KUSD Transitions KTEC 4K-8 to LakeView K-8 Academy Amid Fund Concerns

KENOSHA, Wis. (WRJN) — The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) is transitioning its KTEC 4K-8 program from a charter school to a district-operated choice school named LakeView K-8 Academy, effective January 27. The change comes after concerns regarding the commingling of funds between KTEC 4K-8 and KTEC High School, an independent charter entity.

In a statement, KUSD Superintendent Dr. Jeff Weiss tries to reassure families, “This transition will not affect our dedicated teachers, staff, or the high academic standards families have come to expect. LakeView K-8 Academy will continue to be a cornerstone of STEM innovation in the Lincoln neighborhood.”

The decision to change the school’s structure follows a review initiated by KUSD leadership, which revealed ‘unauthorized engagement with an external fiscal agent’ by KTEC 4K-8 leaders. 

Tanya Ruder, Chief Communications Officer for KUSD explains the planned path forward, “This transition is an exciting opportunity to enhance LakeView K-8 Academy’s programming by aligning it with the award-winning Blue Ribbon high school programming already underway at LakeView Technology Academy, which is ranked the #2 high school in Wisconsin by U.S. Reports.”

The KTEC Governance Board, operators of KTEC High School, call the financial accusations baseless.  In a statement on their social media page, Renetta Patterson, President, and Peggy Schofield, Vice President write, “KTEC is proud of our fiscal and operational excellence, and we categorically reject suggestions of financial misconduct.

KUSD is holding a parent meeting January 22 at 5:30 p.m. to address questions regarding the transition.