An unforgettable moment turned into chaos at Baraboo High School’s graduation on Friday when a father abruptly stopped Superintendent Rainey Briggs from shaking his daughter’s hand. The dramatic scene, which unfolded on stage, has led to a disorderly conduct charge and heightened scrutiny of the incident.
What Happened?
During the ceremony, as graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas and congratulations from school officials, a father took everyone by surprise. Wearing a white polo shirt and a baseball cap, he dashed onto the stage just after his daughter received her diploma.
In a moment caught on video by TV43 Baraboo, the father aggressively grabbed Superintendent Briggs by the arm and shoved him aside, exclaiming, “That’s my daughter.” The unexpected confrontation immediately heightened tensions among the attendees.
How Did Officials React?
Superintendent Briggs, visibly startled, responded by telling the man to back off, saying, “You better get up off me, man. Get away from me, bro.”
The situation quickly drew the attention of school staff and three Baraboo police officers, including the school’s resource officer, who intervened to calm things down. The father was then escorted off the premises without further escalation.
Interestingly, the father did not confront any other officials on stage, who included School Board President Kevin Vodak and Baraboo High School Principal Steve Considine. His focus was solely on preventing the handshake between his daughter and Superintendent Briggs.
Aftermath and Official Response
Following the disruption, the Baraboo School District emphasized its commitment to safety in a statement. District spokesperson Hailey Wagner confirmed that the man’s behavior was referred to the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office for potential disorderly conduct charges.
“The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members is a top priority,” the statement read, aiming to reassure the community amidst the turmoil.
Underlying Tensions in the District
This incident took place during a period of significant unrest within the Baraboo School District. There have been ongoing disputes and complaints directed at Superintendent Briggs and other district leaders.
These criticisms, which include allegations of favoritism and inadequate support for teachers, have been fervently discussed on local social media platforms like Baraboo Community Conversations and Baraboo SD WI Parents’ Rights in Education.
Compounding the tension, a group of residents is actively working to recall School Board President Kevin Vodak. They have until mid-July to gather enough signatures to force a recall election, which could potentially occur by late summer or early fall.
Moving Forward
As the Baraboo School District continues to navigate these challenges, it remains focused on maintaining a safe environment for its students and staff. Efforts to gather community input on future plans, including possible upgrades to elementary schools, are ongoing.
The district is committed to addressing community concerns while ensuring that public events, like graduation ceremonies, proceed smoothly and safely.