suggestions of any other kind are offensive to the hard work of the students and dedicated staff and do nothing but degrade the sterling reputation of the school and its family. Fact: The Charter Oak PTC, the Special Action Committee and the Charter Oak community wholeheartedly encourage and support the continued investigation into the allegations regarding the inconsistencies in the test scores. It is only through a thorough audit of all school and district test scores that the truth will come out. It is our position that John Wetterauer will be vindicated and will retain his title as beloved principal of Charter Oak School.

Finally, in a call to action, the Charter Oak PTC and its Special Action Committee strongly encourage supporters of John Wetterauer and of Charter Oak Primary School to attend a peaceful gathering at the next District 150 School Board Meeting on Monday, December 16th. Personnel issues will be discussed in a closed door session starting at 4:30. Please arrive at 4pm to show your support. ***