Board opposes anti-logo measure

Without discussion on Monday, the Northern Ozaukee School Board, for the second year in a row, voted against a Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) resolution that would encourage school districts to retire Native American mascots, logos or images such as Ozaukee High School’s Warrior.

The WASB resolution is a toned-down version of one proposed last year that called for legislation that would ban such imagery.

Last year’s resolution was voted down as a majority of school districts sided with the NOSD School Board.

In its proposal, the WASB Policy and Resolutions Committee said such “race-based imagery interferes with learning by making school an inhospitable place for some children.”

NOSD officials say the Ozaukee Warrior logo, which depicts a Native American warrior in face paint and Mohawk hair cut from which feathers hang, is respectful and inspirational to students, staff and alumni.

They also say decisions to restrict the use of such imagery should be left to local districts.

Ozaukee High School is one of about 30 Wisconsin high schools that use a Native American mascot, nickname or logo.

The resolution is one of dozens to be considered at the annual WASB Delegate Assembly on Jan. 20, which will be held remotely.

Delegates from school boards around the state vote each year on resolutions that set the group’s legislative agenda. If members approve a resolution, WASB will advocate for the policy change in the state Legislature.

The NOSD School Board also voted in favor of a WASB resolution calling for expansion of broadband access in rural communities and for school districts.

The resolution argues that the expansion is acutely needed at this time as more schools have gone to remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic.

School Board member Steve Burmesch, who will represent NOSD at the assembly, said an argument could be made that federal funds allocated in response to the virus could be used to finance the project.

“School districts are hopefully trying to get some of that federal money too,” he said Monday night.

 “Anytime there is an opportunity, we’re applying for it,” Supt. Dave Karrels said.

Among other resolutions, the School Board voted against a WASB recommendation calling for a one-cent statewide sales tax to fund public school infrastructure and technology, saying funding decisions belong at the local level.