The Waukesha School Board approved hiring the husband of Waukesha City Administrator Lori Luther for the district's new STEM Academy at its Wednesday night meeting.
The vote came after Luther had submitted a letter resigning from the STEM Academy's governing board, effective the same day as the vote, said Jack Bothwell, the district's executive director of human resources.
Lori Luther's role at the school came into question in light of an anti-nepotism policy enacted by the Waukesha School Board last month.
Although some contended that Luther's presence on the board did not pose a conflict of interest because she didn't play a role in personnel matters, others said her input in spending decisions could create a perception of a conflict of interest.
Her husband, Christopher Luther, who is certified to teach secondary-level science courses, is slated to earn $39,603 a year, according to the district salary schedule.
The Waukesha STEM Academy, a charter school that will open in the fall in the former Randall and Saratogy elementary school buildings, will eventually serve students in grades kindergarten through eight and focus on the subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.