See? Sometimes the board/district CAN listen and act quickly!!!

Rick Mealy reports receiving this invoice (see below)in Thursday's mail. Mealy has waged a battle against the forces of fiscal irresponsibility for sometime. First at the Finance Committee and then at the October 27th school board meeting, Mealy implored the board to cease using taxpayer dollars to pay for memorials/floral arrangements when a family member of a school district employee passes.

Seeing the board about to adopt its usual attituide towards anyone that challenges it, Mealy threw up a Hail Mary and asked that if the board was "hell bent to spend the taxpayers' money uinappropriately", then Mealy offerred to pay for the memorials out of his own pocket.

And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have a first. The board/district acted both quickly and decisively, and proceeded to send the following invoice to Mealy.



SP-EYE caught up with Mealy, who had the following to say about the whole sordid affair,

"Al Slane talked about how he contacted the WASB [WI Association of School Boards] and WASB indicated that memorials could certainly be considered costs associated with operating schools. Good one, Al! That's like asking John McCain if he thinks Sarah Palin is qualified to be President. Geeez....what's next? Asking the students if they think they should be given homework?"


For pity sake...stop trying so hard to justify a bad decision. Two weeks ago, Business Services Manager Rhonda Page said that if the taxpayers want to stop using tax funds for memorials then the school board needs to change the policy. HELLO! I see that the lights are on, but is anybody really home?? The policy says that the District Administrator MAY purchase flowers or memorials. It doesnt say he HAS to. It's a choice.

They say it's only a small amount of money, but you know what? What REALLY does sending a $30 plant do for someone that's lost a loved one? If it's the thought that counts, then send a personal note and skip the plant. Use the money to pay for books or something that will DIRECTLY aid in the education of our kids.

Is this retribution? Mealy was asked.

"Several people have suggested that it might be, but I'd like to think the board and district administration are above that kind of behavior. But who knows?" I said I'd pay for them and I will....better me than the entire community have to be part of this mess. Gee...now not only do I get to pay my own taxes, but parts of other people's as well!", Mealy responded.