WISN12: Elkhorn Area School District principal 'falsely accused' of making inappropriate Charlie Kirk comments

The following article appeared on the WISN12 website on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
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ELKHORN, Wis. — The Elkhorn Area School District is clearing the air after they said the West Side Elementary School Associate Principal was falsely accused of making inappropriate comments about the death of Charlie Kirk on Facebook.

"She didn't do anything, she didn't do anything wrong," Jason Tadlock, superintendent of the Elkhorn Area School District, said.

It started Friday when the Associate Principal Cynthia Rehberg was included in a post on X by conservative influencer Ryan Fournier.

In the post, Fournier said Rehberg "celebrated the death of Charlie Kirk's assassination."

The post, which was later deleted, included a photo that showed Rehberg's school employee photo underneath a Facebook post made by Cynthia Irene.

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Tadlock said that the woman who posted it is not Rehberg. He also added that Rehberg does not have Irene as a maiden or middle name.

12 News has also independently confirmed that Rehberg does not have an "Irene" in her name.

"Our tech director very quickly identified who Cynthia Irene's page belonged to, and it is a different individual who lives in a neighboring community," Tadlock said.

The district received 800 voicemails as of Sunday morning from people angered, thinking Rehberg was the one who made the post. 12 News obtained some of the voicemails.

Many of the voicemails demanded that Rehberg be fired. A number of them even included death threats.

Cynthia Rehberg did not want to appear on camera but shared a statement with 12 News.

"As a dedicated associate principal and proud member of the Elkhorn community, I am issuing this statement to address the deeply troubling and false accusations that have been circulating online.

"Unfortunately, a post containing inflammatory comments about Charlie Kirk‘s tragic death was mistakenly attributed to me. That post did not come from my account. I have not made any statements, written or verbal, regarding this tragedy. I have nothing but sympathy for Charlie Kirk‘s family and loved ones during this difficult and painful time, and I would never disparage him or make such statements.

"The false information being shared online is malicious and has caused significant distress. My primary focus remains on serving our students, staff, and community, and providing a safe and supportive educational environment. The claims being spread are completely baseless and have led to hateful commentary directed at the Elkhorn Area School District, as well as threats to the safety of my family and myself. I am appealing to the public to stop the spread of these lies and the resulting harassment. The threats and hateful rhetoric are not only harmful to me and my family, but also to the entire community of Elkhorn.

"I ask for privacy and respect for my family as we navigate this difficult time. My hope is that by setting the record straight, we can put an end to this falsehood and the dangerous behavior it has incited. Thank you to Jason Tadlock, the Elkhorn Area, School District, EASD School Board Members, the Elkhorn community, family and friends for your continued support in helping to clear this misunderstanding," Rehberg wrote in the statement.

Tadlock said classes will go on as scheduled Monday, but the school will have an increased police presence.

Read the full article and watch the video.

about 3 hours ago, Community Engagement
Tadlock speaks with WISN
🎉 New Location!🎉

Join us on Thursday, September 18, from 6-7 p.m. at Friends on the Square for our Autism Parent & Caregiver Support Group. We can't wait to see you there! 💙✨ #AutismAwareness
about 6 hours ago, Katie Hoffman
Autism
🌟 Job Opportunity Alert! 🌟 The Elkhorn Area School District is looking for a full-time Grounds & Custodial worker and four part-time cleaners!

🛠️ Full-time: Join our grounds crew at Tibbets Elementary, working Monday-Friday from noon to 8:30 p.m. Your role will include custodial tasks and grounds maintenance. 👉 wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/246403

🧹 Part-time: We need four dedicated cleaners for the second shift, working four hours a day, Monday to Friday. Help us keep our building and classrooms in top shape! 👉 wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/242119

If you're interested in making a difference in our schools, apply now at WECAN! 📚✨ #JobOpenings #ElkhornSchools #GroundsCrew #CustodialTeam
5 days ago, Katie Hoffman
Now Hiring
📚✨ Tomorrow marks the first day of school, and we can't wait to see all of you! Just a quick reminder that school hours have changed slightly this year:

🕒 Elkhorn Area High School: 7:20 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
🕒 Elkhorn Area Middle School: 7:25 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.
🕒 Elementary Schools (Jackson, Tibbets, West Side): 8:35 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

🕒 4K at Lakelands Little Learners, Step Ahead, and Kiddie Kottage:
AM session: 8:45 - 11:30 a.m.
PM session: 12:40 - 3:25 p.m.

Get ready for a fantastic year ahead! See you tomorrow! 🎉✏️ #BackToSchool #1Herd
14 days ago, Katie Hoffman
School Hours
📚🎉 Are you ready for the first day of school? Classes kick off next week on Tuesday, September 2!

Here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Completed Annual Returning Student Registration?
✅ Submitted New Student Enrollment Applications for first-time students?
✅ Picked up your school supplies? Check out the lists online: elkhorn.k12.wi.us/page/school-supplies
✅ Checked your Bus Routes?

Log into Family Access to ensure you're all set! Let’s make it a great school year! 🎒✏️ #BackToSchool #1Herd
18 days ago, Katie Hoffman
Ready?
🌟 Free Parent Workshops! 🌟

🗓️ Sept 15: "Crisis Averted: Creating a Mental Health Kit" with Dr. Sieanna Haakenson for elementary caregivers.

🗓️ Sept 22: "Navigating a Social World" with Dr. Amy Sosa for middle-high school caregivers.

📍Hosted by Reek School & Lake Geneva Psychology
📖 Walworth Memorial Library
🕠 5:30-6:30 PM
🍕 Childcare & free pizza available!
20 days ago, Katie Hoffman
Parent workshops
🏀 Join us for two exciting basketball clinics focused on skill development at Rise Up Basketball Academy! Improve your ball handling, footwork, finishing, and shooting with our expert coaches.

✍Register online at easdcommunity.recdesk.com

🌟 Clinic 1 - Thursdays in September
✅ Ball handling
✅ Finishing
✅ Passing
✅ Moving without the ball

📅 Dates: Thursdays - September 4, 11, 18, 25
📍 Location: West Side Elementary Gym

⏰ Schedule:
K-4th Grade: 5-6 PM
5th-8th Grade: 6-7 PM

🌟 Clinic 2 - Thursdays in October
✅ Footwork
✅ Shooting
✅ Defense
✅ Rebounding

📅 Dates: Thursdays - October 2, 9, 16, 23
📍 Location: West Side Elementary Gym

⏰ Schedule:
K-4th Grade: 5-6 PM
5th-8th Grade: 6-7 PM

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your game! 🏀💪
about 2 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Rise Up Basketball Camp
🌟 **Join Our Team!** 🌟

The Elkhorn Area School District is hiring a Special Education Teaching Assistant! This role involves supporting students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in both special and general education settings.

Apply online @ https://wecan.waspa.org/Vacancy/242115

**Key Responsibilities:**
- Assist in implementing IEPs and provide support during lessons
- Monitor student behavior and engagement
- Offer physical assistance to students as needed
- Work collaboratively with teachers to coordinate accommodations

**Qualifications:**
- High school diploma or equivalent is required
- Experience in education preferred but not mandatory
- Must be able to obtain Wisconsin Department of Instruction Licensure #883

If you're dedicated, flexible, and ready to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Apply now and help shape the future of our students! 📚❤️
2 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Spec. Ed Teaching Assistants
📣 Annual Returning Student Registration is now open! Log in to your Family Access account to register your student(s) for the 2025-26 school year. Don’t forget, registration must be completed by September 2, 2025! 🌟 New students don’t require annual registration. 🏅 If your student is participating in athletics, a physical exam and Athletic Registration are needed. 💳 Pay student fees and meal plans online via RevTrak or in person with cash/check. Need help? Join us for registration assistance on August 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Middle School, or contact the District Registrar for an appointment. Let’s have a fantastic year in the Elkhorn Area School District! 🎉
2 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Annual Registration 2025-26
🚨✨ Exciting News! The Alternative Open Enrollment window is officially OPEN! 🎉

If you're looking to join us in Elkhorn for the 2025-26 school year, it’s not too late! Families outside the Elkhorn district can apply now at www.elkhorn.k12.wi.us/page/open-enrollment.

✨ Interested in charter schools? Options Virtual Charter and the Career & College Academy are still accepting students for the upcoming year! Don’t wait—get your application in today! 📚✨
3 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Alternative Open Enrollment 2025-26
🌊🏊‍♂️ Attention Summer Swim Families! We have some exciting updates! Our pool maintenance is almost complete! Starting Monday, June 23, morning swim lessons will be held at Lakeland School, while evening lessons will return to the EAHS Pool! 📍 **Location:** Lakeland School W3905 County Rd NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121 Enter through Door A – the pool will be to your left! Please remember to stay in the pool area and respect Lakeland School's request to avoid wandering around. Your cooperation is much appreciated! The Summer Academy shuttle bus will continue to operate at the following times, transporting students from the Middle School to the High School and to Lakeland School. 🚍 **Shuttle Bus Schedule:** - 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Bus G will drop off students for the 12:45 PM swim lesson as well! A huge THANK YOU to Lakeland School for their support! Starting Tuesday, June 24, all swim lessons will be back at the EAHS Pool. Let's make a splash this summer! 💦
3 months ago, Community Engagement
SummerSwimTwo
🌊 Attention Summer Swim Families! Due to continued maintenance at the EAHS Pool, swim lessons will be held at the Lakeland School Pool from June 16 to June 20! 🏊‍♂️ 📍 **Location:** W3905 County Rd NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121 (Enter through Door A - pool on your left!) 🚨 Please remember to stay in the pool area and respect Lakeland School’s guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation! 🙌 🚌 The Summer Academy shuttle bus will still run to transport students between the Middle School, High School, and Lakeland School. Reminder: no adult assistance on shuttle buses. **Shuttle Bus Schedule:** 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:30 PM 🕐 Plus, Bus G will drop off students for swim lessons by 12:45 PM! A huge THANK YOU to Lakeland School for their support! Let's show our appreciation! 💙
3 months ago, Community Engagement
Summer Swim Week Two
🌞🍽️ **Attention Families!** The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is here to ensure kids stay nourished over the summer! Free lunch is available for ALL children 18 and under at Elkhorn Area Middle School during Summer Academy. 🗓️ **Dates:** June 16-27 & July 7-18, 2025 ⏰ **Time:** 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. 📍 **Location:** EAMS - 627 E. Court Street, Elkhorn For more info, reach out to Ashley Drake, Food Service Director, at drakas@elkhorn.k12.wi.us. 💚 Did you know? There are many organizations across Wisconsin providing healthy meals to children this summer! Find your nearest location: 📞 Call 2-1-1 📲 Text 'SFSP' to 914-342-7744 Let's keep our kids fed and healthy together! 🍏🌟 #SummerMeals #HealthyKids
3 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Summer food and fun
🌊 Attention Summer Swim Families! 🌊 We have a change for Session One (June 9-13)! Due to unexpected maintenance at EAHS Pool, we'll be holding swim lessons at the Delavan-Darien High School Pool instead. 📍 Location: 150 Cummings Street, Delavan. Enter through Door #5 on the south side of the building to access the pool. A huge THANK YOU to the Delavan-Darien School District for their support! If you spot a Comet, be sure to show your appreciation! 🏊‍♂️💙 Stay tuned for updates on our pool repairs, and feel free to reach out to Jamie Richardson (richja@elkhorn.k12.wi.us) if you have any questions. Thanks, everyone! #EASDSummerSwim #1Herd #CometNation
3 months ago, Community Engagement
Summer Swim Session One Location Update
⚠️ Important Update: Due to the potential for severe weather this afternoon and evening, all home meets and matches are postponed. Please reach out to your coaches for practice updates. 🔒 The EAHS Fitness Center will be closed, and all community use of district facilities has been canceled. Stay safe and keep an eye on the weather! 🌧️
4 months ago, Community Engagement
canceled Today Due to Weather
⭐🍇🥗Happy School Lunch Hero Day to our amazing Food Services staff across the district! Thank you for all you do to keep our students happy, healthy, and fed!🍴🏆⭐
5 months ago, Community Engagement
School Lunch Hero
🎉🌱 Today marks the start of May Mental Health Month! Let’s inspire mindfulness and engage in activities that promote well-being. Here’s some of what we have lined up: 🚶‍♂️ **Wellness Wednesday Walks**: Step out every Wednesday for a solo or group walk! Snap a pic, share it on Facebook, and tag us @EASDCommunityEngagement with #WellnessWednesday! 🏃‍♀️ **Community Run/Walk with Snap Fitness**: Join us at Snap Fitness for community runs/walks every Monday at 5 PM, Tuesday at 2 PM, and Friday at 4 PM! 💚 **Light Up Elkhorn**: Show your support for Mental Health Awareness by lighting the city GREEN! Get 10% off green lights at Jackson’s Do it Best! 🎨 **Hope Squad Window Decorating**: Check out the EAHS Hope Squad as they decorate windows around Elkhorn! Vote for your favorite Mental Health Month display and show your support! And that’s just the beginning! Follow us and check out our event page for updates, tips, and more! Let’s make a difference together! 💪🌟 #MHM2025 #TurnAwarenessIntoAction #EASDCommunityWellness
5 months ago, Community Engagement
May Mental Health Month
🧩Staff across EASD have been showing their support throughout April, celebrating Autism Awareness Month!🧩
5 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Autism 2
Autism 1
🏀🏀ONE WEEK AWAY!!! 🏀🏀 Rise Up Basketball Academy's Youth Basketball Camp starts May 1. Camp is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through 8th grade. Visit us on RecDesk to sign up: https://easdcommunity.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=192
5 months ago, Katie Hoffman
Rise Up Basketball Camp
The Purple & Gold Foundation Sitcom Spectacular online auction is LIVE! Head over to https://www.32auctions.com/pandg to start bidding! Proceeds from the auction benefit the EAHS Scholarship Foundation.
5 months ago, Katie Hoffman
P&G Live Auction