Waukesha School Board member Diane Voit was criticized at Wednesday’s board meeting over an “enemies list” that included other board members and community members. While some expressed concern about being included on the list, Voit said it was part of her prayers for peace and reconciliation.
During public comment, parent Paul Reese addressed remarks made by Voit.
Reese referenced Voit’s previous effort to revise the public comment policy to limit speaking from the podium. He said Voit claimed he was attacking her and that she felt targeted.
Voit shared an April 7 email with The Freeman sent to Superintendent Jim Sebert and members of the school board. In the email, she referenced Reese, who previously filed an ethics complaint against her during the election.
“I have prayed daily for years for reconciliation with ‘my enemies.’ Paul was the first on the list seven years ago. The list of ‘enemies’ has grown significantly during the past three years on the Board and with the many hateful comments on my social media during the campaign. I never imagined serving on the Board with the focus on what is best for students could result in so much hate,” Voit said in the email.
“I found that very troubling, that as a parent, that there is an enemies list with my name on it. I don’t think anyone else here would like that,” Reese said.
Reese said others named on the list included Board President Kelly Piacsek, Treasurer Karrie Kozlowski, board members Bette Koenig and Eric Brooks, former board member David Wadd, and three community members.