Baraboo High School: History, Controversies, and Community Response

Baraboo High School, located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, has a long history intertwined with the development of the city itself. From its humble beginnings in the 19th century to its modern facilities, the school has served as a central institution for the community. However, in recent years, Baraboo High School has also faced significant challenges, including controversies surrounding student behavior and allegations of systemic issues within the district.

Historical Overview

Early Development and Growth

The story of Baraboo High School is closely linked to the growth of the city of Baraboo. The first settlers arrived in the area in 1838, drawn by the proximity to the river, which facilitated development. By 1846, Baraboo became the County Seat, followed by its official incorporation as a Village in 1866 and a City in 1882. In 2004, Baraboo achieved the status of a 3rd class city, surpassing a population of 11,000.

The establishment of a public school district in Baraboo initially catered solely to residents within the city limits, charging tuition for students from West Baraboo and surrounding areas. In 1869, the first brick school facility, designed in the French Second Empire style, was constructed on Second Street, flanked by Ash and Oak streets. Costing approximately $33,000, including furniture, this building became Baraboo High School.

Relocation and Expansion

A fire on February 9, 1906, destroyed the original high school building, although no fatalities occurred. The school's brick construction prevented the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Students and staff managed to salvage supplies from the first floor, but the upper floors suffered significant damage.

In September 1907, a new three-story red brick building opened, measuring 164 feet by 128 feet. This modern facility featured electronic bells, clocks, fire alarms, and lighting, as well as a direct connection to public safety services. Construction took approximately one year.

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As the student population grew, the need for a larger facility became apparent. In 1928, construction began on a new high school campus at 124 Second Street, funded by $225,000 and designed by Claude and Starck of Madison, Wisconsin. The new school opened in 1929. The previous junior high building at 311 Ash Street was demolished, and the junior high school moved into the former senior high school building, which was later demolished around 1960.

By the late 1950s, the existing high school building was deemed too small for the growing student body. However, two proposed levies to fund the construction of a new high school building were rejected by voters. In 1961, a new building was constructed on the periphery of Baraboo for $1,719,278, following a city council decision in September 1960 to hold an advisory referendum on the school's location. The board selected a site on Draper Street, on land donated by the Draper family.

Recent Renovations and Improvements

In recent years, Baraboo High School has undergone significant renovations to modernize its facilities and enhance the learning environment. Around 2015, a parking lot and roof were renovated, and an office was demolished. A comprehensive renovation program, funded by a bond approved by 58% of voters on November 8, 2016, was underway as of 2018. Groundbreaking occurred on June 7, 2017.

Eppstein Uhen Architects oversaw the $22 million renovations, which included a new fitness facility, fire sprinkler systems, temperature control infrastructure, and expanded facilities for art, cafeteria and commons, family and consumer education, physical education, and technical education. The library and student services area were also renovated. The renovations were conducted in phases to minimize disruption to classes.

Controversies and Community Response

The 2018 Nazi Salute Photograph

In November 2018, Baraboo High School gained national attention when a photograph of students appearing to perform a Nazi salute was shared on social media. The picture, taken on the steps of the Baraboo County courthouse before prom, sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.

The photographer claimed that he had instructed the students to wave goodbye to their parents. One student who did not participate in the gesture stated that the photographer did not ask them to make a Nazi salute and that his classmates likely interpreted it as a joke. Another student present at the time claimed that no one knew what the gesture meant.

However, an unnamed former Baraboo High student alleged that individuals in the photograph openly used racial epithets in school and that the administration failed to address the behavior. The photo was condemned by the Auschwitz Memorial, State Senator Jon Erpenbach, and Wisconsin Governor-elect Tony Evers.

School District Administrator Lori M. Mueller issued a statement emphasizing that the photo did not reflect the educational values and beliefs of the School District of Baraboo.

The incident prompted a variety of responses within the Baraboo community. Some individuals expressed shock and disbelief, while others downplayed the significance of the gesture. Alex Paulson, a Baraboo elementary and middle-school teacher, noted that community reaction was not monolithic. Amy DeLong, a local family practice physician and Ho-Chunk Nation member, believed that careless ignorance was behind the students' actions, but also emphasized the community's responsibility to address the underlying issues.

In the aftermath of the photograph, Baraboo High School implemented several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. The senior class was sent on a field trip to the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, Illinois. A student panel, including members from diverse backgrounds, spoke about their appreciation for their community at a school gathering in December 2019. There was also increased interest in promoting diversity, including classes teaching the Ho-Chunk language.

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Subsequent Incidents and Allegations

The 2018 photograph was not an isolated incident. In the years that followed, Baraboo High School and the surrounding community faced further scrutiny due to other controversies and allegations of racism and discrimination.

In January 2020, a former student filed a lawsuit against the school district, alleging a racist culture and a failure to respond to sexual assaults and racial harassment. The district ultimately agreed to pay the student $862,500, without admitting liability.

In October 2022, a Baraboo School District activities director was arrested after he and two other men made an illegal "citizen's arrest" of a group of high schoolers. The incident raised concerns about racial bias, as one of the teens claimed that the adults made the students of color get on the ground while allowing him to remain standing.

In May 2024, a father pushed the school district’s Black superintendent to keep him from shaking hands with his daughter at the Baraboo High School graduation, sparking accusations of racism. The man has been charged with disorderly conduct.

These incidents have prompted community members and groups to push back against assertions that the incidents speak to the broader community or that they were racially motivated.

Academics and Extracurricular Activities

Baraboo High School offers a comprehensive academic program designed to prepare students for college and careers. The school also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and organizations. The Baraboo High marching band has participated in the Great Circus Parade, typically wearing clown outfits.

The Baraboo School District

Baraboo High School is part of the Baraboo School District, which serves the city of Baraboo and surrounding areas. The district is overseen by a seven-member school board, elected in April for staggered three-year terms. The current superintendent is Stephen J. Considine.

The Baraboo School District operates several elementary schools, including Al Behrman Elementary School, Gordon L. Willson Elementary School, and Fairfield Center Elementary School.

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