Tosa School Admin Departed With $116K Despite COI Investigation

WAUWATOSA, WI — A former Wauwatosa school administrator received more than $116,000 after resigning in January following a conflict-of-interest investigation, according to a separation agreement document.

Kristin Bowers, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, was placed on leave in November.

The conflict of interest involved Bowers and her husband, Brett Bowers, a regional associate senior director with education nonprofit AVID.

The school board approved in 2021 a three-year, $170,539, contract with AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination. The nonprofit describes itself as a group that "changes lives by helping schools shift to a more equitable, student-centered approach."

Bowers spent many years promoting AVID, even after district lawyers called the situation a "potential conflict of interest and appearance of impropriety," according to a Fox 6 story based on a review of internal district emails.

The agreement, signed Jan. 17, said Bowers would receive a lump sum of $75,235.61 on Feb. 4, which includes her salary through June.

Bowers got an additional $13,522 contribution to her retirement benefits from the district, as well as $28,000 for her 403(b) plan, the agreement said.

In October, the district sent out a letter about AVID and apologized to the school community.

"We have fallen short of our professional standard and that to which the community should hold us. For that, we are deeply sorry," the district said.

The board voted in December to end the district's relationship with AVID, effective at the end of the 2021-22 school year.