What we have heard so far
38 separate reports have been documented in the last 6 weeks:
- 73.7% from parents
- 23.7% from teachers/staff
- The remainder from community members

Common themes (many incidents fell into multiple categories):
- 10+ reports each: Bullying/harassment, staffing changes, morale, communication
- 4–6 reports each: Fear of retaliation, safety, program availability, special education
- 2 reports expressed support for current leadership

Parents have escalated concerns to the district 21 times since May 2024. Nearly half (10) received no meaningful response. Fear of retaliation, from parents and staff, have silenced many who considered escalating.

 The measurable impacts
Test scores:
- VHE’s 10-year average: 95.1
- 2024 overall score: 90.2 (continuing a decline since 2022)
- Comparable school (Shorewood Hills): 96.1, up 2.2 from its 10-year averag

Community concern:
- 126 parents and community members have signed this petition calling for an independent investigation into VHE leadership, as of Dec 14, 2025.

What's Next

Community Members are making their voice heard via letter writing, speaking and/or attending the MMSD Board Meeting on Dec 15, 2025.

We are requesting a meeting with the Superintendent and Board Rep to discuss next steps with the community (an invite will be provided if they agree to meet). We would like that meeting to take place in early to mid January. 

Should that meeting not happen or progress is not made, then in Mid January we will provide all redacted stories and the petition with names to the board and district leadership in advance of their Jan 26, 2025 Board meeting.  We will post and update here and to our email list to allow people at least a week to let us know if they would prefer to be anonymous on the that complaint.

Thank you for your continued support!

Van Hise Parents