A Message from Jason Tadlock, EASD Superintendent
As we begin another school year, I write with great enthusiasm about what lies ahead—and with deep gratitude for the support, unity, and care our community continues to show our schools and staff.
Looking Forward to the Year Ahead
We have much to be proud of and much to build upon in the upcoming year. Some highlights:
Academic Innovation & “Future Ready” Growth: Over recent years, our district has embraced the Redefining Ready framework, expanding opportunities for students through dual-credit courses, industry-recognized credentials, work-based learning, and co-curricular involvement. This work has increased opportunities for students to prepare for college, careers, and meaningful community engagement.
Grants & Equipment Upgrades: Our middle and high schools have secured grants for technical education equipment, including funding via the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. These resources mean more hands-on learning, more modern culinary, lab, and shop equipment, and better preparation for students entering technical fields.
Community Engagement and Support: From MakerFest to scholarship opportunities, exchange student hosting, and community partner events, we have seen everyone come together to make our district a place of creativity, learning, and collective responsibility.
Together, our staff, students, families, and supporters make Elkhorn much more than a collection of schools—we are a community invested in the growth, well-being, and success of every learner.
On Truth, Support, and Our Shared Values
I also wish to address a recent incident that has deeply affected our district, our staff, and many in our community. An associate principal, Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Rehberg, was falsely linked to a social-media post claiming she made inflammatory comments about the death of a public figure. Those allegations were untrue, and investigations—both internal and external—confirmed that she did not author or share the post.
Unfortunately, the spread of this misinformation triggered hundreds of angry calls and emails, many demanding her dismissal and some including threats. Mrs. Rehberg and her family endured harassment, distress, and fear for their safety.
Yet in the midst of this troubling event, what has stood out—and what I want to deeply thank you all for—is how many people in our community stepped forward to defend her, to demand that the truth be known, and to stand with decency and reason. Your voices mattered. Because of that, the original post was retracted by the individual who spread the misinformation.
Gratitude and Resolve
To the families, neighbors, students, staff, school board members, law enforcement, and every individual who expressed support for Mrs. Rehberg, who asked questions, who encouraged calm and truth—you embody the very best of Elkhorn. Your actions reaffirm our district’s values: fairness, respect, integrity, compassion, and due process.
I also want to thank our school staff and district team for responding swiftly—investigating carefully, communicating transparently, coordinating with law enforcement, and advocating for the truth. In moments like this, how we respond says as much about us as what has occurred.
Moving Forward Together
As we move forward into this new school year:
Let us recommit to being thoughtful consumers of information. Social media and digital content can amplify misinformation quickly; verifying sources and being cautious about what we share are not optional in this age—these are responsibilities we all share.
Let us continue fostering a culture of respect—within our schools, in our homes, and online—so that all members of our community, including our educators and staff, can work in environments free from harassment, fear, or misinformation.
Let us keep embracing the positive momentum: new programs, enriched learning opportunities, stronger community partnerships, and an environment where every student is supported, challenged, and encouraged.
This year holds promise. It’ll be a year of learning, growth, connection, and service. With your continued support, I am confident we will achieve great things—together.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for standing up for truth, for supporting one another, and for helping make Elkhorn Area School District the caring, strong, and resilient community it is. We are 1Herd.