HOPEWRPS

Letters and Articles from the "Tribune"

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February 20, 2007

WRPS School Board Policy 161 :BOARD MEMBER AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY states:

It is understood that Board members have authority only when acting as a Board legally in session. No Board member shall individually speak for or in the name of the total Board. The Board shall not be bound in any way by any action or statement on the part of any individual Board member except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instructions from the Board.

No Board member, by virtue of his/her office, shall exercise any administrative responsibility with respect to the schools or as an individual command the services of any school employee.

Why then is the board president who is a non-qualified, non-employee of the district in the superintendent’s office on a daily basis? Is the superintendent not qualified to perform the job he was hired to do by the board? Is this board president actually running the district which would be a violation of state law and board policies? Why is the Board President a voting member at each committee meeting in violation of Board Policies that the President is a non-voting ex-officio member? Does this constitute a full meeting of the Board? This would violate the state public meeting notice laws.

Effective governance recognizes that a public board “hat” should only be worn when the board is meeting as a full board, after proper notice has been given and a quorum is present.

The board president has no power outside the confines of a full board or committee meeting. The board’s sole job is to set board policy and hire a superintendent to carry that policy out. It should not manage the day to day business of the district nor should it control and lead the district’s employees on a daily basis.

For an elected board member who ran against the school referendum and “rubber stamping” by the prior board – this new way of running the district seems to be illegal and “rubber stamping” in reverse, almost undemocratic and dictatorial. We have allowed our district to pass from a democratically run board to a district controlled by one person, and it is not the superintendent. This is not in the spirit of democracy or public education. Return the board and schools to the people, not one person.

There is hope though. We have a school board election on April 3, 2007 . On that date, we can begin to return control of our schools to the public by voting for Anne Lee and Mary Rayome. These are strong, intelligent and honest people. Join HOPE WRPS, a group of concerned citizens working together to ensure that WRPS continues to provide the best education for every student. We are a group of law abiding and democratic minded citizens from all walks of life in the Wisconsin Rapids School District . We are mill workers, retired citizens, mothers, students, business people and the unemployed. We have worked in the past for the new Lincoln High School , the PAC, the SWC 2000 athletic facilities and recently, the passage of the school referendum in 2006. Please visit our website hopewrps.com or email me by visiting hopewrps@hopewrps.org for more information.

Jerold R. Johnson

HOPE WRPS Chairman

Former WRPS Board Vice President and Clerk

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February 24, 2007

I am writing this column on behalf of HOPE WRPS, a group of concerned citizens working together to help ensure that the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools will continue to provide the very best education for every student now and into the future. We are dedicated to the principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in every phase of our educational system and its management, from the support staff and teachers through the administration and, yes, even the school board.

There are many phases to an education. Books, classrooms, and buildings alone do not give an education. Only with the dedication of our educators working with and under the guidance of an informed and dedicated administration can we lay the foundation for a successful future that an excellent education will give to our students. The responsibility of the board of education in this circumstance is to evaluate the results of the programs that the administration uses to measure success. The board and superintendent should work together to set priorities and to determine programs for the district. Priorities establish goals for the budget, determine new educational programs, and ensure adequate services are available to students.

The greatest product of our community is to pass democracy on to our future generations. Our responsibility to them is to provide them with the best education possible in the most efficient and economical way. However, our students also learn by example as well as in the classroom. Our students not only learn from their lectures and books, but from observing their teachers, administrators and school board members’ behavior. While not exactly role models, the administration and Board of Education are a direct representation of the community and should conduct themselves accordingly.

For example, the School Budget process should be an open process with community input. After all, it is our tax money that the board is spending. Accountability on the budget is part of the responsibility of the board and budgets are not done at the last minute or in secret meetings behind closed doors. In addition, current budgetary progress, shortfalls, and surpluses need to be publicized to make the public aware of how the education process is proceeding. Public budgets need to be done with much public input as well as professional advice from within the school district’s administration. We need to ask right now why the WRPS budget is being set in the back room of our school district and whether we have a budget deficit. Public School budgets are to be created in the bright light of the public awareness and the free press. Public input should be welcomed in these circumstances and considered, as well.

We at HOPE WRPS believe that the accountability, honesty, integrity, and accessibility of the school board to be some of the most important issues that any school board needs to address. A school board is just exactly that, a board consisting of a given number of members whose responsibility is to establish policy that reflects the ideals of all of the board in some way, shape, and form. This is done through the exchange of thoughts and ideas in an open and trusting forum, namely the school board meetings. Under no circumstance should these meetings be dominated by one member’s opinions, ideals, or personal policies. Boards that micro-manage are working outside of their policy-making role.

HOPEWRPS feels that one very important tool of a successful citizen must be the ability to be ethical and possess integrity. A well educated citizen without integrity will cause the failure of our community and our democracy. Our elected school board is charged with the responsibility of independent thinking, listening to and considering ideas and concepts from each member, with open and honest discussion. The board should be comprised of honest and dedicated people with one single goal in mind - providing our future generations with the education and tools necessary to be successful and be a contributing part of our society. That’s why we are endorsing Anne Lee and Mary Rayome for the WRPS School Board. I invite you to visit our web site at www.hopewrps.org for more information about our organization.

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Posted February 28, 2007

Column: Superintendent search handled poorly

I am writing to express my displeasure with the recent superintendent hiring by our (Wisconsin Rapids) School Board. Please do not be mistaken. I have nothing against Dr. Crist. He may be an excellent candidate; however, there was no process, no formal interviews, no other candidates considered, and there was no notification or any involvement by the public in hiring one of the most important people in this community.

Dr. Cavanaugh and Dr. Crist said they understood that the last two superintendents were hired this way. That is not the case. I served on the search committees when the previous superintendents, Mr. Laatsch and Mr. Ryerson, were hired.

The Board of Education at that time established a search committee comprised of School Board members, school district staff members and parents. The Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) was contracted as the consultant firm when Mr. Laatsch was hired. The Doug Ritchie consulting firm from the Madison area was contracted when Mr. Ryerson was hired. Both men were exemplary for the district and the community.

Our committees developed candidate profiles and executed a search for candidates throughout the Midwest in both cases. The consultants aided us with candidate searches, legalities, and interview development..

Mr. Ryerson was asked by the committee to consider application for the position after all of the other candidates were interviewed (with the finalists interviewed twice). Mr. Ryerson didn't want us to tunnel in on an internal candidate. He interviewed twice before the committee made the final selection. Both superintendents were selected because they were the best of the field, and our committees were unanimous. That says so much about the talent we have right here in our community.

It is important to note that when a final candidate is considered the district needs to communicate its performance expectations before a contract is signed. That places the board in a stronger position to require accountability. That is fair to the candidate and to the board. That did not happen with Dr. Crist because no formal interview took place.

I am disappointed that this board offered Dr. Crist a salary of $126,000, which is $9,000 more than Dean Ryerson's salary as superintendent for 10 years. I don't remember in my time on the board ever offering an administrator more money than the predecessor. It was usually between 85 percent to 95 percent, depending on experience. This current board majority criticized Mr. Ryerson's salary as excessive less than a year ago in the April election campaign. In these times of extremely tight budgets, to offer a new superintendent $9,000 more than the previous superintendent, is fiscally irresponsible.

It is truly a shame that after this community put their disagreements and anger with this present board aside to pass a referendum for the benefit of our youth, that this board majority couldn't inform the public that they were considering the hiring of Dr. Crist for the position of superintendent. The community deserves better. It deserved a superintendent search for the best person possible for this position. It may have been Dr. Crist, but, we will never know. This community also deserved to be involved in the selection process. What a shame!

Jim Giese of Wisconsin Rapids was on the Wisconsin Rapids School Board for 12 years and was School Board president for seven.
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Posted March 3, 2007

Letter: Support Lee, Rayome for quality schools

We have heard from WRPS School Board candidate Mr. Stenerson and board member Mrs. Bean about a $2 million savings from the elimination of administrator's early retirement. From answers given by Dr. Crist and Dr. Cavanaugh to questions about this $2 million, it is obvious this figure is based not on hard facts but on someone's estimation of the number of administrators, (some not hired yet) estimated escalating health care costs, and an arbitrary number of years thrown into the mix. Is it 10 years, 20, 40?

Has it been taken into account that administrators retiring later will earn higher salaries than their younger replacements under the early retirement provision would have earned?

How far has the board gotten with the budget process which is to be completed in June? Has there been administrative and public input, as has historically been the case? Or will Mr. Pankratz's new TV show, Tribune columns, and radio interviews be taking the place of public meetings?

How much is being spent on attorney's fees for the hanky-panky that went on during the hiring and firing of superintendents? Is it true we will be paying the new superintendent more than we paid Mr. Ryerson? I seem to remember the Pankratz team having their knickers in a bunch about the salary of Mr. Ryerson, even with his many years of service to the district.

We know how we can save taxpayers' money. We can cut more administrators, teachers' benefits and salaries. Maybe we could put half-time administrators and teachers in all schools. Ka-ching. Can't you just hear the savings adding up, until we no longer have the great school district we've been known for state-wide for many years?

I certainly hope that scaring the elderly will not work this time around. I ask that everyone recall what was said by the new School Board members during their campaign about being open and above board in their actions. Then compare those words with what has transpired since last April.

Please vote for Anne Lee and Mary Rayome to retain our great schools.

Milly Schill

Wisconsin Rapids

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My View

I am writing to express my displeasure with the recent Superintendent hiring by our School Board. Please do not be mistaken. I have nothing against Dr. Crist. He may be an excellent candidate, however, there was no process, no formal interviews, no other candidates considered, and there was no notification or any involvement by the public in hiring one of the most important people in this community.

The Board of Education at that time established a Search Committee comprised of school board members, school district staff members, and parents. The Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) was contracted as the consultant firm when Mr. Laatsch was hired. The Doug Ritchie consulting firm from the Madison area was contracted when Mr. Ryerson was hired. Both men were exemplary for the district and the community.

Our committees developed candidate profiles and executed a search for candidates throughout the midwest in both cases. The consultants aided us with candidate searches, legalities, and interview development..

It is important to note that when a final candidate is considered the district needs to communicate its performance expectations before a contract is signed. That places the Board in a stronger position to require accountability. That is fair to the candidate and to the Board. That did not happen with Dr. Crist because no formal interview took place.

I am disappointed that this Board offered Dr. Crist a salary of $126,000 which is $9,000 more than Dean Ryerson's salary as superintendent for 10 years. I don't remember in my time on the Board ever offering an administrator more money than the predecessor. It was usually between 85% to 95% depending on experience. This current Board majority criticized Mr. Ryerson's salary as excessive less than a year ago in the April election campaign. In these times of extremely tight budgets, to offer a new superintendent $9,000 more than the previous Superintendent, is fiscally irresponsible.

It is truly a shame that after this community put their disagreements and anger with this present Board aside to pass a referendum for the benefit of our youth, that this Board majority couldn't legally inform the public that they were considering the hiring of Dr. Crist for the position of superintendent. The community deserves better. It deserved a superintendent's search for the best person possible for this position. It may have been Dr. Crist, but, we will never know. This community also deserved to be involved in the selection process. What a shame!!

Jim Giese
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March 7, 2007

Many people have asked me why I am running for the WRPS School Board. Some of those want to know what I stand for and others add the phrase “Why in the world” before their question. The answer to both forms of the question is the same.

Simply put, I am dedicated and determined to do the right thing for all of our students, our school district and our community. I have spent my entire adult life working for children. Being a school board member is simply the next step in my life’s work.

The next logical question might be to ask what I have to offer the school district. I am an honest, ethical and respectful person as well as an independent thinker. I will study issues and come to my own conclusions. We should expect nothing less of our elected officials especially those who hold the future of our children and our community in their hands.

I will listen to and carefully consider every district stakeholder’s ideas and concerns. Those stakeholders include parents, taxpayers, administrators, teachers, staff, students and other board members. I am a team player and education definitely requires the contributions of everyone on the team.

I will research issues presented to the board. I have extensive volunteer experience in the district as well as being the parent of two WRPS students so I already have an understanding of how the district works. I have attended almost all of the school board meetings for over two years and understand how our school board operates. Furthermore, as a former teacher and administrator I understand education.

I am a forward thinking person. One of the crucial roles a school board plays is to create a shared vision for what the community desires for its schools and its future leaders. I will work to build a successful future for our children, our school district and our community.

I am a big picture thinker. Another important role of a school board is to develop a structure in which the shared vision for a community’s schools is carried out. This involves setting a direction and creating the plan within which the administration works to make sure all the students of the district become the best citizens possible. I believe that it is important for the school board set priorities and direction and then allow the people hired to manage day-to-day operations in the schools the opportunity to do so.

However, I do believe another of the school board’s duties is to expect accountability from the district employees while at the same time to be accountable to the community. The school board should be sure district employees are ethical and honest and performing their jobs as contracted. The voters also make a contract with board members when they are elected. The community should ensure the board is doing its job, too.

This oversight of the board can not happen unless the board operates in the open. All board business that does not involve personal information about an employee or a student should be exposed to the bright light of public scrutiny so no questions about legality or ethical behavior ever arise.

Part of the plan a school board should make for the district is the annual budget. The budget has to be created within the boundaries set by state law and in the taxpayers’ interest. It is a difficult balancing act to do so and, yet, make sure that our children are well educated and prepared for an ever changing future. The budget process should be transparent so that every taxpayer knows where his or her tax dollar is going.

School board members must be advocates for all of our children. I will demand rigorous academic standards while at the same time understanding that each child is an individual. Academic excellence is key to the success of a school district. Not every child is able to reach the same academic goals, however. There are many ways that children can succeed and demonstrate excellence. I will encourage the continuation and development of co-curricular programs. The community needs whole, well-rounded citizens able to contribute to the fine quality of life so important to central Wisconsin.

Our school district is and should be the gem of our community. As a school board member, I will value that treasure and work to ensure that we do not lose it. This is why I ask for your vote on April 3, 2007.

Anne Lee
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March 8, 2007

I am writing this letter largely in response to a letter by Mary Pankratz on March 6, 2007 in support of her husband, Wayne, and saying that the treatment of the school board is shameful. Perhaps she is right in some respects on this subject, but let’s first examine how this could have come to pass.

First of all, this current board placed the newest members in charge of the board, shutting out experienced and dedicated members by removing them from any committee responsibility or even from committee participation. They then forced our district superintendent from his post, known and respected throughout the state for his expertise and integrity as a superintendent.

They then spent, according to school district records, nearly $12,000 modifying a school operating at about 35% of capacity to bring in the 4-year-old kindergarten into it. We now find out that beyond the cost of modifying the school, it is costing the district nearly $50,000.00 to run the 4K program in the school for the 2006/2007 school year. It would have cost only $31,600.00 for Head Start to administer the program, the ones who ran the program previously at the Vesper location.

We have had several questionable meeting notices, some of which have been legally disputed. The board hired a new superintendent without any kind of candidate search and under a questionable meeting agenda. In addition, any meeting of several board members outside of normal meeting times and places can constitute an illegal meeting of the board.

The lack of respect for current board policies by the board president, his need to change policy to concentrate control and power under his office, and his domineering demeanor at school board meetings contributes to the lack of respect for him in his position, both inside and outside of our district. His moves toward modifying District Policy to enable the board president to vote at the committee level are a prime example of this. This move in itself will turn most committees into board quorums, thus making any action taken at the committee level automatic for board approval.

You now say that the treatment of the board is shameful. I say that the conduct of the board leadership and the usual majority of “the five” has been, at the very least, shameful and disrespectful, as well; disrespectful in regard to the expectations of the citizens of the communities served by the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools. The truly shameful thing that has happened in the past year is the politicization of the school board. Instead of an open and honest policy, we have a board casting a pall of doubt over the entire operation of our district.

It is time to bring the board into line with community ideals and expectations. Join me in voting for Mary Rayome and Anne Lee in the April 3 rd election. I invite you to visit us at www.hopewrps.org for more information about our organization. We need to make a positive winning move.

Pat Osenga
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March 8, 2007

HOPEWRPS MY VIEW

Suddenly there is a lot of talk about our Wisconsin Rapids School District budget. The only problem seems to be that none of the conversation is coming from our school board. We have heard about corrections the board has taken with our budget, but none of the information contained in these adjustments has been made public. My question is “do we have a budget deficit?” In an effort to get the answer, HOPEWRPS has had budgetary open records requests in to the School District since the first week of January without any response back. As a taxpayer, I expect that these figures should be publicized as part of effective and open public government. What am I to believe other than our board is hiding the truth until after the April School Board election . With the history of the current board, which includes firing an honest and ethical team building superintendent, hiring another at a higher wage without giving proper meeting notice or a hint of a search effort, spending $400,000 on a school boiler at a small school that should be closed to save money, ignoring public board committee recommendations on school closings and other issues, and publicly trying to negotiate a teacher contract before negotiations have even begun, one begins to question their motives on the budget as well.

We are quickly moving to a point of judgment regarding our WRPS School Board. Voters will speak on April 3 rd. We at HOPEWRPS urge you to get out and exercise your constitutional right to vote. We all suffered last School Board election when not enough of us voted and we received the “gift” of our present autocratic School Board and its reign of individual dominance (instead of fear), secrecy and intimidation. Our children and our community deserve a fair minded, democratic, and positively focused collaborative group of people leading our School District.

On April 3 rd we have the opportunity to start making things right again in our school district. We can “Take Back Our Schools” by electing Anne Lee and re-electing Mary Rayome. Together with Sandy Hett, a current Board Member, common sense and decency will again have a voice in our district.

Many people have asked why HOPEWRPS is not leading a recall campaign against the most recently elected board members. I have heard them ask why we are “wasting our time arguing with people who have long ago renounced the use of reason”. The fact is that we can’t recall some board members until they have served at least one year and one day of their terms. That would be April 25 th at the earliest. So, for now, we have directed our energy and resources to get one school board seat back in the upcoming April election. But, HOPEWRPS has done its homework and stands ready and willing to mobilize and fulfill a recall effort, if and when necessary.

In the meantime, let’s start “Taking Back our Schools” this April 3 rd, by electing Lee and Rayome to our Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools Board of Education. Let’s all make our district something we can be proud to own and support for our children.

For more information and to volunteer funds and time, go to our website at www.hopewrps.org.

Jerold Johnson is a former WRPS School Board member and chair of HOPEWRPS, a Political Action Committee of concerned citizens dedicated to ensuring that Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools will continue to provide the very best education for every student in the future.

Jere Johnson
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