STAR says: Vote 1. NO 2.yes 3.NO on Sun Prairie High School Referendum

SEE: http://www.sunprairiestar.com/editorial/editorial.html

Question 1 (new 10-12 High School; remodel HS to an 8-9 school)

The remodeling of the high school into a middle school will allow for construction of a larger high school, which we still think could be constructed for 2,400 students (that’s 600 students per grade) until space demands require construction of a second high school in roughly 10 years. That was always part of the district’s long-range planning for its west side piece of land – and our proposal would not change that. That size is consistent with previous editorials regarding this issue – as is the phasing. Of course, west siders want their own high school and will likely turn out against this proposal because of that.

There are plenty of reasons why we think voters will reject the Nov. 6 referendum, but the failure of the district to recognize the community’s desire for one large high school is perhaps the greatest among them. For those reasons, [the STAR] suggest[s] voters VOTE NO on Question 1 to authorize borrowing $96 million.

Question 2 (swimming pool for the new high school)

Although [the STAR] believe[s] the vote will be a symbolic one because [the STAR] believe[s] question 1 will go down in flames, [the STAR] suggest[s] voters VOTE YES on question 2 to support borrowing $3.325 million for a swimming pool.

Question 3 (exceed revenue cap each year for swimming pool operating costs)

Did the board make the same requirement when the district’s other athletic facilities were constructed? Did it require an exceed the revenue cap question when gymnasiums were constructed to pay for heat, lights and equipment? No. So why then would the school board require taxpayers to pick up the tab associated with the operation of this facility?It’s a question the board needs to answer – and until then, [the STAR] urge[s] voters to VOTE NO on Question 3.

Construction Manager position snakes through school board.

Learned at the annual meeting (Oct. 8th) that the board had held interviews for an selected a Construction Manager for the 7th elementary school to monitor cost control. The position is a good thing. The way that the board went about it however, has a certain stench to it.

SP-EYE asked when the interview meetings were public noticed. On 10-22-07, Phil Frei responded that ,

" Administration was directed by the HR committee and School Board to bring a recommendation to the Board on a Construction Manager for the building projects. Adm. sent out RFP's and set-up interviews with three Construction managers. Adm. asked School Board members if they wanted to sit in on the interviews. This was administrative work, not a meeting of the School Board.

Mary Ellen Havel-Lang and Jim Carrel did sit in on the interviews.

The HR Committee also felt that this should not even be a "real" position, but simply an out-sourced service.

Hmmm. Let's see. When the FTT Committee was interviewing Construction firms for elementary #7 thisa spring, THOSE interviews were public noticed and held during open meetings. Even school board candidates for Jim Gibbs' vacant seat were interviewed during an open session. For such a large project, and for a new position--albeit a "temporary" one-- why was this done so quietly?

School Board can't even make a simple determination.

How many school board members does it take to screw up? Just one. Take your pick.

Over a month ago, SP-EYE asked Jim McCourt, chair of the Finance Committee why Tim Culver's paid memberships exceeded the boundaries set by his contract.

http://sp-eye.blogspot.com/2007/09/is-anyone-watching-books.html

McCourt had no answer, and Mary Ellen Havel-Lang tried to shut the discussion down, crying "Point of Order!" SP-EYE pressed on and asked why the Finance Committee approved the check to pay for Culver's Rotary dues. McCourt said he would look into it and get back to us. RRRRRRRIIIIGGGGHHHTTTT!

This past Monday, Dr. James Murray asked about the status of the complaint and was told, "We're not going there." So much for open meetings, communicating with the public, and a decisive school board.

How hard is this? You were wrong. Culver over-extended his contract, and someone needs to own up to the responsibility. The dues need to be reimbursed by Culver, and the Board should be demanding it. You can even issue an empty apology for the "oversight". Again...what the hell are you teaching our children???

These "leaders" want us to approve $100M for a referendum, but can't even manage to watch these simple expenses. Gotta wonder how much Sun Prairie is being fleeced on the cost of this referendum.

The opponents of open records are at it again.

Once again some of our leaders are trying to shut down access to information. A cornerstone of open government is open records.

If you've followed any of the recent articles in the Wisconsin State Journal....
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=/wsj/2007/10/03/0710020450.php

...then you are aware that Assembly Bill 418 (AB 418) is an attempt to restrict access to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system. AB 418 would restrict most people from viewing the web site, which is a repository for court records. The site - wcca.wicourts.gov - describes basic information about civil and criminal charges and convictions in courts across Wisconsin.
The website is popular because it provides regular citizens --us --with a means to obtain information about other key people they encounter and in whom they place trust. For example, just about every parent has some concern about those individuals that interact with their children, such as child-care providers and coaches. It can also aid employers in screening job applicants.

Those with daughters of dating age, knowing this site exists, will undoubtedly check the record of potential suitors to answer questions such as, "Is she safe with him? Is he a safe driver?". Who could deny that information? Others may wish to check out elected officials or those running for election. There have been numerous incidents of elected officials mishandling finances over the year, both criminally and otherwise. Wouldn't it be considered prudent to check out elected officials and political candidates BEFORE problems arise?

Can this system be abused? Yes, absolutely...as can any other system. The point is that these records are OURS. Granted if charges are dismissed, we need to understand the person is not guilty. On the other hand, if the individual is found guilty, then perhaps they shouldn't have done the deed to begin with. You do the crime, you do the time, right?

Sun Prairie is no longer a small town. With growth comes not only positive things but some not so positive ones. Now that we no longer know every face, this site is critical in providing each of us with information about those people that we rely upon to spend our tax dollars wisely or care for our children.

Check it out at:
http://wcca.wicourts.gov/index.xsl