For too long, public school administrations have made bad hiring decisions and then doubled down, ignoring the consequences for students and teachers. But at Wixom Elementary School in Walled Lake Consolidated School District (WLCSD), parents and teachers just proved that when a community stands together, even the most stubborn school bureaucracies can be forced to change course.
The removal of Principal Taneia Giles is a victory for students, parents, and teachers who refused to accept incompetence. It is also a case study in how to effectively push back when an administration refuses to admit its mistakes.
Here’s how they did it—and why this victory should serve as a blueprint for other communities facing similar battles.
Step 1: Identifying the Problem—And Refusing to Accept It
From day one, Principal Giles was a disaster. Hired in a controversial 5-2 board vote, she immediately alienated staff and failed to create a safe learning environment. Reports quickly surfaced that she:
Started her tenure with divisive racial messaging, showing teachers a video about "white privilege," making it clear that she viewed them not as educators, but as ideological subjects.
Ignored disciplinary issues, refusing to document student suspensions, which allowed repeat offenders to continue disrupting classes.
Created a toxic work environment, driving out experienced teachers while targeting younger, less-established educators who wouldn’t fight back.
Jeopardized student safety, allegedly turning off security monitors and allowing children to roam unsupervised.
Failed to communicate with parents, including mishandling important events like 5th-grade camp.
Refused to discipline students even after serious incidents, including one where a student threw a chair at a 4th-grade girl, splitting her head open.
Despite the mounting evidence, Superintendent Michael Lonze refused to act. Instead, he and the teachers’ union leadership tried to silence critics. Teachers were pressured not to speak out, and the board continued to back its failing hire.
But instead of backing down, parents and teachers doubled down on their demands for change.
Step 2: Organizing a Unified Front
One of the key lessons from this victory is that parents and teachers must work together. Too often, school districts try to divide parents and teachers by pitting them against each other. But in this case, both groups were suffering under Giles' leadership.
How They Organized:
WLCPR (A GEI Chapter) Led a Messaging Campaign - WLCPR brought into light the toxic environment in Wixom and the District ineptitude. The messaging was hard hitting and extensive.
They filled board meetings. Parents and teachers showed up in large numbers, making it impossible for the district to ignore their concerns.
They documented everything. Parents and teachers didn’t just complain—they collected evidence of Giles’ failures, making their case irrefutable.
They refused to be silenced. Even as the teachers’ union discouraged teachers from speaking, they found ways to share their experiences.
WLCPR organized at a Town Hall. The situation gained traction at a GEI Chapter Town Hall event where parents and teachers spoke out about their frustrations.
WLCPR called for resignations. They didn’t just demand Giles’ removal—they called for the resignation of everyone who enabled her, including the superintendent and the board members who voted for her.
This relentless, unified pressure made it impossible for the administration to brush the issue under the rug.
Step 3: Forcing the Administration to Reverse Course
For months, the administration dug in its heels. But as more teachers left, and as more parents spoke out, it became clear that Giles’ leadership was unsustainable.
The final straw came when teachers began resigning and going on leave. Among them was a respected educator who publicly condemned the administration before leaving the district.
The community began demanding action from outside authorities. The school board and superintendent weren’t listening, so parents turned to WLCPR to amplify their concerns.
Public confidence in the administration collapsed. When it became clear that Lonze and his allies were losing control of the narrative, they were forced to act.
Finally, Giles was removed, and Kristin Froning was appointed as the new interim principal.
While the administration tried to frame it as a smooth transition, the reality is clear: they were forced into this decision by relentless community pressure.
The Takeaway: How Parents and Teachers Can Win Elsewhere
This victory at Wixom Elementary wasn’t an accident—it was the result of a focused, determined effort by parents and teachers. The lessons here can and should be applied nationwide:
Never Accept “No” from Bureaucrats – School administrators are often more concerned with saving face than doing what’s right. Keep pushing until they have no choice but to listen.
Unite Parents and Teachers Against the Real Problem – The administration, not teachers, is usually the problem. Teachers who care about students’ success are natural allies—work with them.
Expose Corrupt Unions – The teachers' union in Walled Lake actively worked against teachers, demanding they stay silent. When unions prioritize radical ideology over their own members, they must be called out.
Stay Organized and Relentless – One meeting or protest isn’t enough. Keep showing up, keep documenting, and keep applying pressure.
Demand Accountability Beyond One Person – Removing one bad principal isn’t enough. The board members and superintendent who enabled them must also be held accountable in elections.
Conclusion: Parents and Teachers Have the Power
The removal of Taneia Giles and the appointment of Kristin Froning as interim principal is a huge victory for the parents and teachers of Wixom Elementary. But more importantly, it’s proof that when a community fights back, it can win.
This situation should be a warning to school administrators everywhere: If you make bad hires and refuse to listen to parents and teachers, they will organize, they will push back, and they will force change.
And to parents across the country: This is your blueprint. You have the power. Use it.