Whitnall Superintendent Could Have Sent Info on Alleged Sex Offender Out Sooner

Whitnall Superintendent Dr. Lowell Holtz understands why parents were upset media outlets broke the news that a contractor who had access to students had been arrested for trying to lure a 15-year-old boy before they found out from the district.

Holtz answered approximately three dozen parent-submitted questions about how the district handled the communication of the arrest and subsequent firing of James Heidke, and A’viands employee, in front of a crowd of about 50 people and several news stations Monday in the Whitnall High School auditorium.

He said he wished he had been able to put out more information sooner, but waited because he didn’t feel comfortable with the facts he had.

Holtz said the district did not receive Heidke’s criminal complaint until March 5, the day after WISN 12 and Greenfield Patch first reported on Heidke’s firing but 10 days after he was initially arrested. He said because the Milwaukee Police Department assured him no Whitnall students were involved in the investigation, he believed waiting for the most thorough and accurate information was important.

“The delay was frustrating, but the delay did not increase the threat to school safety,” Holtz said.

“I understand how frustrating it was having to see it in the news first rather than hearing it from the district. For that, I apologize,” Holtz added.

“I was absolutely positive if (police) felt there was any threat to our kids, they would be at our door the next day. Maybe I put too much faith in that feeling,” he said.

Holtz said he feared a simple statement immediately following Heidke’s arrest would have fed the rumor mill and increased fear among students and parents.

Former Whitnall School Board member Mike Clarizio said by allowing parents to find out by watching the news or seeing it on Facebook exactly what Holtz feared would happen took place.

“A guy got arrested for a sex offense; the level of concern went through the roof,” Clarizio said. “I question the judgment of not getting out in front of the parents.”

School Board member Quin Brunette said it took too long for parents and others to be informed. According to Holtz, principals who had the most contact with Heidke were notified of the situation Feb. 25. Teachers and parents were notified a week later on March 5, the day after the initial WISN report.

Holtz said one of the reasons for the delay was poor communication between the arresting agency and the district. He said letting parents know sooner would have been a good idea had he had “accurate information, honest information, and hopefully, it’s timely.”

Another parent said she felt misled from an email by Holtz describing Heidke’s access to children. Holtz said at Monday’s meeting Heidke planned meals, ordered food, supervised food preparers and made sure Whitnall’s meal plans complied with local, state and federal regulations.

Heidke was, however, available to serve food to students, Holtz said, and could have been around students for 20 percent of his job.

Holtz said the district is taking measures to prevent this situation from happening again. The Greenfield Police Department has offered to serve as a liaison between the district and any other policing agency, he said. He added the district would be more diligent in getting information out to parents more quickly, and added the community needs to do a better job of educating students about the dangers of online predators and bullies.