GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Area Public School District is searching for an answer to a big question: who will lead the district?
The school board met Monday night to discuss assigning an interim superintendent after the resignation of former superintendent Dr. Claude Tiller.
Tiller had resigned after controversial comments he made during a Feb. 6 Atlanta radio show were made public.
Dozens of speakers voiced their opinions about Tiller’s resignation. They said they wanted him to return as the Green Bay superintendent.
Amanda Garcia, with the United Front for Social Change, told the school board an online petition has been started to reinstate Tiller.
She said after her group reviewed the radio show interview, they still supported Tiller.
“He has been instrumental in fostering an environment that prioritizes learning equity and inclusivity for all students. His permanent absence will create a void,” Garcia said.
Many community members advocating for Tiller in the meeting brought in signs and voiced support to bring him back.
“We’re asking y’all to reinstate him now. And the last time we came here, we said, we can handle this amicably. We can come to the board with the board, and hope that the war will listen to us,” Robin Scott said.
“As a member of the community with a voice, I thought I should come out and voice my concern after hearing the whole story about what took place and see if we can’t get him reinstated,” Marvin Jones said.
Some defended Tiller's radio remarks.
“A reference to lily white Green Bay — community leaders, government officials and corporate leaders are overwhelmingly white. He was simply stating the obvious,” Mary Schils said.
Others were upset the school board accepted Tiller’s resignation on Feb. 17 without community input.
“This act sends a chilling message that the commitments to diversity and inclusion are negotiable, subject to change based on convenience rather than conviction,” Matthew Froehlich said.
Earlier Monday, the district released a statement addressing allegations that Tiller did not recieve due process. It said his rights were respected, he was represented by legal counsel, and that he voluntarily submitted his resignation.
The board meeting came on the same day the district sent out a note that board member Laura Laitinen-Warren had resigned.
A special school board meeting will be held on March 5 to discuss filling that vacancy and the next steps in the search for a superintendent.