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wfb51 June 12, 2013 at 11:32 am
While I applaud these kids for helping, I woud rather give a donation to something more constructive…Read More than sitting in a box or, say, someone who participates in a fun run, bike or walk for a cause.
How about asking for money for each yard you mow for a senior citizen, each quilt you sew or each homecooked meal you bring to a shelter or some other act that has actual value?
Aliza Mc June 13, 2013 at 03:01 pm
The students slept in the boxes to get a feel of what unfortunately others are forced to do. I know…Read More my daughter really learned so such (sleeping in the boxes was just part of what they learned and did) and really cares and wants to help these children. Please check out the link (http://www.voiceofthechildren.net/index.html). All students at MJDS are taught that it is their job to help repair the world "Tikkun Olam". They do many good things for others from their heart and soul.
Lost in Translation June 6, 2013 at 10:55 pm
Mom, why are you so busy attacking David and attacking the teachers? You are the one that is…Read More misinformed because you apparently drank the superintendent's kool aid. If you have so much time to write comments on the Patch, maybe you should instead spend some time doing your homework. Do some open records requests like others' have been and you will see where the true problems with our district's finances lie. And you might be shocked to learn how your beloved administrators have been spending your district's money. It has absolutely nothing to do with "greedy teachers" which is just a conservative tagline that you've come to believe as fact because you can't think for yourself. Julia and Eilene are right. The only place the district is overstaffed is at the top. You are the one that pointed out how well things are going over at Mapledale and they have half as many administrators as FPBS. How on earth can you cry out "overstaffed" when the district is hiring for more positions? Its absolutely absurd logic and you're just making yourself look ignorant for drinking that kool aid.
David Braeger June 10, 2013 at 01:43 pm
Conservative Mom,
Sorry I have not been able to write. I had a wonderful vacation with my family in…Read More Door County for a few days so I did not have to see your ridiculous statements about budgets.
I can tell you that I have no question that I know more about a budget and how to manage a budget than you could ever imagine. If I am appointed to the School Board, which will probably be slim because I have been so vocal, I can assure you I will find a couple hundred thousand dollars of waste. No company or municipality functions over many years without accumulating waste. Decisions are made at one time that do not make sense later. That is the case with my company and any other company or municipality and it is the case here.
These teachers were not overstaffed if we want to maintain the quality of education that we should expect for our children and community.
I go back to the fact that you keep coming back with two arguments. 1) the teachers are horrible and greedy! 2) we are out of money. And you say my statements are bad for the community?!
Neither of those are true and I agree with Lost in Translation that instead of just offering this "verbal vomit" over and over again, why don't you do something about it?
What have you done outside of trying to protect a decision-making process that did not follow state statute for school boards and defend an administrator that does not deserve defense? She is leaving and all of these proposed changes should be made by the incoming administrator and new board.
Bryn Erich May 23, 2013 at 08:19 pm
Two wonderful educators, agreed! I am so happy that our children had the opportunity to be in their…Read More classrooms. They are outstanding teachers, friends and neighbors. If I'd had them so many years ago I might be able to write a song and come up with better adjectives to describe their talents.
Liza Wiemer May 24, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Our son Justin was so blessed to have these two extraordinary educators who had a tremendous…Read More influence on his life. We owe them so much. Words are not enough to express our gratitude for how much they made a difference. They strived to bring the very best to their students, showering them with kindness, enthusiasm and a passion for learning while understanding the individual needs of each child. We wish them both much joy and success. Thank you!
C. Claibourne May 24, 2013 at 05:07 pm
I couldn't agree more with the comments about both of these wonderful teachers. They are people…Read More that their students will remember fondly for the rest of their lives, Thanks to both of them for their years of dedicated service.
David Braeger May 23, 2013 at 01:40 pm
'There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but…Read More he must take it because conscience tells him it is right,'"
A famous quote by an incredible man. That is my view of my run for school board. The residents, teachers and children need someone with the passion I have.
baysideparent May 24, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Why is Rachel overseeing the application process and answering questions about the position as seen…Read More on the FPBS website. Come on, can't we be done with her leadership?
David Braeger May 23, 2013 at 01:47 pm
'There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic nor popular, but…Read More he must take it because conscience tells him it is right,'"
A great quote from a great man. This is my position on the actions I took, which had nothing to do with the personal traits of Deb Friberg. My conscience told me I must take a stance to protect the teachers and children and I did that. I hope the school board will take my credentials and background into serious consideration and not hold a grudge, because I have the skills necessary to be a strong school board member.
Bewildered May 23, 2013 at 02:53 pm
Per today's North Shore Now, the board plans to appoint Frieber's replacement to serve the balance…Read More of her term, April, 2015..... 2015 ! There is another option. The board can appoint a replacement until the next scheduled election, next April, and then allow the public to vote and decide who sits on the board. I urge the board to take the latter course. We want a voice in who serves on the board, not at the whim of just four people ( existing board). Also, Frieberg should recuse herself from any votes on her replacement.
FYI, whenever an elected board has an mid-term opening, there is always several paths available....an appointed replacement to fill out the leaving member's term, just being appointed till the next election or immediately conducting a special election ( which I don't support due to cost). If there is more than a year left on the resigning member's term, boards almost universally decide to place this position up for public vote at the next regularly scheduled election which would be April, 2014. ( tho the option to hold a separate election off the scheduled election cycle is sometimes considered).
We need to make sure we all have a say and vote on Frieberg's replacement as soon as possible, in this case next April. Thus, there would be 3 seats up for election. This is the fair and right way to do this. With issues with past boards, we must have a say on who serves!
David Braeger May 23, 2013 at 02:59 pm
Bewildered,
Thank you for the information. I hope the board chooses to do what is best for our…Read More community and show the residents that we "own it" and the board serves our interests, not that of any administrator or anyone else. Thanks for the comment.
Bart Underwood May 22, 2013 at 02:06 pm
Good riddance! Let her help ruin another school system. I'm surprised Rachel didn't bring her along…Read More to her Peace Group for Non-Violence.
concerned parent May 22, 2013 at 05:25 pm
If she ever allowed the open records to be seen...she would have been humiliated at her own…Read More incompetence and "shenanigans" (I am saying this nicely.) I hope the board reconsiders the salary for this position. She was GROSSLY OVER-PAID.
David Braeger May 22, 2013 at 07:54 pm
To all,
I appreciate your passion. As you know, I have been a very loud voice in the community.…Read More That being said, instead of wasting time and energy beating on those who have exited, let's spend our time planning for the future. We have a new Superintendent, an open board seat, 2 new board members that were instrumental in the potential of getting rid of the ridiculous curriculum, programming and scheduling, and a community that has been "woken up" to the fact that "we own it" and the administration and board work for us.
I see this as a time to celebrate not the shortcomings of outgoing individuals, but the fact that we have fantastic teachers and the opportunity to ensure we protect our school system for the tax payer, parent, teacher and most of all the children. I hope you can join me in this effort as we still have a long way to go.
David Braeger May 23, 2013 at 12:35 am
Bewildered,
Thank you for your comment. Unfortunately, because this is now an appointed position, I…Read More have to hope the board does not hold a grudge because of my actions and sees it as what it is, which is passion for a strong school system. I appreciate your concern for the use of social media. That being said, I am an "open book" and the only opponents I have are individuals that are against teachers and a strong school system for our children. If they want to use that as ammunition, it doesn't mean much. What else do they have to attack me on. I donate to our schools, I support our little league baseball, I run a clean business that helps individuals that may not get financing for a vehicle elsewhere, and I am a strong family man. My life is really that simple. I also have the skill set, financial background and management skills to be a strong candidate for school board. If the board holds a grudge for my passion for our schools and does not give me strong consideration for the position, I have at least "put my money where my mouth is." I have done what I can to protect our teachers and the education of our children and I would like to do more.
David Braeger May 23, 2013 at 01:28 am
Bewildered,
That is certainly an option. The challenge is we need change NOW for the community,…Read More teachers and protection of our children's education. We will see what happens, but I will give it a shot.
David Braeger May 20, 2013 at 02:05 am
This is fantastic news!! I think it really shows that the two new board members have made a really…Read More BIG difference in their short time there. I have met with Mike and am very impressed with him. I have heard great things about Libby also.
Let's hope their leadership can help resolve what the former board and Boechler put in place!!
Dave Koven May 20, 2013 at 02:14 pm
If people, in general had a true love of learning, they would not be piling their acrimony on…Read More teachers. Teachers don't "cry", but they do worry and have serious realistic concerns about having some job security so they can take care of their families too. The days of Ichabod Crane are over. You don't harbor negative feelings, and pile blame for every little thing that goes wrong on the very people you are counting on to meet your children's needs. Teaching, and perhaps police work are the kinds of endeavors that no matter what you do, you are going to make someone angry. There will always be some parent who feels their little prince or princess didn't get treated "fairly". A mother who supports the PTA disappears the moment her child graduates, so this support cannot be counted on, on a regular basis. If there are unpopular policies in place, it was not the teachers who put them there. Teachers often do not agree with what they are told to do, but if they disagree, they are considered "insubordinate." One thing is for sure about education. It is not cheap if it is done right. Just as the church should be separated from state affairs, politics should be separated from education issues. Kids need what they need to learn, and teachers need what they need to provide a quality education.
David Braeger May 20, 2013 at 02:37 pm
Dave,
You could not have said it any better. It is refreshing to see that another individual…Read More understands that teachers deserve a healthy working environment. There is no rationale reason that the teachers can be blamed for the turmoil that has gone on in our community. They did not create the schedule and they did not implement a new program that does not even have a curriculum. Well said.
concerned parent May 13, 2013 at 02:20 pm
Perfect time to hire a candidate that can act as Superintendent and Stormonth principal! Saving…Read More district $$!
Conservative Mom May 11, 2013 at 09:36 pm
Yep, anyone who serves this district is damned if they do...and damned if they don't. Quite…Read More frankly, I'd put my professional energy somewhere else...anywhere else, too. We'll be looking at a referendum now to support the new budget to keep teachers even though we're "overstaffed" and have no money to pay them. THIS IS RIDICULOUS...I'm truly disgusted. Who are we going to get to be a principal under all our turmoil??? Who would be crazy enough to teach here? What kind of leader would want to choose our school district when we recall a board for cutting art 2.5 hours a year? I think it's time we stop shooting ourselves in the foot.
Rose53217 May 12, 2013 at 06:39 pm
One suggestion is have Don Galster (Principal - Bayside) take on acting role overseeing Stormonth…Read More through 2013/2014. (kind of like our church - one Priest/2 parish). Hire new superintendent and let them get to know school & staff. She/he will will eventually bring in their own people - this gives them time. Let's not rush and make a bad decision.
Do we really have to pay +$100K for two principals anyway?
David Braeger May 13, 2013 at 01:06 am
Rose,
that may very well be a good answer. What we need is to get Boechler out and get the new…Read More District Administrator in so we can start fresh and get a new energy. I will say, that would say a ton of money.
vp May 11, 2013 at 11:53 am
Why would Westfahl leave if the "fear" and horrendous environment that Boechler supposedly…Read More created will come to an end with Boechler leaving? Westfahl knows Boechler is leaving. It looks to me that Westfahl is leaving because Boechler is leaving. Westfahl is looking at this district and has decided he does not want to be a part of it anymore.
Bewildered May 11, 2013 at 01:57 pm
Why? in three words: Weak School Board.
BTW, job switching isn't a quick process. I'd bet Dan had…Read More enough of being mistreated by Boechler (as all teachers and staff are) and started his job search months ago, perhaps before Rachael resigned.
So how many of the Admin team and their staff have left under the Boechler reign? More than "a few". Wonder why? Hmmmmmmm
David Braeger May 14, 2013 at 08:34 pm
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
Please watch this video. It was sent to me by an arts activist group…Read More that is in support of my efforts. If this video, by one of the premier educational professionals globally, Sir Ken Robinson, does not show what our administrators are doing to our children, you simply won't get it:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sir-ken-robinson/do-schools-kill-creativity_b_2252942.html
ART FRIEDMAN May 8, 2013 at 03:23 pm
What a joke...#9 in WI! Teachers are among the highest paid in WI. We certainly are not getting our…Read More money's worth as we should have been, at least, #2 instead of @9.....
Conservative Mom May 3, 2013 at 08:31 pm
It saddens me that Principal DePue has considered leaving Nicolet. He's done a fabulous job. In…Read More his leadership role he's accomplished:
1) Rebuilding a school after the flood that devastated the facility. (Students miraculously only missed the first few weeks.)
2) The tragic death of two students that was handled very well.
3) Amazing curriculum that helped develop outstanding test scores.
49 kids with a a 30 or higher on the ACT (out of 282 students)
5 perfect ACT scores
4) Fostered respect between students and faculty. My kids love going to school!
5) Hiring amazing faculty that show passion for their subject and students.
6) Cultivating a richness of diversity in the Nicolet student base. I love that Nicolet is so culturally diverse and it's so acceptable to the kids.
Parents respect DePue...I hope he stays. I hope we can keep him.
Mark Stevens May 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm
As "part of a social studies lesson on how local, state and federal governments works." he…Read More then should have given a talk about the role of ALEC in Wisconsin government.
Mark Stevens
patti benson May 9, 2013 at 01:15 am
As the parent whose son designed the logo for Stormonth. I am not trying to take this personally…Read More but my son who went through Stormonth, Bayside and Nicolet was given the opportunity to give something back to his old school. I made him aware of the request by Rachel and only took it as a great opportunity to give back not thinking of others costs involved. He was made aware there would be no payment for his time and effort and that was okay to him. I really wish you would not twist and shame the logo because it's shaming him. If you have a problem with Rachel and her timing with spending money that's one thing but please don't drag my son's design and good intentions through the mud too. Thank you,
patti benson May 9, 2013 at 10:33 am
No one was force to vote. Those four ideas came from one person, my son and he did his work for…Read More free, thinking he was giving back to the community and the school he was educated in (apparently no one else was willing to volunteer their time) . Please don't drag his logo and good intentions through the mud just because you don't agree with Rachel's choices. Thank you.
PK May 11, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Patti, I'm catching up on all this Stormonth business since our child may attend there next year.…Read More This is all new to me, but I wanted to say how sorry I felt for your son. I don't have the details, but I agree with you, enough of this logo business. Congrats to your son from an outsider.
Bart Underwood May 7, 2013 at 02:25 pm
6. The School Board will reconvene in Closed Session as provided above to deliberate regarding the…Read More
nonrenewals at the end of each conference and/or at the completion of all of the conferences.
7. The School Board may reconvene in Open Session following deliberations to take action
regarding the nonrenewals which were the subject of the public and private conferences.
8. Adjourn
David Braeger May 7, 2013 at 05:28 pm
Bart,
I am working with legal council and have a plan that you will most likely hear about tomorrow.…Read More I will be at the meeting tonight and I would recommend we get as many people as we can to attend
Bart Underwood April 27, 2013 at 11:29 pm
People I'm sorry but the reason why the Stormonth Principle is involved in the process is because he…Read More is Rachel's puppet.
baysideparent April 28, 2013 at 03:18 pm
Concerned parent, I think that you are absolutely correct to be thinking outside of the box, or in…Read More this case District administrative structure, as we move forward to build our district. This budget cycle and school scheduling process is just the tip of the iceberg with regard to financially driven stress on our schools. Anyone who stayed at the School Board meeting, after the inital public comment component, heard a report from Amy Kohl regarding health care costs rising 20% next year, our district has budgeted 10-12%. That deficit alone will dwarf the changes made this year. But in reality that change is nothing compared to the at risk dollars of federal/state funding tied to our school report card. Combined with revenue caps and redirecting of funds to vouchers, our district is at huge risk. Politics aside, federal health care changes and state education changes have created a perfect storm in our district. We need to look at everything and the school parents and taxpayers alike need to be aware all the financial drivers and ramifications of our school schedule and district budget. We must all be educated and informed. This certainly includes having our school principals at the table at every decision-making juncture.
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