Kate Lewis Must Resign as Milwaukee Montessori Board Chair

For over a decade, Kate Lewis has served as the Board Chair of Milwaukee Montessori School. Under her leadership, the school has faced not one, but two federal investigations and settlements for violating the civil rights of students with disabilities. And yet, she remains in power.

Enough is enough.

A Pattern of Neglect

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) found Milwaukee Montessori had violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and entered into a settlement to correct course. Instead of providing the oversight required of her role, Kate Lewis turned a blind eye.

Over the next decade, discrimination continued unchecked. By 2025, the DOJ returned—this time identifying violations against ten students with disabilities, including denials of admission, unreasonable discipline, early dismissals, and expulsions. The school ultimately settled for nearly $300,000, with another $440,000 in legal fees being sought from the very family who exposed the misconduct .

Lewis Admitted She Didn’t Lead—She Delegated

In a 2024 deposition, Kate Lewis confirmed what families feared: she was not providing oversight. She repeatedly claimed she lacked qualifications, and deferred entirely to the Head of School, Monica Van Aken, and legal counsel.

“I do not get involved in individual student’s medical issues.”

– Deposition, p. 40

“I am not qualified to second guess the specifics… If legal counsel is comfortable, I’m comfortable.”

– pp. 39, 29

“I did not read what’s in the binder.” (A binder Monica gave her documenting the child’s case)

– p. 37

“I have not consulted this handbook in a very long time.” (on the school’s nondiscrimination policy)

– p. 24

These are not the words of someone in charge. They are the words of someone who ceded responsibility.

Ignoring Families. Insulting Families.

Kate Lewis never once met the family at the heart of the case.

“No.” (Have you ever met [the parents of the victm]?)

– p. 43

She ignored their formal letter to the board. She refused to meet with them.

“Did you or anyone else respond to [the parents of the victim]?”

“No.”

– p. 19

When asked whether she convened the board to discuss the child’s expulsion or the family’s concerns:

“No.”

– p. 19

“The board does not get involved in issues with individual students.”

– p. 23

But she didn’t stop at indifference. When the parents sought reasonable accommodations and medical support for their son, Kate Lewis called them:

“These crazy parents are going to do whatever they are going to do.”

– p. 43

When pressed, she could not name a single thing they had done that was “crazy.” The parents had simply done what any family would do—advocate for their child.

Over A Million Dollars Wasted

Milwaukee Montessori has spent over $1 million defending Monica Van Aken, even as she oversaw systemic discrimination. And even though Monica has now “retired,” the school has made no apology, accepted no responsibility, and continues to pursue damages against the family who exposed it all.

All of this happened under Kate Lewis.

“Yes, I remain Board Chair.”

– p. 5

“I would not act unilaterally.”

– p. 13

(Translation: she would not act at all.)

The Time Has Come

Kate Lewis had one job: to provide oversight. Instead, she deferred, dismissed, ignored, and insulted. She allowed discrimination to flourish. And now, she is still in charge.

Families must speak out. The community must demand accountability.

Milwaukee Montessori cannot move forward until it severs ties with the failed leadership of the past. It cannot be trusted to protect children with disabilities under Kate Lewis’ lack of leadership.

*This post is based on publicly available information, including sworn deposition testimony, official Department of Justice settlement agreements, and published news reports. All statements of opinion are grounded in these sources and reflect reasonable interpretations of the facts. The author welcomes any corrections or clarifications from those named. No allegations are made beyond what is supported by the evidence cited.