Winneconne Community School District sign. Aug. 27, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
WINNECONNE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Four days before the start of the school year, Winneconne School Board President Kati Calewarts announced it has placed District Administrator Peggy Larson on paid administrative leave.
Various community members told us they had not seen Larson since early Tuesday, nor had they heard from her after reaching out which they called very uncharacteristic of her. Larson has spent 31 years working for the district.
The decision was discussed in a closed session meeting on Monday night. Members reconvened for a vote in open session, which passed 4-2, though the board did not reveal what it was voting on at the time.
Voted in favor:
- Dean Ackmann
- Kati Calewarts
- Kari Flagg
- Cindy Otten
Voted against:
- Donna Hanson
- Mark Kunde
Board member Jill Verich was not able to attend the meeting due to a prior obligation. The four who voted in favor all have ties to Moms for Liberty, the right-leaning national organization.
The announcement from Calewarts says Larson was placed on leave “pending further consideration of an internal investigation authorized by the Board.”
Calewarts and Board Vice President Dean Ackmann are currently facing opposition by a group attempting to recall them, as critics cite a lack of transparency with the community and with the rest of the board, improper activity regarding legal services.
Communications to the District Administrator should be directed to Director of Learning Joe Pitsch, according to the statement.
Comments