Victory for Parents and Teachers: Kristin Froning Steps in as New Principal at Wixom Elementary

The parents and teachers of Wixom Elementary have won a hard-fought battle, and today, they can celebrate a major victory. Principal Taneia Giles, whose tenure brought chaos, division, and frustration, has been removed. In her place, Kristin Froning has been appointed as the interim principal—a move that marks a fresh start for a school community that has been through an incredibly difficult year.

This is more than just a change in leadership; it’s proof that when parents and teachers unite, they can hold school boards accountable and force positive change. The removal of Giles and the appointment of Froning is a testament to the power of grassroots activism in education.

The Struggles That Led to Change

The problems at Wixom Elementary began almost immediately after Giles was installed as principal in July 2024 in a controversial 5-2 vote by the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools (WLCS) Board. The decision, driven by ideological agendas rather than qualifications, quickly turned into a nightmare for teachers, students, and parents. Among the many issues reported under Giles’ leadership:

Alienation of Teachers – Giles started her tenure by showing a video about "white privilege" to staff, sending a clear message that teachers' value in the school was tied to their skin color, not their ability to educate.
Lack of Student Accountability – She failed to document suspensions, allowing repeat offenders to escape discipline, which led to increased behavioral issues.
Safety Concerns – She turned off security monitors, putting students at risk.
Hostility Toward Teachers – Many teachers resigned or took leave due to a toxic work environment. One teacher, spoke publicly about her experiences and ultimately resigned in protest.
Union Corruption – Despite teachers' complaints, the teachers' union actively silenced them, refusing to let them speak out at board meetings and instead protecting a failing administration.

Despite repeated calls for action, Superintendent Michael Lonze refused to place Giles on administrative leave. His failure to act only strengthened the resolve of parents and teachers to demand change.

A Hard-Fought Victory for Parents and Teachers: Kristin Froning Takes Over

After significant pressure, demands for resignations, and relentless activism from parents and teachers, Giles is out, and Kristin Froning is in. Froning’s appointment brings hope for stability, accountability, and a renewed focus on student success.

Froning, an experienced administrator, steps into a school community desperate for leadership that prioritizes education over ideology. Her immediate challenge will be to restore trust among teachers, repair relationships with parents, and re-establish discipline and structure within the school. Unlike her predecessor, she must focus on listening to the people who make Wixom Elementary successful—its teachers and families.

The Lesson for Parents: Stay Engaged, Stay Organized

The removal of Giles should serve as a national case study on why parents must stay engaged in school board politics and fight back against radical influences that put ideology ahead of education. This situation was entirely preventable. Had the right school board members been in place from the start, Wixom Elementary could have avoided months of turmoil.

Here’s what parents across the country should take away from this victory:

Elect the Right School Board Members – The teachers union backed the board members who hired Giles. The same union then silenced teachers when they tried to speak out. Parents must organize and push for board members who put students and teachers first.
Demand Accountability from Superintendents – Lonze ignored the clear red flags, choosing to protect the system rather than fix it. Superintendents who fail to lead must be replaced.
Stand with Teachers Against Bad Leadership – Good teachers wanted to speak out but were intimidated into silence. Parents need to support the educators who put children’s best interests first.
Keep the Pressure On – This victory only happened because parents refused to back down. When schools fail, parents must push back.
HR Policies and Practices - The schools need to be transparent about their hiring and disciplinary policies and practices. This includes the roles of School Boards that have too often ‘rubber stamped’ candidates without adequate knowledge or visibility.

Moving Forward: A New Era for Wixom Elementary

With Kristin Froning taking over as principal, Wixom Elementary has a chance to rebuild and refocus on what truly matters—educating students in a safe and supportive environment. Parents and teachers fought hard to make this happen, and now they must remain engaged to ensure the school never falls victim to destructive leadership again.

This victory is proof that when parents stand up, they win. And for those in other districts facing similar battles, let Wixom Elementary be the inspiration:

If we work together you can take back your schools! WLCPR is mobilizing parents and teachers to make WLCSD the best in the state!

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