Tough Questions for Jason Wautier
As the Wauwatosa School Board election nears, voters deserve clear, honest answers from those who seek to represent them. My opponent, Jason Wautier, has made public statements on several key issues, but his actions – or lack thereof –raise serious concerns. The decisions made in this election will directly impact our students, families, and taxpayers, and we need leadership that is ready to act. Here are four critical questions that Wautier needs to answer:
1) Budget Mismanagement: Why the Mixed Messaging?
Your first day on the board was when the district’s multi-million-dollar budget error was revealed. At times, you have stated that “something should be done” about it, yet at other times, you have defended the board’s handling of the situation.
Which is it? Do you stand by the board’s handling of this crisis, or do you believe real action should have been taken to correct this failure?
The district has claimed to be taking action steps in response to the budget audit, yet no independent auditor has confirmed whether these so-called 'fixes' are actually effective in preventing future financial failures. More concerning, since the December audit, additional financial and operational issues have come to light, making the case for a forensic audit even more urgent.
If you truly believe in accountability, why haven’t you pushed for a forensic audit to uncover the full extent of these problems and ensure taxpayers and students are protected?
2) Private School Decision: What About Other Kids?
You have publicly shared that you removed your child from Wauwatosa schools and enrolled them in private school, stating that the district was not adequately meeting their needs.
But most Wauwatosa families don’t have the luxury of choosing private school. As a board member, what have you done to improve the public schools these families rely on? What changes would need to happen for you to reconsider Wauwatosa public schools for your own family?
3) STEM and Math Curriculum: Why Haven’t You Led on This?
You have defended the administration’s decision to shut down the current STEM program, yet you’ve also signaled to parents that you are open to delaying or reinstating it.
Which is it? The community deserves clarity on where you actually stand.
Additionally, as an engineer, one would expect you to make math and STEM education a top priority. Yet, your position on the district’s integrated math proposal remains unclear.
Across the country, integrated math programs have led to lower student achievement and have left many students struggling – not because the program is new, but because the structure itself doesn’t work for all learners. So why haven’t you taken the time to research these failures? And why haven’t you asked the hard questions before allowing Wauwatosa to make the same mistakes?
4) Are You Ready to Lead?
In a social media post, you stated that you are “still learning” how to be a school board member.
With Wauwatosa schools facing a financial crisis, program cuts, and major curriculum overhauls, when – if ever – will you be ready to make the hard decisions this district needs?
This is a critical time for our schools, and we need leaders who are ready to take action now, not years down the road.
The Choice is Clear – Wauwatosa Needs Leadership Now
Voters deserve independent, grassroots leadership that is not beholden to outside partisan interests. We need leaders who take action, ask the hard questions, and provide real solutions. I am ready to lead from day one – to restore transparency, accountability, and trust in our school system.
As you vote early or head to the polls on April 1, make sure you are choosing independent leaders who will stand up for students, families, and taxpayers – not political agendas. Let’s bring real accountability to Wauwatosa schools.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Christopher K. Merker, CFA, Ph.D.
Candidate for Wauwatosa School Board, Seat #7
