Recently State Rep. Scott Newcomer wrote a guest opinion in another publication which was titled:  "Wisconsin’s school systems should teach money management."  Scott used April, which is recognized as Financial Literacy Awareness Month, as the springboard highlighting the need to raise financial understanding through the school systems.

Well written, his column acknowledges the need for (and lack of)  parental advice in these matters. It goes on to state "less than half of college students polled said their parents made a conscientious effort to teach them.I find it inconceivable that such a vital topic is left out of the school system and placed solely in the hands of the public. As parents, many of us often times find ourselves puzzled by the task of assisting in our children’s math or science homework. Despite this truth, the majority of college students cite parents as their primary source of information on money management, yet less than a quarter of them feel prepared for the financial challenges awaiting them. This illustrates the fact that additional education from schools is needed in order to improve the quality of the information flowing in the public sphere."   "...I feel that each individual school district, if it is not already doing so, should strive to implement financial education requirements."

Please stop there!   Yes!  -  Yes!  -   NO!

YES - Rep. Newcomer is correct that there is a need for better understanding of financial matters for our youth. Issues grow more complex daily and the financial challenges and machinations facing this generation are significant. Simply - there is much to learn and little done about it.

YES - Rep. Newcomer is correct in calling attention to the frustrating stats which reflect that only a minority of college students feel prepared for the oncoming financial challenges. The grim realities are that parents do not have a "warm and fuzzy" when working with their own children in these areas. The best teaching tools would be a family's own finances, but many parents truly do not want their offspring delving too deep into their checkbook, investments, credit card obligations, etc.. No further explanation is needed for most parents...

 NO! - Rep. Newcomer is absolutely incorrect in his thoughts that each school district should strive  to implement financial requirements! While I totally agree on the need for basic training in finances, I challenge Rep. Newcomer on where the responsibility lies. Every news publication in this State has weekly articles, stories, letters to the editor, and more which bring into laser-like focus the core issue - The State Education System is broke! The current funding formula demands cuts and improvisations to school budgets across the State!  Waukesha has been particularly hard-hit for many years, and there are no "Bright Tomorrows" on the horizon here.

The breakdown between Scott and myself occurs because... These Districts cannot currently fund the State mandates for education! The very last thing on the agenda for most districts these days is adding curriculum at additional costs. Heck - I favor many areas where I believe education in the early years will pay dividends for our youth for years to come: Renewed second language emphasis; expanded tech-ed offerings (the building trades are worried about the coming years); basic home computer maintenance; career planning; current world politics; and the list goes on...

The chasm in thought processes between us is succinctly demonstrative of the issues we as constituents and voters face with many of our State representatives. Unfunded State mandates to school districts are a major contributing factor to many school budget dilemmas. Now we have, in a very deft pen-stroke, a local State Rep doing more of the same. His identification of the need is good: His avoidance of taking a leadership position at the State level to get it fixed is sad. And finally, his "challenge" to the Districts to implement these courses is a classic "Red Herring"  technique of misdirection...

Truly, we deserve (and desperately need) better from our local elected officials in Madison. Maybe early "Financial Literacy" classes would have helped them...

Today I read about Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson delivering his version of a "State of the Union" address to the Common Council. Basically a recap of his first two years serving as Mayor, his presentation covered many of the positive developments which occurred during this time frame.

This occasion pushes the question: Should "Mayor Larry" be judged by his own assessment, or should public and media comments singlehandedly frame our opinions? 

The Mayor has unquestionably been tremendous fodder for the local media. From his footwear choices, to travels which invariably conflict with some meetings, to unabashedly wearing his Democratic loyalties on his (short) shirt sleeves, Mayor Larry has certainly taken his share of criticisms from many corners. Ok...Maybe it wasn't politically expedient being photographed at an Obama rally with your new Administrator in tow - during normal working hours. Why - he even had the audacity to try to protect the budgets of several Waukesha municipal services from cuts in this era of "taxation hell!" 

On the flip side - Go to most established community charity fund-raisers; The Mayor will usually be there lending support. Walk through Downtown during an Arts Crawl - Larry will be talking to anyone who will listen. Need to add "gravitas" in getting a new local event off the ground? Ask Mayor Nelson for his help and he will step to the plate whether speaking or just attending. When Waukesha needed decisive action on the critical "water" issue, Mayor Larry was in Madison lending his support, and then took a couple days of intense politically-driven media poundings for taking a stand... When the ugly realities of education funding rears its' (to some) ugly head, the Mayor will flat-out come forward and reiterate the value of a quality educational product within one's Community.

QUICK!  How many cities were named as "One of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People in the United States" by America's Promise Alliance? For the second consecutive year? The answer: Only Waukesha in SE Wisconsin! And Waukesha Mayor Nelson was there proudly beating the drums to garner attention for the Community.

HERE'S ONE!  Name the last higher-ranking public official who will return phone calls and emails, and then go on, albeit interminably at times, about the great things occurring in Waukesha - The (trick) answer? Both Mayor Nelson and his predecessor Mayor Carol Lombardi. Interestingly, he will even ask your opinion on local issues...

It's obvious Larry Nelson enjoys being Mayor. He also truly believes the role of mayor extends far beyond presiding over Common Council meetings. His unflagging support for all things "Waukesha" is demonstrated on a daily basis. Is the Mayor outspoken on many issues? YES!! Does he bring that same frank and earnest approach to the public table on behalf of Waukesha? YES!! Will he continue ruffling feathers? YES!! And will he maintain that unmistakable air of individuality during his tenure? YES!!

Mayor Larry Nelson will walk the path he believes in. With over 50,000 people in this Community, I am sure he will find someone who disagrees with almost every single thing he says or does. His persona will continue to draw attention to any gaffes - large or small. But his heart belongs to the City...and one must respect that.

I held reservations about "Larry as Mayor"... I still harbor suspicions about his "Crocs" footwear (or whatever those things are...). Waukesha is a fiercely proud, individualistic, political, diverse Community. Why would you want your mayor to be any different?

"It's not over till the fat lady sings..."

This winter past is a reminder that we do indeed live in Wisconsin. Several of the most recent winters often arrived late; brought out snowblowers only 2-4 times; and left early. Having had between 9' and 10' of snow, many of us are crying "Uncle".

Regardless of how I personally feel, there are many who have benefited from the white plague above. Start with the dedicated plow drivers who kept their equipment running and streets clear against long odds. Their well-earned OT preceded the wonderful tax season. And when they collect OT, the State is there ready to collect taxes on the extra income. And as long as we are in a tax-paying mood - peruse your gas pumps for how much more petrol was used plowing and how much we pay in gas taxes. The State thanks you, the plow drivers thank you, salt companies really thank you.

Auto body shops? Full for weeks to come. Car part vendors are having a banner year and...more wages with more State taxes. Small appliance repair shops fixed snowblowers and never gave much thought to lawn mowers. Windshield fluid companies had to invest in more blue dye because we all know spraying snowy and icy windshields is faster than a defroster. The company that makes the reflectors tarred onto our highways will be filling replacement orders for the ones who fell victim to constant plowing.

Other (unintended) profiteers? - Chiropractors with long lines of "shovel-backs" waiting to get in; replacement mailbox manufacturers; landscapers waiting to fix lawn-scarring from the municipal plows; TV weather-people who get more air-time than national or local news reporting; roofers contending with ice dams, and many more.

Me? I am screaming "Uncle"!! ...Enough!!  Give me the dull grey-green of an emergent lawn. Let me switch garage places between snowblower and lawn mower.Allow us the pleasure of driving without a constant coating of road spray. Who do we call to explain we are sorry and won't do whatever it is we did wrong to get this much snow?

I just checked again and...no... the "Fat Lady" isn't singing - she's at her real estate agent's office and looking at cheap Florida housing.  

     

POLITICAL:

Are the Democratic and Republican presidential candidates collecting money, re-grouping, and catching a spirited 2'nd wind for the home stretch? (Or has everyone, including the press, lost complete interest because they all are starting to sound the same?)

When will someone explain why being "Tough on Crime?" is so vitally important in the Gableman vs Butler Supreme Court election? (And no..."just because" doesn't work for me)

Why has Waukesha Mayor Larry Nelson (a declared Democrat) suddenly become a lightning rod for Republican criticism? (Is it possible the GOP finally added up presidential primary results in Waukesha and realized Democrat votes far outnumbered the Republican faithful?)

COMMUNITY:

Waukesha School Superintendent David Schmidt is retiring. There will be a "send-off" luncheon at the Country Springs Hotel on April 10'th. Co-sponsored by the Waukesha Education Foundation and the Waukesha Chamber of Commerce, there are more groups offering plaudits than time available for speakers. A nice tribute to a man who will be missed. Call the Chamber for details @ 262-542-4249.

Retired Waukesha North Marching Band Director Jim Doepke remains active during retirement. He has announced his desire to play the National Anthem on the trumpet at all Major League Ballparks. Commissioner Bud Selig has endorsed this and we wish Jim the very best!

Kudos to the various Departments of Public Works who kept the streets clear this winter. Let's try to remember the costs connected with this year when their budgets are blown by the end of the third quarter.

We in Waukesha will all feel the loss of Senior Journal Sentinel Editor Bruce Gill who passed away at the young age of 56. He was instrumental in bringing the Waukesha Bureau the resources to showcase the goings-on in our Community. He will be remembered as a class act.

FAMILY:   

Upcoming trip to Mexico with four families holds promise of relaxation, sun, warmth, friendship, and many memories for the upcoming year. (Why do "Dirty Monkeys" and "Miami Vice" beverages only taste good in warm climates?)

Spring Fever has gripped our family. How long before the ice is gone from Okauchee Lake??

 

The Waukesha Education Foundation held it's third "Celebration of Excellence" on November 4th. The theme: "Today's Students  -  Tomorrow's Stars!". This Event brings the Community together in an incredible outpouring of support for the students in our community. Business people, students, parents, elected officials, teachers, administrators,and more came to Waukesha North and were treated to an educational, colorful, and entertaining evening,

The student-driven Hall of Excellence gave us "oldsters" a peek into the happenings within the Waukesha School District classrooms. Beaming and eager to talk, these students brought their programs alive for the visitors and charmed us all in the process. They also gained a little insight in the "How to's" of preparing a trade show program and display. Definitely a "win-win" for all.

Waukesha North graciously hosted the event and their Northstar State Marching Band Champions blew the roof of the fieldhouse after dinner! Student's interacted and served dinner, tended water glasses,and brought the face of education that much closer to each table. Honorees included the WEF "Partners in Education" Heidi Laabs, and Jill and Gary Beres from Culver's - Waukesha. Former Waukesha School Board President Mr. Bill Domina presented Superintendent Mr. David Schmidt with a recognition for David's vision and support for the WEF - A standing ovation followed.

Auctions, raffles, and more completed the evening and sent attendees home commenting on "the students..."   There was little doubt that we were truly in the company of ..."Tomorrow's Stars!"    

The Waukesha Education Foundation (WEF) is staging its' 3rd "Celebration of Excellence" (COE) on November 4'th, 2007. Over 300 students volunteers, over 500 attendees, more than 30 student displays in the "Hall of Excellence",  and over 200 businesses contributing/donating goods, money, and services will come together in an incredible demonstration of support for education within the Waukesha School Community.

The WEF's primary focus is to raise money to increase educational opportunities within our schools. Monies raised go to grants, endowments, and scholarships. The "Celebration" is the WEF Signature Event, and it has raised almost $80,000 in it's first 2 years.

As Board Chair of the WEF as well as Co-Chairing this event with my wife, Colleen, and Betsy Crossewaite, I am once again reminded of the potential for business community support for Waukesha education. Assuredly, there are a host of much appreciated personal contributors including parents, teachers, administrators, seniors, and the public at large. But this years' business response has been particularly gratifying!

Our Signature Sponsors include Waukesha State Bank; ProHealth Care; Lee John's Catering; and the Waukesha Freeman. Platinum Sponsors include Wauwatosa Savings Bank, Marine Bank, Automatic Entrances of Wisconsin, Stanley Proto Tools, and more.

 Not to be overlooked are the dozens - no, hundreds of businesses who bring the finest in products and services to this event for auction and raffle.Third year returning contributors include:  Wine Maniacs with a magnum of Dogajolo hand-selected in Tuscany by Debbie Bertrand; Penzeys Spices provide spices with a flair; Harry Nick & Friends gives unique hair styling; Eddie Martini's for the finest in dining; the Bucks, Brewers, Wave, and Admirals; Mr. Bob Lang with golf at Erin Hills; Country Springs Hotel with an overnight stay and waterpark fun; Mark Rossetti and Bravo! Cucina Italiana for the highest quality Italian dining; Todd at Flanners Home Entertainment; Sunset Bowl, Salto and their birthday bashes; and many more unnamed, respected supporters. They are joined by a legion of others - AND...THIS JUST IN!!...

Little Caesers Pizza on Summitt just donated 75 (!) pizzas to the Event for our student volunteers!! "Healthy food for a healthy education..."

And speaking of education..."THANK YOU TO THE WAUKESHA DISTRICT TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, AND OTHER DISTRICT PERSONNEL! YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AND UNWAVERING SUPPORT HAVE HELPED BRING THE ESSENCE OF THE WAUKESHA EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO THE FOREFRONT."

The "Celebration of Excellence" is a model of cooperation between stakeholders in our Community - Parents, Students, the District, Volunteers, residents, and businesses.

On Sunday, November 4’th, 2007, The Waukesha Education Foundation is presenting its’ annual “Celebration of Excellence”! Invitations have been sent; awards have been announced; the dining arrangements made; and all that is needed is…YOU!

YOU will absolutely enjoy a fast-paced, entertaining, educational, gourmet evening. YOU will be exposed to an incredible array of auction and raffle “opportunities” generously donated from both area and State-wide businesses. YOU can be front & center to the Excellence of one of the State’s finest marching bands – Waukesha North, as they regale our 500 guests with their 2007 award-winning Cirque du Soleil presentation.

 YOU will be treated to Excellence in dining, an epicurean delight; a culinary masterpiece; a majestic presentation of food the likes of which the Waukesha area seldom witnesses – A feast from the legendary Lee John’s Catering!!! YOU will enjoy Salad Nouvelle, sage roasted pork loin with wild mushroom sauce, five-spice cream sautéed chicken breasts (from a closely guarded Danegelis family recipe), oven roasted potatoes, fresh (and I mean Fresh!) green beans, and a heavenly cheesecake reminiscent of family bakeries from the old country.

 YOU will experience a sampling of the Excellence in the educational process occurring each and every day in the Waukesha School District as you pass through the student displays in the “Halls of Excellence”. The students, aged 7-18, are already preparing exhibits and presentations highlighting the programs and accomplishments they feel are significant in their lives.

 YOU can bear witness to the (almost…) legendary auctioneering prowess of Waukesha County Exec Dan Vrakas as he pleads, cajoles, and exhorts the audience into a bidding frenzy! YOU can win one of hundreds of silent auction items or be surprised when your raffle ticket(s) lands you an unexpected windfall!

 (Before WE go any further – the Packers are on at noon and this Event doesn’t even begin until 3:30 with dinner @ 5:30…)

 YOU can visit our Event website for further details including easy-to-use online registration. YOU will be charged a $50 registration fee (much of it tax-deductible!) which, incredibly, covers all of the above. YOU will come away amazed that the WEF “Celebration of Excellence” is staged by adult volunteers and the efforts of over 300 students from throughout the District. YOU will leave warmed with the knowledge that the monies raised (Over $48,000 last year!) will go back to our students in the form of grants and endowments!

 “Excellence” comes in many forms, shapes, and experiences. On this Sunday in November – YOU can truly experience a “Celebration of Excellence” of education within our Waukesha Community. Get your tickets early (buy a bunch and auction them on eBay?) as last years’ event sold out.

 And, do YOU have any questions, or donations or auction items YOU care to donate? Call (262)513-1861 and we’ll arrange both a pick-up and a “Thank YOU”.

 Check your diets at the Door! The planning is “set”, the students are getting “ready”, and the only thing needed to “go” is YOU! 

 

Last night we visited Frame Park and took in the 2007 Badgerland Water Ski Show. While enjoying the show, a wave of memories surfaced…

Our entire family joined the Badgerland Team in the mid-90’s. As parents, we were simply hoping our young kids would learn to ski more proficiently. Well – things don’t always turn out as you planned. Our kids certainly became proficient skiers, but their club opportunities and experiences continue to play huge roles in their lives more than 12 years later.

Team History
Badgerland was formed 24 years ago and has skied on Nagawicka Lake, Silver Lake, Lake Keesus, Fowler Lake, and on the Fox River within Frame Park. In addition to numerous WI State Championships, they are past National Champions. They consistently place in the “TOP 10” Nationally to this day. Family-oriented, the shows feature skiers and performers aged 4 to 70! The Show Skiing; pyramids, barefooting, jumping, water ballet, swivel skis and more, is a colorful, fast-paced blend of precision skiing coupled with an ongoing stage show (you know…good guys vs. bad guys…good guys get the girls!).


The Family - Then!
As a direct result of Badgerland, our kids gained poise, believe in teamwork, understand the need for practice and discipline, developed stage presence, and learned the values inherent from skiing with “The Best”. They performed at Summerfest, Harleyfest, Riverfest, and countless road shows criss-crossing the Country. Quite literally, they helped bring that “Badgerland Magic” to hundreds of thousands of fans. Kelly and Caitlin have been on world-record pyramids; the Club has been on all the local television networks, ESPN, Outdoor Life, and the list goes on… Our oldest, Kelly, traveled as a high school senior with several team members to China in 2002 where they competed against the Chinese National Team – once in front of +100,000 spectators! As an aside, volunteer clubs get everyone involved. Before I knew it, my summers were spent on hot stages as an announcer, initially in a full tux playing the role of a casino owner followed by turns as a tribal chieftain in a grass skirt; a camp counselor in knee socks; and worse.

The Family – Fast Forward to today!
Kelly, Jordan, and Caitlin are tremendous skiers with abilities to swivel, jump, barefoot, and even climb 20 feet in the air on water-skiing pyramids! Like most club members, past and present, they are natural performing hams who love making difficult skiing appear effortless. More importantly, our “kids” show little or no fear towards public speaking; they interface well in group activities; they have instructed and introduced dozens of younger kids to their first-time “up” on skis; and it’s now obvious to us the many positives show-skiing played in their development. One of Kelly’s recent job interviews ended with the interviewer asking her all about her show-skiing experiences - she got the job!


The banks of the Fox River came alive last night as boat after boat brought the grace, beauty, splendor, comedy, speed, and excitement of Badgerland Show Skiing to (almost) Downtown Waukesha. With the season winding down, there are still 2 remaining 6:30 Wednesday evening shows. And the shows are free!!

…Now wouldn’t it have been great if I had learned to ski?

HELP WANTED – VOLUNTEER BOARD POSITIONS

Where are our next Waukesha Community board members going to come from? What will motivate them to run for various Board positions? And…Are they the “right” people for the positions open?

Volunteerism and Board participation can be a rewarding experience. My wife and I have met many tremendous people in our endeavors, and we have experienced the personal fulfillment which can accompany giving-back to the Community. In fact, we are also now (proudly) seeing our children mirror these efforts with their own participation in a host of activities.

Board membership, be it a School Board, City Common Council, County Board, Non-profit Board, or one of the legions of opportunities out there, takes time, dedication, and demands sacrifices. These 3 requirements immediately rule-out most who feel their lives are already overloaded. The remaining “potentials” must now sense they have something to offer, something to give back… something to make a difference. Translating one’s personal thoughts into actions often requires a kismet-like intervention. “Hey – your professional work experience would really help us out on our local Plan Commission…” or “You really should, given your knowledge and expertise, consider serving on such-and-such Board…” or the most common “I spoke with so-and-so and they are looking for someone to get involved and I think you would be great at that…”

At that point, most pass, but many “take the plunge” and get involved. If the opportunity is a good match-up between their personal skill set and expectations, people will stay involved and eventually realize the satisfaction from their efforts. If the person and Board position are a bad fit, for whatever reason, resentment and negativity can follow. These situations do occur and should not necessarily reflect poorly on either the person or the position – It just might not have been the “right” fit. Also, the person should not be dissuaded from considering future, different opportunities.

Sidebar: The “wrong” fit can and does happen when the “wrong” person jumps in. Negative, disrespectful, non-compromising, closed-minded individuals who only get involved because of a single-issue often poison the effectiveness of an entire group. Unfortunately, these few can taint the experiences of many. Remember, anyone can be a critic - not everyone can be a leader…

This is where the “Right Person” aspect enters. Regardless of what anyone tells or promises you, volunteerism is spelled “T-I-M-E”. Nowadays local Boards don’t need people who attend monthly meetings, offer comments, and leave saying “See you next month”. Boards desperately need “Doers” willing to offer time, energy, and fresh perspectives. Assuredly, if you volunteer in a personally meaningful area, you will magically find the time to make significant contributions. …And you will volunteer again!

Why? …Why write this column? …Why reach-out? Because too many of the same people are being repetitively asked for their time and monetary donations; Because too many Waukesha-area volunteers are (OK - only mildly) showing their age and starting to look to look forward for other life-opportunities; Because the area’s many needs for new, fresh volunteers is ongoing; And finally, because the lifeblood and spirit of our Communities is a direct reflection of the people behind the scenes making it all happen.

”Help Wanted – Apply now! Full benefits!

WOW!!

That sums up the Town of Brookfield July 4’th Celebration.

Unquestionably the largest, most enthusiastic assemblage- ever descended on Marx Park to commemorate/celebrate our Country’s cornerstone date! And what a celebration it was…

A parade where bright smiles and festively-decorated bikes, strollers, wagons, and kids of all ages marched (almost) in unison to Marx Park…
Town Chairman Keith Henderson leading the Pledge of Allegiance…
Thousands respectfully joined singing the “Star Spangled Banner”…
Games for all from new-born crawling contests to egg tosses for adults…
Incredible, reasonably-priced food cooked hot on the spot!...
Pies, cakes, and “sweets to eat” – Many donated from Town area businesses…
Dixieland Jazz from The Bourbon Street Stompers…
The Town Fire, Police, and Highway Departments contributing and interacting with all…
Huge trees being shredded and pulverized in the blink of an eye by the Town tree-chipper (now forever to be known as “Jaws”)…
Pie-eating contestants, male and female alike, contending for the most-coveted Town Golden Pig trophies while square dancers danced…
Finally, a “Fire Department Hose-Down” put the perfect finishing touch to a day of fun and memories…

My thanks to the dozens of volunteers; to the Town Parks, Rec, and Celebration Department and Committee; to the Police, Fire, and Highway Departments; to the Town Board; and to the local donors/businesses who contribute year after year…

Lastly, the entire Town of Brookfield should congratulate itself for their show of Community support and enthusiasm. Families of all ages gathered together capturing the spirit of the day is a wonderful thing to witness.

It was a great day, and remember – Less than 12 months ‘til next year!

The Waukesha Symphony Orchestra (WSO), The Waukesha Civic Theatre, and The Waukesha County Historical Museum joined forces for unquestionably one of the most memorable Friday nights in this Community’s past. The Country Springs Hotel outdoor pavilion was the pastoral setting for ”The Fabulous '50s: Hits from the Shows”.

By my estimates, 1200 – 1400 people packed picnic baskets and their folding chairs for a concert “under the stars”. On this weather-perfect, cool Waukesha evening, the WSO offered a presentation which would be near-impossible to forget. My wife leaned over several times repeating over and over ”This is great!”.…And she was right!

Alexander Platt energized the Symphony through suites of music from “West Side Story”, “My Fair Lady”, “The King and I”, and “The Sound of Music”. John and Kelly Cramer performed a tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford which perfectly captured the spirit and essence of these wonderful performers. Bartolotta Fireworks ultimately accompanied a rousing “Victory at Sea” suite which sent all in attendance feeling “that much better” for being a part of something very special.

Ask any 10 people from that evening and they would have their own favorite memory. I particularly enjoyed the 3-4 minute intros of each suite from the WSO Music Director and Conductor Alexander Platt. His background depth of the music and the songwriters rivals (and at times resembled) the best of Hollywood gossip columnists. His disclosure at the end of the Les Paul/Mary Ford tribute candidly exposed his deeply-concealed yearning to be more like…Xavier Cugat! “A one..A two, a One, two, three, four – Let’s GO!...”

There are many great opportunities for entertainment right here in Waukesha. Last week – a very successful “Fiesta Waukesha! A few weeks ago - ”A Taste of Summer Music Festival. Not to mention the recurring weekly events in Downtown Waukesha…And all of this is available without traversing the downtown Milwaukee interchange and traffic.

Thanks to all for one professionally done and fabulously entertaining evening. (and here’s something you don’t often see in a review of the Waukesha Symphony…)

”WAUKESHA - YOU ROCK!!”

“Pssssst….Did ya hear? …Waukesha School Superintendent David Schmidt didn’t get the Appleton job!”

Well, in case you were out of the Country or hermetically sealed in a box, it’s true: David Schmidt will remain in Waukesha – for now. But there will come a time when he retires, or departs for another job, or changes careers. And it’s not wrong to start thinking about that time now.

First: It would be helpful if the next Superintendent candidates cannot read. This would indirectly help the next person by limiting their exposure to criticism only via phone, email with pictures, radio, and word-of-mouth. The lack of volumes of other breaking, exciting, and earth-shattering news leads the press in Waukesha to seize any District shortcoming or mistake as the Superintendent’s fault. Oh, that’s right, we pay taxes, therefore we are their bosses and can, unlike most workplaces, say whatever we want.

Second: The next candidates would be of greater value to us if they are “Internet illiterate”. Ideally they would then, if coming from another area, not be “Googling” Waukesha to educate themselves in advance about the trials and tribulations of our School District. We wouldn’t want them scared-off! And the next candidate’s computer inadequacies would also help avoid future District email controversies…

Third: A biggie! Accept the fact that there is a very real probability that we don’t want the next person seeking the Waukesha Superintendent’s job. Seriously, who amongst us applies for a job with advance knowledge that the prospective company is in serious trouble? Why would it be any different with public education? We could very possibly end up with a sadist whose idea of job satisfaction is cutting budgets and employment; fighting union battles; and hearing (remember – Internet illiterate) from others that they are liars for “telling it like it is”.

Fourth: Don’t allow for travel time for the next Superintendent when they could listen to the car radio and hear the savage, ratings-driven talk radio pundits. These self-serving radio prophets have not found a rock without a greedy, wasteful, ignorant school district hiding under it.

Lastly: I would not want to follow in David Schmidt’s footsteps. David brought a vision to our Community which manifested itself in unprecedented changes and true progress for the students and staff of this District during the last 9 years. His compassion and leadership skills have been recognized beyond the District to include, amongst others, serving as Chairman of the Waukesha United Way last year. Mr. Schmidt’s tenure will be judged in retrospect much more favorably then today’s media piranhas would have you believe.

Now does all this mean we should be cringing when the need for the next School Superintendent arises? Not necessarily…The School Board hit a “Home-run” last time when they hired a virtual unknown and unproven Assistant Superintendent from Appleton. The sheer size of our District will be an attraction for candidates moving up. And, there truly are very good “potential talents” within our District right now.

Now, will someone please pass this on to any future prospective Superintendent candidates?

But give them a hard, printed copy because this is an electronic Blog, and we truly need them to be “Internet illiterate” to survive if things continue “as is”…

I just can’t take the political “non-speak” coming from some of “our” local elected officials much more at this time…

State Representative Rich Zipperer comes to a Town of Brookfield Annual Meeting; addresses the attendees; extols his day of toils including “pushing” through legislation which is later found to have no chance of success in the Senate…Great – nice day’s work…And he seems like a nice guy. He then welcomes comments and questions.

When asked about the issue of education right here in Waukesha, he offers – “We’re perceived by the rest of the State as already getting more than our share…” When asked again for a direct answer on what he is doing for his Waukesha area, he replied “you needed everybody on board before the process could start!” HUH ?!? A consensus before you start?? That smacks of back-room deals at the State level! He never answered the question! …Period!

State Senator Mary Lazich recently produced a guest editorial in a local competing Waukesha paper which ran probably 800 words or so. She gave a compelling fact-filled recitation of how much money is given to education in Wisconsin and how much more funding schools get here than elsewhere.
And that was it!!! No plan of review; no desire to get further involved; no cognizance of the Waukesha District’s plight right now; not even a glimmer that other Districts are in trouble right behind Waukesha. I kid you not! Pull the article and you can almost hear her near-tears plight that the State is not responsible – “they give education a lot of money”!

Have some fun with this particular Senator – Go back a month or so ago when seniors were (ridiculously) barred from Bingo at Southridge…Follow her riding in on a white stallion to save her seniors while she pounced on the State Bureaucrats (her own…) to fix this ridiculous law!! And she was certainly not publicity-shy as she trumpeted her every move, effort, and comment to any and every available press outlet.
The results:
Bingo (a strong senior voting bloc) – She will move mountains to “right this misapplied miscarriage of common sense and justice”!
Education (students, our future, taxes) – She will adamantly hide behind “The State gives a ton of money to education – it’s not my problem…”

Enough – I will state my true beliefs: Taxes are high enough; there is a lot of money given to education funding; and there are other needs at both the local and State levels.” And I continue…”And our State leadership is desperately needed to revamp their own State mandates while getting together in a non-partisan effort to save the long-term quality of education!”

PSSSSTTT - Here’s a tip…Try getting all education shareholders together and start a dialogue towards problem-solving this issue right now.

…It’s really starting to resemble the Scott Jensen era of “non-involvement” for the Waukesha constituents again…

Watch a “Miracle” in the making!

The new Marcus Majestic Theatres on Springdale Rd. are to open the beginning of May. Many of us drive by without a sideways glance except to see if they are open yet. Others – tradespeople by the boatload – turn on-site early and leave late. The aggressive schedule set by the Marcus Corp. demands daily 110% efforts as the clock ticks down.

Will they finish on-time? Of course! Many of us have noticed the same frenetic activity around the Parade of Homes models just before opening, and they somehow find a way to make it happen!

Nonetheless…Watch the Majestic and follow how close to the wire this one is coming down to…And then go see movies in the most state-of-the-art theatre in America when it opens.


On another note Congratulations to Milwaukee County’s corporate counsel Mr. Bill Domina. Milwaukee’s gain was Waukesha’s loss when Bill left Waukesha to join Scott Walker’s cabinet. His Waukesha school Board leadership along with his countless charity works are even more appreciated in hindsight. Bill was, along with Sue Black, recognized by this paper as the type of quality people you build your leadership team on. Congratulations.

I agree.

Good luck Marcus, and we miss you Bill!

Three years ago, I invited Mr. Bob Smickley, CEO of MetalTek in Waukesha, to be the keynote speaker for the Waukesha Education Foundation kick-off breakfast. Bob is incredibly smart, well-versed on an array of issues, one of Waukesha’s largest employers, and his kids went through the Waukesha School District. Bob’s stern “warning” prior to acceptance was to be careful what you ask for, because his message on education “could” ruffle some feathers.

Bob discussed positives about and within the Waukesha District. He then went on to relate his attempts to donate computers to the District, and the ensuing red tape experienced as a result of his attempted generosity. His message that day was prescient: education was not business-friendly, and change was needed.

Fast forward to “today’s” Waukesha School District: Staffing cuts (60+), increased class sizes, program cuts, and prospects for more of the same next year. Opinions from the Community range from supportive to inquiring to critical to detached. Armchair strategists are offering their “fixes” for others to execute. The School Administration and Board look to the Community and the State for help…and there is none. So how do we citizens, taxpayers, business people and parents react, and what does this have to do with Bob Smickley’s presentation of three years ago?

Local change is needed! The core values of everyone’s right to a quality public education cannot go by the wayside on our watch! Seniors surviving on social security have as much a responsibility to our kid’s futures as we do to their monthly sustenance. Parents of students have to respect the needs of more than their own kids and work for widespread change and improvement. Businesses have a social responsibility to their Community beyond writing checks. Employers have to take an active interest in learning how they can get involved to ensure the workforce coming out of local schools mirrors their needs.

Change at the State level is critically past due! Unfunded mandates, a decrepit funding formula 14 years old, hard-core political divisiveness that thwarts discussion or compromise, and a “Bury my Head” approach from our local State representatives are all factors which preclude reasonable discourse and problem-solving. …And seriously, do we really want just the politicians and educators working on a fix for a problem of this magnitude?

Taxes are acknowledged as high. The State provides a lot of money to education, yet there are additional needs in the State. Referendums are short-term fixes, and the process for approval rips Communities apart. Everyone seems to have a “pet peeve” about some aspect of public education. Please accept the preceding and move to the next paragraph…

Responsible change is needed, and all shareholders must be at the table! Legislators, educators, businesses, unions, and parents all share responsibility towards finding a long-term solution. The problems are real, local, and immediate. Every one of these groups must be an active participant in ‘blowing-up” the current education-funding model and starting fresh. The prospects of failure should be somewhat self-evident.

To Bob Smickley: I agreed with you three years ago, and I now carry your message one step further – “Education” today needs to be user-friendly to all.

“The times – they are a’changin’…”

That title from Bob Dylan’s 1964 album rang through my head this weekend as the Town of Brookfield (TOB) initiated its’ 2007 Park & Recreation Summer program enrollment. Reflecting back to the early ‘90’s when Sheila, Roger, Mike, Art and I were re-inventing the TOB recreational opportunities, I was struck by both the changes and similarities between then and now.

Parents, mostly moms, used to line-up and flood the “Early Bird” Saturday registration to ensure their kids were guaranteed a spot alongside their buddies on specific baseball team rosters. “First-Come/First Serve” was the order of the day. Kids trailing along were anxiously speculating on how their team would do back in the days of the Waukesha County Land’O’Lakes league. There was an abundance of volunteer coaches and everyone looked ahead to a Waukesha Summer battling the bruisers from Vernon, Mukwonago, Eagle, Genesee, Wales and North Prairie.

Schedules by age and gender were set, and refs hired by the County. The “Puddles, Dewdrops, and Raindrops” teams criss-crossed the County playing a modest (by today’s standards) number of baseball and soccer games, 1-2 per week. Kids of all abilities were encouraged to join in the fun of recreational, inter-Community sports. Standings were kept by the County and trophies presented at the end of each season. Many the slow-to-develop “last kid picked” were found to eventually mature into future high school all-stars. Their early interest was kept alive by the County’s rules which insisted all kids played regardless of ability. Hundreds of kids from Brookfield were the beneficiaries of these programs.

Today, opportunities for children’s’ participation still exists in instructional and T-Ball as well as the Land’O’Leagues (LOL) framework. Similar to the old, now disbanded (for budget reasons) Land’O’Lakes league, the new LOL still maintains that “recreational” feel to it. Unfortunately the local enrollment numbers are down as more parents now direct their kids to “select teams”. These are teams where the caliber of play and instruction are at a higher competitive level and where the youth athletes play 80 or more games in a season. Don’t get me wrong - These “Select Teams” exist, and are indeed flourishing, because of demand. Parents and students want and receive more in the way of instruction, competition, and practice. The student athletes become better at an earlier age.

Maybe it’s sentimentality. Maybe it’s the desire to turn the clock back. And maybe it’s the unsettling feeling that today’s “Select Team” kids will be adults in just a few short years. And maybe it’s because we know they will be competing at a high plane for the rest of their professional careers. One could argue “Select Teams” prepare the children for the competitiveness of the “Real World”. But is it wrong to suggest that they are kids once, and for a very short time at that? “Select” obviously works for many, but the old Land’O’Lakes seemed to strike a balance which offered more time for other child-like experiences.

Today’s young parents want the best for their kids just like we did 10-15 years ago. These kids will make it through just like we did many years ago. And who knows, maybe this hyper-competitive model will provide benefits far beyond anything I can foresee right now. After all, “The times are a’changin…”, and the TOB Park and Recreation Program will continue to evolve with the changes.

…But a large part of me longs for what now seems to be a kinder, gentler of times…

A recent March 11’th JS guest editorial/Community column by an MPS teacher ends with ”The parents of children in Waukesha are already likely to put up a fight when it comes to the education of their children. The focus should be on Milwaukee, where children have few advocates.”

To quote a popular TV commercial – “BRILLIANT!!”

The article is filled with hyperbole including his perspective that he would rate Waukesha at “about #148,203 on the list of districts in financial crisis.” The writer goes on about the dismal state of MPS facilities; the missing trophies in MPS schools from many “already-gone” sports; filthy bathrooms; and more. And he writes this because ” it is imperative that we fund public education to meet a basic minimum standard. But to start this fight among a population that is already very fortunate (Waukesha) is wrong.”

Again – “BRILLIANT!!”

(As an aside, I share some philosophical agreement with the writer that many of today’s students need advocates. I also agree that MPS is in deep trouble on many fronts.)

Ultimately, the writer, an MPS educator, states that MPS’s needs should come ahead of Waukesha’s. Obviously frustrated by MPS’s issues, he would have us believe cuts are “OK” out here because Waukesha has “well-lit halls and beautiful athletic facilities.” Wow…we should let Waukesha continue its’ losing battle against the QEO/Revenue Cap because the plight in Milwaukee is worse, much worse...

What a flawed perspective!

Waukesha is desperately fighting an apparently losing battle yearly for funding to maintain the status quo. There are many, many Waukesha constituents who chose this area for its’ high standards of public education. And we should now not complain and diligently fight to preserve this Waukesha tradition because Milwaukee is in worse shape? How sad, and how desperate…

The blueprint for basic education needs overhauling – immediately – at the State and Federal level. Our local Waukesha representatives have proven, time and again, their unwillingness to engage or even offer a mild solution for this incredibly pressing local issue. They have proven they are not, unlike years past, “statesmen and stateswomen”. They are solely concerned with the ever-electable “cutting taxes” issue (or Senior Bingo at Southridge…). Please remember, I don’t propose raising the tax rate; rather, it is strongly suggested the present funding formula and education model is truly broken and needs fixing. And if this crop of elected officials is not going to engage for the future of their own Community, it will be time for a change. In the “real” business world, when the boss (the constituents) demands an action plan, you, the employee (or elected official), attack the problem and provide an action plan! …Or you simply move on…

MPS teacher and editorialist – Work on positive solutions within your Community. You telling us “how good we have it out here” doesn’t sit real well right now as 62 more Waukesha educational positions were cut last week

Something has to change…

Education is in the news! And none of it is good news!

Depending on your perspective, it’s now obvious that “The schools will fail unless they get more funding”…or, “The schools get enough money – let them make do!”

The facts:
* Over 41% of the State’s money goes to education. That’s quite a bit.
*Local and State taxes are high and show signs of rising, albeit slowly.
*Critics will say teachers are overpaid and don’t pay enough for their benefits.
*Others will ignore current State laws, ignore facts, and ignore the plight of education today and preach from an uninformed position.
*Many, too many, will fence-sit and wait for others to deal with it.

Let’s all, for once, reflect & respect the other “side’s” position, take a moderate position and accept “they” might have a point! Moving forward, “together,” what’s the answer that we would accept in this new-found spirit of solidarity?

First: Is there a way to reduce the expense of education while still maintaining a quality product? Yes! The State would have to rewrite laws re: requirements for graduation. Students would be tested and targeted between freshman and sophomore years according to their strengths; math, the arts, sciences, etc.. Students would be moved into accelerated programs with a reduced load of “Gen-Eds”. Graduation from high school could be accomplished in 3-3 ½ years. School sizes would be reduced. And what would honestly be lost? Ask any post-high school student and ask if they, in reflection, could even name all the courses they took junior year much less what they got out of them.
(Writer’s Note: My kids have just come through this time. Ages 22, 20, 17)

Second: Why do people only attack "local" school districts while letting the State University and Technical System escape our review? They shouldn't! The same principle is applied where the first (2) years of “Gen-Eds” are reduced to (1) year. The intense programming related to one’s chosen major starts a year earlier and the students are now eligible for graduation that much sooner. Again - smaller schools. And that’s just the start…When did the “TA” abbreviation become synonymous for “Professor Totally Absent?” Make the professors, similar to the non-academic world, work a 40 hour workweek! (3) professors working 40 hour weeks would replace (4) working 30!

Third: Are there outside partnerships available to assist in this “Brave New World?” Absolutely! The private sector has been begging the schools for relevant workforce development. Jobs are going unfilled and countless dollars are spent “re-educating graduates”, high school and college. Dangle the potential of a more-focused, better trained student to business and business will come running. The potential here is unlimited – businesses will partner with education in a very big way if they can be assured they will get a “return on investment.” Unfortunately, current WI laws governing education requirements are not necessarily business friendly.

OK – It’s a simplistic concept and start. And it neglects the social aspects of education.

However - reduced requirements for “Gen-eds” results in smaller school sizes which means less staffing. Students studying courses they are actually interested in guarantees motivated students with a higher level of retained education after the course is over. In addition, professors and university administrators are long past-due to join the rest of us “plebeians” in (12) month employment with a high degree of accountability to your employer. A full workweek would immediately cut university staffing dramatically State-wide….And to you professors that don’t like this – “Quit” and then find your next 20-30 hour workweek/8-9 month job!
Business dollars will now join public funding for education. Most businesses will invest where they can maximize their returns. Programs for students that truly help businesses will be have infusions of capital and brainpower from the private sector. The earning cycle for our students will start that much earlier – and at a higher level!

Let’s try a unified, common sense, business approach to the ever-looming crisis for education-funding in Wisconsin. Engage business people to "fix" education - the local and State legislators have proven they certainly don't have the answers. We have ample warning that there is not enough money in coming years to sustain the current education model. If we start tomorrow, it will still take years to develop a model tailored for the needs present and funding available. Taxes are high, referendums bruise communities, and there is a finite amount of State dollars which will be available in the future.

Can we all, at least for a short while, agree and respect each other long enough to acknowledge that both sides truly do have valid points as well as valid criticisms?

In one of my other endeavors, I serve as Chair of the Waukesha Education Foundation (WEF).
The WEF raises money to give back to the District in grants, scholarships, and endowments. These funds can only be used for programs and opportunities outside of traditional education rigor. In short, the WEF accentuates the learning experiences for the students in the Waukesha School District.

As the WEF Chair, my proximity to the District often encourages comments from parents and other concerned parties about the extreme financial challenges confronting Waukesha schools. After explaining what the WEF can and cannot do, their follow-up questions mostly deal with "How bad is it really?" and "Why isn't anybody doing anything about it?"

Answer to question #1: It's bad...really bad! And unless something changes, almost immediately, it will have a compounding effect which will be felt by students, parents, teachers, area businesses (employers), real estate agents, and everyone else in the path of this ripple. Larger average size classes, continued cuts in staffing, elimination of "unneeded" (band, sports, drama, clubs, DECA) programs, and many more cuts are awaiting us in the upcoming years.
Alarmist opinion??!! No - Much more a realist approach!!

On to question #2: No one person can do anything about it! The basic State funding program (forged in the mid-90's) increases the amount of money for the District in lesser amounts then the District's costs increase. In this scenario, and in order to balance the budget, cuts must be made. One can argue where to cut costs including educator salaries and benefits, class size, get back to "readin', writin', and 'rithmetic," and many other theories. The facts are; Cuts are happening as you read this and every local, legal remedy is being considered by the Waukesha School Board.
In summary: "District funding is insufficient to maintain status quo, and there is nothing any one person can do!" There are opportunities for change available, but in all sincerity, it will take many to accomplish this.

Writing to Gov. Doyle is one avenue - but why stop there? He's 60 miles away in Madison. Get your local State Representatives attention - this is theirs and our "Ground Zero", and isn't this their official purpose anyhow - to represent us? And if they cleverly and conveniently push the blame off on Doyle, high taxes, Funding Formulas, the opposing political party, etc., ask for their "clear and concise" professional and personal opinion on what is occurring and what the effects will be if this problem continues? Simplistically raising taxes for Waukesha schools won't be the answer from any currently-elected officials, and it's truly not a good solution long-term.

Now is a very good time to get educated on the challenges of school funding today! There are workshops and listening sessions occurring. Visit one and learn more. If you sense and believe in the importance and urgency of what lies ahead, then maybe you too will engage. And ultimately the power of one has the potential to become the voice of many.

Let’s get this straight: A “missed-call” for school closings on a cold day (and the following day) brings out talk radio, letters to the editor, TV news reporters, senior citizens, parents, students ,and just about anyone else with an opinion on what “shoulda/coulda  been done…”  And the comments generally are mean-spirited, personal, emotional, confrontational, and second-guessing in nature.

People, get a grip on priorities!

Where is the news coverage of the financial budget challenges facing schools all across Wisconsin? Where is the public outrage at the school program cuts being reviewed right here/right now in Waukesha? Where are the immediate “solutions” to this from the lawmakers and naysayers? What are the doable “fixes” which respect fixed-income taxpayers while maintaining a quality level of education? Why are the school funding opponents and State lawmakers great at telling the public what’s wrong without offering a legal, timely, workable plan of salvaging education as we know it today?

My gosh…it’s easy for the critics to blame teachers and their benefits; administrators and their staff; maintenance budgets (remember when they used to do preventative maintenance?), curriculums that are unfunded mandates from the State and Federal Government (“No Child Left Behind” anyone?), the School Board for not making better decisions (there are no “right” decisions anymore), and so on. It’s also easy and convenient for critics to say “The schools get enough money”. Let them back that rationale up with their own plan for education which is legal, compliant with today’s funding realities, and addresses the needs of education both today and tomorrow.

The convenient truth is: The critics of school funding and State politicians are “talking the talk - not walking the walk” when it comes to finding answers to rising costs, responsible tax rates, and the need to educate our kids to a good standard. And that’s not sitting well these days. In fact…

…My kids will have completed their public education in Waukesha after this year. Yet I am reaching a slow boil over this issue and am choosing to go public with my anger! It is outrageous that our local State Representatives literally run from education issues because it could impact their “electability”... People are growing angry that these policy-making people won’t accept their responsibility to “fix” what’s broke at the State level thereby effectively hiding from it by blaming the “other party”, the teachers, the tax rate, their polls, etc… There is extreme frustration with the lack of bi-partisanship problem-solving for this long “overdue for overhaul” issue… We should shake our heads with personal disappointment that our regionally-elected State representatives put their own elected careers well ahead of the needs of the people who put them in office (remember Chvala, Jensen, Foti, Schultz?)…

Back to the underlying reason for these comments: Programs, staffing, teachers, extracurriculars, maintenance, and more are being reviewed “right now” for cuts in this year’s Waukesha School District budget with even bigger cuts due every year thereafter. There is an extreme urgency for public outcry as these cuts will… not could, will impact thousands of students every day – not for 1 or 2 days – but for years to come!

Politicians – Listen up!
We all want and need a responsible, conservative tax rate in Waukesha! (Duhhh…) School taxes are as big a part of the local tax rate as they will be for years to come. Accepting that, I am aghast that our elected State officials continue with the simplistic “Raise your money via referendum…” Great – recommend a process that has proven to turn “neighbor against neighbor” while keeping these politicians in Madis