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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Sep 18 2008, 07:05 AM
Safety in our schools should be of great importance.
There are many aspects of safety that need to be considered…Students, teachers, the school environment, procedures.
Since Columbine and 9-11, we have domestic and world terrorism to plan and think about.
We have the House of Correction on our doorstep.
Every School District has a Safety Committee.
Every School District has a plan.
On our District's website they have an “About Our District” page.
On that page is a link to the Safety Committee.
Also, there is a “New Addition to the Website” that has just been announced.
It is a “Business Services Portion.”
“Thanks to this addition, you will be able to find information about Finance, Transportation, Building and Grounds and Technology Support Services.”
I have been looking over the site since school began this year. With the Board Goals we should expect some changes.
Last night I found this regarding the Safety Committee:
Click to Enlarge
I don’t know about you, but I have some questions.
Who is on the Safety Advisory Committee?
Who is on the School Crisis Teams?
Who is on the Student /Employee Health Committees and what are their functions?
How often do these Committees meet?
What are the Crisis Response Guidelines?
This chart was designed to “keep the community informed?”
Just how is this chart doing that?
The only thing we ever hear about our Safety Team doing, as far as I am aware, is having, in conjunction with the city, mock accident/disaster preparedness, as the city did at Forest Park Middle School this summer. And we hear about that after the fact. Now of course, that's a good thing; but we need to hear more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
09/18/08
ATTENTION!
Dear Parents and Franklin Community Members:
Throughout the day today, all Junior and Senior students will be participating in a "Mock Crash" activity in coordination with the City of Franklin Police and Fire Departments, as well as emergency services personnel from Froedtert Hospital, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center Flight For Life. This activity includes a dramatization of a serious car accident that includes serious injuries and a fatality. Our goal is to make a strong impression on our students relative to the dangers of driving and the importance of being attentive and safe whenever they are behind the wheel. This includes the importance of always wearing a seat belt, the necessity that they never travel in a vehicle with a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the dangers of inattentive behaviors like cell phone use while driving. This activity was not disclosed in advance because we believe, and the professionals who have done this before have experienced, that the impact of this event is much greater if students did not have advance notice.
I want to thank the members of the high school staff and the professionals associated with the organizations involved today for their wonderful work putting this event together for the benefit of our students.
Sincerely,
Mike Cady
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Here are the cars from the "mock accident" on the FHS track. I have in my notes and on tape from the Buildings and Grounds meeting last week that this event was supposed to take place next week on the 23rd. The element of surprise I suppose... Now that it has taken place, track repairs will begin.
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By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Sep 3 2008, 10:08 PM
By Janet Evans
Tuesday, Aug 26 2008, 06:56 AM
"Future Shock," a great book I read back in high school. We may have a little of our own future shock to deal with monetarily regarding maintenance and improvements in our school district:
What’s that dollar amount?
That’s the Grand Total of the Future Long Range Maintenance and Remodeling Plan for Franklin Public Schools dated 5/15/08 (revised). I received a copy of the Status of Ongoing Buildings and Grounds Projects (2007/08) and 2008/09 Buildings and Grounds Projects back at a Building and Grounds Committee meeting on May 21st. I was pretty impressed by how most of the projects over the years had been allocated funds and then came in under budget. The last two pages of the large packet were Future Long Range plans.
That doesn’t mean everything on the “wish list” will be implemented. The district has running lists for each school and they are still working on projects from prior school years.
Some of the larger items on the packed two page list include the following:
| Ben Franklin |
|
Grounds |
Create drive for loop by receiving area and dumpster enclosure |
|
$100,000 |
|
|
Grounds |
Additional athletic field |
|
$250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Country Dale |
|
School Bldg |
Replace Classroom Doors |
|
$70,000 |
|
|
School Bldg |
Replace coat strips with lockers |
|
$50,000 |
|
|
School Bldg |
Remodel Center restrooms |
|
$15,000 |
|
|
School Bldg |
Remodel East restrooms |
|
$30,000 |
|
|
School Bldg |
Remodel West restrooms |
|
$30,000 |
|
|
NW Exit |
Replace one door w/two |
|
$25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Forest Park |
|
FACE |
Divide FACE into two rooms, not three |
|
$120,000 |
|
|
School Bldg |
Replace all lockers @12" to achieve 850 total |
|
$107,000 |
|
|
School bldg |
Replace lockers in girls locker rooom |
|
$225,000 |
|
|
Interior |
Retrofit lighting system to T8 |
|
$150,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| High School |
|
Parking area |
Add drop off loop and widen access |
|
$180,000 |
|
|
Parking lot |
expand student parking areas to the west and add visitor stalls |
|
$250,000 |
|
|
Pool locker rooms |
Replace lockers |
|
$60,000 |
|
|
Grounds |
Renovate stadium w/8 lane track |
|
$2,750,000 |
|
|
Grounds |
Add roads and develop practice fields |
|
$300,000 |
|
|
Grounds |
Add tennis courts |
|
200,000 |
|
|
Back hall classrooms |
Replace tile and base |
|
$50,000 |
|
|
Pool |
Renovate and allow for use of starting blocks/replace deck coating |
|
$200,000 |
|
|
Gym |
Replace air handling units and add A/C |
|
$250,000 |
|
|
Science rooms |
Upgrade and add sinks and safety equpiment |
|
$500,000 |
|
|
Near Cafeteria |
Add a Senior commons area |
|
$25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Pleasant View |
|
Grass Playground |
improve drainage to expand play area |
|
$180,000 |
|
|
Playground |
Resurface and extend play area to playstructures |
|
$205,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Robinwood |
|
Playground |
Renovate pavement & improve drainage |
|
$159,000 |
|
|
Interior |
Renovate lighting system to T8 |
|
$110,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SW Glen |
|
Boiler Room |
Replace Boilers |
|
$100,000 |
|
|
School bldg |
Carpet multi-year replace all |
|
$200,000 |
|
|
Exterior |
Replace asphalt, address drainage & expand playground |
|
$250,000 |
Long Range Maintenance & Remodeling Plan - Page One.pdf
Long range Maintenance & Remodeling Plan - Page Two.pdf
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2008-09 Project Status
| Country Dale |
|
School Bldg |
Run New TV cable to all classrooms |
|
7,000 |
|
| High School |
|
Roof section 4 |
Replace |
|
$55,250 |
|
| High School |
|
Parking Area |
Widen egress lanes |
|
$26,000 |
|
| Pleasant View |
|
Section B |
Replace HVAC systen (1st flr remaining north half classrooms) |
|
$199,000 |
|
| Robinwood |
|
Pod H |
replace hall floor tile |
|
$20,800 |
|
| Robinwood |
|
C-pod |
Abandon and replace underground ductwork to overhead |
|
$30,000 |
|
| SW Glenn |
|
Interior |
Retrofit lighting system to T8 |
|
$85,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sub-total |
|
423,150 |
$0 |
|
|
|
Contingency |
|
$76,850 |
$76,850 |
|
|
|
Total |
|
500,000 |
|
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By Janet Evans
Friday, Jun 27 2008, 06:36 PM
*****************************
Update 2
It looks like pressure from the Bloggers, the Civic Celebration committee, the community and students have done the job. School Board member David Works just told me that he spoke to Dr. Patz and he is working on releasing the instruments to the Drum Major so any students who would like to participate in the parade will be allowed to do so. Let's hope everything works out and that there are enough students around to have a good enough showing.
Also, Greg Kowalski informed me that Mr. Cady called Jeanine Olson from the Civic Celebrations Committee and told her the Band Director Scott Julius agreed to help coordinate the parade. I also received an email from Mr. Cady verifying this, I asked if Mr. Julius is being compensated for his leadership of the Band, and was told he was. Mr. Cady also had this to say:
I do want to say that our school does really value our community and we do understand
and respect that our community has an expectation that the school gives
back. The band has performed for community events on numerous occasions
such as performing at fund raisers for the cultural center, providing
entertainment for hundreds of our seniors each spring when we host a
dinner and first viewing of our musical and our students complete
hundreds of hours of community service every year. It is important that
we do these things, we know that and will continue to strive to improve
our efforts in this area.
An interesting turn of events.
We'll remember this quote from Dave Szychlinski for next year:
“I spoke with Dr. Patz this morning and he
promised me that no matter happens this year, we will handle this
differently in the future so this never happens again.”
*****************************
Update 1
This has nothing to do with a referendum.
I talked to the United Music Parent's President (UMPS), Rhonda Gross, this morning.
Last year the parade was run by the student Drum Major. She said there may not even be enough students available right now. This happened a month ago. The volunteers were in charge in the past.
Contracts are still in negotiations for some of the teachers right now. You can bet it will be discussed for a band teacher to participate in the parade. The School District does care about the Community. They've gotten off easy all these years because they have had a strong parent group like UMPS. Also, being that it's late...kids make plans when it gets late. They don't wait around. There aren't 300 kids sitting home waiting to march knowing that they don't have a leader. You would think the new Band Director could have stepped up, but no, he didn't have a contract. Obviously he wanted to get paid. He could be out of town too. Who knows. The UMPS President says he's good with the students.
Not everything revolves around a referendum.
It has been said to our faces at the meetings it will be a while before there is a referendum.
Do we have a date yet?
No.
They need to get land first.
The band isn't playing because many people screwed up.
Period.
*****************************
?
Don’t see anything but an empty space?
That’s because as of this posting there will be no Franklin High School Marching Band in the parade.
And don’t hold your breath for one either.
Franklin blogger, Greg Kowalski brought up this issue last night on his Metro Milwaukee Today blog.
I looked into it a little further today to clarify the issue.
Tanya Ruder, District Communications Specialist reports that:
“We have had some very generous parents and students who have dedicated
their time in the past to organize the band for the parade. This has
never been a school or district organized event. This year there was no
outside person or group that worked on organizing the band. The Civic
Celebration Planning Committee was notified that the band would not be
participating approximately a month ago.
While the district is well aware that the community supports the band
and would like to have them participating, the time frame for this year
is now too short to prepare them for the event. We are going to work on
having the appropriate staff for the parade next year that can work with
available students to perform in the parade. This not only ensures that
the band will be present, but they will also be well rehearsed.
We appreciate all of the support that our community shows for the
Franklin High School Band and we look forward to participating in the
parade next year.”
Dave Szychlinski, School Board President says:
“I spoke with Dr. Patz this morning and he
promised me that no matter happens this year, we will handle this
differently in the future so this never happens again.”
I find the Civic Celebration Planning Committee at fault also. If they knew about this a month ago, as stated, they could have tried to find a band from another area to participate. Hales Corners has their parade late in the afternoon. Perhaps Whitnall's band might have played in our parade. It’s just a thought…you never know. It’s just that, a parade needs at least one band.
My main gripe is that, if this was made public perhaps a community volunteer with music experience, and I know there are some of you out there, might have stepped forward and volunteered a few hours with these students to practice a couple songs for the parade and marched with them on July 4th….for free! Does money always have to be an issue here? Does a contract for a teacher have to come into play? Can a teacher volunteer their services for a few hours in the summer?
Go ahead....criticize me for bringing that up. But I sit at School Board meetings for hours and I don’t have children in school. I can battle anyone about volunteering if you want….I have many, many years of it behind me.So, Franklin citizens…enjoy the parade…
Perhaps we will have to resort to this...
"Ingenuity at its best is seen with the creation of Willimantic’s Boom Box Parade. In 1986, no marching band could be found for Memorial Day. Five weeks later, the “Boom Box Parade” concept was born, where the local radio station, WILI, plays the marching band music on the air, and thousands of parade goers loudly play their radios (boom boxes). Anyone can march in this one-of-a-kind people’s parade. The only requirements are to wear some red, white and blue and bring a radio tuned to WILI (1400AM). American flags are optional but encouraged. There is no “official” theme for the parade. Past parade marchers have included the “Traveling Fish Head Club of Northeastern Connecticut”, which in 2003 had a “herring town” entry and in 2001 had a tribute to the Frog Bridge. Grand Marshal Wayne Norman, a WILI personality, always leads the parade."
The Boom Box Parade - July 4th Celebration
But we can call it the Boomgaard Box Parade...
That's the way things in Franklin are going lately....
Happy 4th of July
*****************************
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By Janet Evans
Monday, Jun 16 2008, 04:15 PM
Today I received a response from Mr. Jim Milzer regarding the questions and concerns (below) from a Franklin citizen that were brought up after the Committee of the Whole Meeting on June 4th.
I was not told who addressed specific questions/concerns.
The response is in .pdf format:
Response to Unidentified Citizen ç here
06/17/08
Response from From Unidentified Citizen:
I'm satisfied with the answers. I have no "axe to grind" with our district. I appreciate the response, and the time taken to explain.
Unidentified Citizen
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I received an email from a Franklin citizen who was in attendance at the Committee of the Whole meeting of the Franklin School Board, on June 4th. The individual does not feel comfortable contacting the Board members directly, for personal reasons, but would like answers to the following questions, and would also like to share these concerns.
I am posting the questions from the email, with permission, as I think they are interesting, along with forwarding them to the Board, Dr. Patz, Judy Mueller and Mr. Milzer. Hopefully the questions will get answered.
Here is a link to my report on the meeting, which has a link to the 1st draft of the 08-09 budget:
Franklin School Board 06-04-08 Committee of the Whole Meeting
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Email Questions/Concerns from Citizen Regarding 08-09 Budget:
I was very pleased with the school board asking to see the FTE posted next
to the staffing projections. I too am interested in those numbers.
I am also interested in why I was told at the meeting that no teachers had
been laid off. Tacked onto that statement was a comment that some hours in
art and music had been cut. According to the numbers quoted that would have
been .1 FTE. 1/10th of a position.
When I talked to representatives in those departments - they told me that
two part time teachers had been laid off, and that the total of the two
would have been around 1 FTE not .1. So I am interested in this discrepancy.
I am more interested in accuracy of the presentation than the bad news. I
want finance representatives who aren't going to gloss over a situation.
I also would like to know what areas were considered for strategic
abandonment and what the general strategy or order was. Were staffing
positions considered first because they are the largest budget area? Or were
teachers considered last due to student impact? Exactly what were the
underlying principles used to come to decisions.
Were all budget areas considered? And by that I don't mean "yes, staffing was
considered". I would like to know if all areas of staffing were considered.
I have heard that our district is top-heavy. I've heard it from a lot of
different sources, and there are things I see volunteering that support the
concept of too many chiefs, too few Indians. However, I am not overly
familiar with the structure at a district level. So I started researching.
A quick perusal of our own staff directory on the website shows that 34 out
of 393 employees work at ECC. 1 in 10 didn't strike me as a good number, but
I don't know what those people do, so I started comparing our numbers to
other numbers on the DPI website.
We have 1 administrator for every 246 students.
Greenfield has 1/264
Greendale has 1/208
MPS has 1/178
Oak Creek - Franklin has 1/301
The numbers say that we aren't really top heavy. Or, more likely, if we are,
so is the rest of the system. It also shows that there are school districts
out there who are similar in size that have fewer administrative positions.
Have we researched what districts like Oak Creek Franklin and Glendale
-River Hills, and South Milwaukee are doing to maintain a better
administrative ratio?
It might be expedient for a corresponding cut in administrative FTE to
balance that out cuts in teacher’s hours. Certainly a decreasing staff and
student body means that there is a corresponding decrease in administrative
duties somewhere along the line. That means if we cut 5 positions from our
teaching staff we should be looking to eliminate a part time position at the
district level. If nothing else even a few hours trimmed from the
administrative budget might go a long way in paving the way for better
teacher relations. If we are willing to reposition our teachers and assign
them new duties, maybe we need to consider that at the top too.
I do believe good administration is worth keeping and paying. Good
administration will also have the respect of those who work under them.
My suggestions/comments on the budget meeting:
1. An impact report on proposed budgetary cuts would be helpful. This report
should have an emphasis on what this will mean to the student population.
For instance, we were able to cut three elementary positions due to a
decrease in student populations. Thankfully, we were told that no one was
laid off. Yet there are other costs to the student in reorganization. This
might mean some large classes. It might mean teachers who are teaching new
grade-levels and curriculum. I fully understand that you do the best that
you can, but I also realize that there is more than one way to arrange what
gets cut, that different people are going to have different ideas on what is
important.
2. There was no mention at the meeting that administrative or support
positions had been looked at alongside of teaching staff for budget cuts. I
certainly hope that these were considered, but I have no real assurances
that they were
3. I was very happy to see the budget posted to the website. It is good to
see that the school board is trying to improve its relationship with the
community. Something to consider. When I get an e-mail inviting me to a
meeting on the day of that meeting, I start to wonder what is being covered
that someone wants to push through with little comment. A week in advance
for those notices would be much more appropriate.
4. I really would like a clear answer on how many teachers have been laid
off and what programs are affected. I am hoping to understand why I am
getting two different numbers from the teachers and from the district.
5. Mr. Milzer mentioned that out-sourcing payroll wouldn’t be a good idea due to loss in corporate knowledge in that area. I would love to see the same argument applied to moving our teachers around to fill different positions.
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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Apr 10 2008, 06:15 AM
I attended the Personnel & Policy Committee Meeting and the Finance Committee Meetings of the Franklin School Board last evening at the ECC.
Items on the Agenda for Personnel & Policy Committee were:
Waiver of Early Admission to Kindergarten or First Grade
Facility Use Policy
English as a Second Language Program & Enrollment Presentation
2008-09 Preliminary FTE Staffing
Commitment to Excellence Award - Recommendations for April
Kimberly Davitz - 5th Gr. Teacher Southwood Glen,
Kathy Largin-Ringkjob, Speech & Language Pathologist Ben Franklin,
Janet Vlasaty-Smith,5th Gr. Teacher Country Dale.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of main interest were fee changes that are proposed to be made to the Facility Use Policy regarding Non-Local and For-Profit Groups & Events using our facilities. They will now be responsible for facility use charges that Local Not-for-Profit Groups would not be charged.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program showed that we currently have 278 students involved in the program, with the majority of the students in the elementary schools. It is an "in the mainstream-classroom" program. It is not a Bi-lingual program. The teachers do not know or use the foreign languages of the students.
Franklin Public Schools is currently meeting the No Child Left Behind Goals regarding the ESL Program, although there appear to be areas in the High School that need to be looked at due to the small amount of students in the program.
Our greatest population of students needing English Language Learner (ELL) in Franklin is that of the Hmong language (64), followed by Arabic (50), Spanish (37), Punjabi (18), Hindi (13), Serbian (13), and 19 other languages to follow.
We currently have five (5) ELL teachers, one (1) 20 hr. a week interpreter and one (1) full-time Hmong interpreter.
The program is requesting the addition of one +.5 ESL teacher for next year.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Staffing Recommendations for 2008-09
Projected Enrollment 3,943
65 Open Enrollment & Chapter 220
50 Projected additional K-5 enrollments
______
4,058 Estimated Enrollment for SY 2008-09
It is projected that the Elementary level will lose 3.6 FTE (Full time equivalent)
It is projected Forest Park will lose 1.0 FTE (Special Education teacher)
It is projected the High School will lose 2.10 FTE (retirement, P.E./Health 1/4, efficiency in sectioning math,
stacking computer class)
For a total Loss of 6.7 FTE
and a projected gain of +.5 FTE (ESL Program at High School)
There was some banter regarding interns" and student teachers. Ben Franklin uses two interns and I believe Country Dale will have one. That means a larger class size with an intern (basically an unlicensed teacher) helping out the teacher for part of the day, if I understand this correctly - I heard the term "split classes" when referring to interns. An intern is paid $4,000 per semester, where a student teacher is unpaid and is mentored by the teacher. An intern does not need to be monitored by the teacher, as a student teacher would need to be.
David Works, in the audience, questioned the use of interns. He believes there will be objections from parents.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hmmm....Of all the places to cut costs....I'm going to think back as a parent of an elementary student. First, I remember the "long-term subs," that was always nice. Total waste of time. Time lost. Nothing gained. That's usually the "maternity/parent leave" teacher scenario. And now we want to throw in the unlicensed "intern." Now an intern in the classroom all day helping out a teacher is one thing...but if you have an intern half of the day in place of your teacher.... That's not quite what I thought my tax dollars were going for. How about an "Intern" Administrator? I might go for THAT for $4,000 a semester.
Three interns...we're saving a big chunk of change here, with salary and benefits and all. I realize that. But, the children are supposed to come first. So, how about freezing Administrator's salaries? What's a Human Resources Assistant? Is that a Secretary or does our Director of Human Resources really need an assistant? It doesn't look like we're doing much hiring for this coming year. How about some multi-tasking to a Confidential Secretary?
And it is a huge mistake to drop the Health class in Grade 9. I know it isn't required by the State. But remember...Wisconsin ranks number 1 in the nation for alcohol abuse for students. And depending on how the numbers are manipulated, we rank between number 11 and 14 for suicide deaths of high schools students in the nation. Our students need to discuss social/sexual, physical and mental health issues as often as possible.
On to the next meeting....
The Finance Committee, which reported on the Audit Results dated 06-30-07
The Audit appeared to have gone well with the following items needing attention:
Regarding Personnel Files
Random personnel files were pulled and it was found that required "background checks" were not in all files. It was explained to the Board by Director of Human Resources, Judy Mueller, that the files that did not have those background checks in them were files that were over 15 years old, which were prior to the time background checks were being done. Background checks are being done and have been done for the past 15 years and are now in the newer files.
The Business Office needs to keep a tight control over student activity funds at the schools and do their own internal audits of those funds. It was found that at some times receipts were not issued to people bringing in money.
The Board should have a Conflict of Interest policy in place.
~~~~~~~~~
On a final note I would like to thank Karen Zaluca, Director Instructional Services for being kind enough to give me hand-outs. I'm a pretty regular visitor at the meetings and I should think it would be a regular practice to have a few extra hand-outs in the first place. Ms. Zaluca has been especially gracious to me.
And finally, there was no mention of former Superintendent Dr. Bill Szakacs and the debacle surrounding him. But we didn't expect there would be, did we?
~~~~~~~~~
Don't forget to attend the Be Heard! Meeting tonight at 6:00 at Ben Franklin, if you can.
I will not be able to attend, so unless one of the other bloggers does a post....if any reader does attend, feel free to leave comments about it on this post.
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By Janet Evans
Thursday, Mar 20 2008, 07:15 PM
Last night I attended the School Board Forum at Franklin High School.
I thought the candidates did a good job answering questions put to them by the sponsors of the event, and those directly from the audience.
Some were textbook questions with textbook answers; issues already covered from the interviews I had done with the candidates. Other questions were fresh.
I wasn’t planning on commenting on this forum until after the next one, on Monday, March 24th. But, one question came up last night that has me thinking. A member of the audience asked a question of the candidates, and all but one of them didn’t have any insight on the topic. It was an issue that in my opinion, is a very hot topic regarding curriculum in schools, and has been for quite some time.
In fairness, I don’t expect a School Board candidate to know all of the answers. They aren’t in the position yet. Once elected, there is much they will need to learn. I just think this topic is one that, regarding your own child’s education, you, as a parent, would have an opinion in general.
A member of the audience asked the candidates if they would be in support of Intelligent Design being introduced into the Science curriculum. Candidates Dennis Butler, Linda Witkowski, and David Works were not familiar with the term Intelligent Design. After a brief explanation, Butler said he would most likely be in favor of it, if the District would be able to get past legal hurdles. Witkowski, appeared to be in favor, but was questionable of it at this time, and Works would be in favor of it if it was called for. Again, in fairness, I wouldn’t take their answers to heart, as I think they would need to delve further into the meaning of Intelligent Design themselves before giving a concrete answer.
Ed Holpfer was familiar with Intelligent Design and said, personally yes, he would be in favor of it in the science curriculum, but as far as introducing it into our District, it would depend on what the community as a whole would want.
Because the candidates were not familiar with this term doesn’t change my opinion of them. I was just surprised and it makes me think there are many citizens not aware of the possibilities of what may or may not be taught in school.
I blogged about Intelligent Design back in the beginning of December.
Perhaps if the Candidates are looking at the blogs today, this segment may help them to get started on forming an opinion.
Intelligent Design? í here
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By Janet Evans
Saturday, Mar 15 2008, 04:35 PM
On March 3rd I posted this regarding our school district, the Board, and budgets.
I also emailed School Board President, Dave Szychlinski, links to the two articles in the post, asking him if he was aware of them.
This is what he said:
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Szychlinski" <szychlid@franklin.k12.wi.us>
To: <Janet Evans>
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 9:16 PM
Subject: Re: School Board Conference
Thanks for sharing this Janet. I've seen this and other reports like
this one. I am encouraging the Board's Finance Committee and
administration to revise our budget process to include priority setting,
an examination of mandates, and to include more public discussion of the
budget drafts. We have to take a good hard look at our budgets no
matter what economic conditions we face.
dave
>>>> "Janet Evans" > 03/07/08 8:10 PM >>>
Dave,
Welcome back.
Thank you for your reply.
Have you seen this?
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=52396
or this
http://www.cbpp.org/1-15-08sfp.htm
Not good news.
Janet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Well, Dave Szychlinski didn't seem too concerned.
At the School Board meeting on February 20th, Business Manager, Jim Milzer reported about the refinancing that would occur for the District, saving well over $766,000 in the tax levy next year.
The Board was glowing.
So, things must be going pretty well, right?
Not so fast....
Friday, when I got my mail, I opened an envelope and found a 2007/2008 School Board Calendar with several upcoming meetings highlighted:
Wednesday, April 2nd....Committee of the Whole - Topic: Budget
Wednesday, April 9th....Finance
Wednesday, May 21st...Finance
Wednesday, June 4....Committee of the Whole - Topic: Budget
Wednesday, June 11th....Finance
Wednesday, August 27th....Annual meeting of the Electors
Along with that calendar, was a Franklin High School Weekly Staff Bulletin, dated March 10-15.
It has a cover letter with it that is sent out to High School Staff, from Principal Mike Cady.
It is dated Tuesday, March 11th.
On the actual Bulletin, one paragraph is highlighted.
There was no return address on the envelope.
It is obvious it came from someone at Franklin High School.
Someone who wants me to be aware of the paragraph that was highlighted.
My guess is that it is a teacher or clerical staff.
Here is the paragraph:
FYI: as I have alluded to before, we are in a situation as a district in which we have had a dip in enrollment and are in a budget cutting mode for next year. I will share more details on this issue as they become available.
Interesting!
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Dave Szychlinski stated in his email to me that he is encouraging the Finance Committee to include more public discussion.
Now might be a good time.
We seem to have some budget problems that no one has discussed out in the open yet.
And I thought part of the new Goals was to communicate better with Franklin citizens.
I thought I was attending the regular School Board meetings.....I write practically every word down.
Dip in enrollment?
Budget cutting mode?
I know my hearing is pretty good.
Those new School Board candidates are a very important choice we have to make, aren't they?
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To the staff member who sent me this packet.....
Thank you for sending me this information.
I would prefer to know who you are.
I'd prefer to know your motive in sending me this information.
Worried about your job and want the public to be aware?
Just a concerned citizen?
My email is right at the top of this post.
Remember, I kept Scott Bauer's information confidential.
I'll do the same with yours.
My only other comment about that is, you don't see much of school staff at School Board meetings unless their jobs are going to get cut...why is that?
Hopefully I'll be hearing more from you via email, or possibly you can introduce yourself to me at the School Board candidate forum on the 19th.
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