Taking Stock

Has this book finally been 

removed from circulation?

We're told the economy is improving (depending on which day it is).  Is it time to re-invest?

A lot of changes have been made on our school board.   While sometimes it may not seem so, we have come a long way since the days when the board was ruled by the triumvirate of Mary Ellen Havel-Lang, Cheryl Batterman, and Caren Diedrich.  Of course, Caren somehow has hung on to her board seat.  She is the veritable Energizer Bunny of school board members.

We've lost some very good members who understood the need for a quality education while balancing that against holding the district accountable to the taxpayers: folks like Jim Gibbs and Steve McHoes. There have been others of course.  We think Al Slane had it figured out just as he was voted out.  But these were the people that were not afraid to stand up to the cameras and say what had to be said without regard for how it would play in some aspect of their lives, whether it be grocery store conversations or disgruntled individuals. We're pretty sure Mr. Gibbs and Mr. McHoes moved on because there simply weren't a majority of board members willing to speak up at the table.  We've heard LOTS of bold talk outside of the board table over the years.  But there's something about sitting at the table and knowing the cameras and mics are on.

Perhaps it's time to reflect on that change and project the effect the new face of the school board could have on the Sun Prairie Area School District.  One noticeable change we've observed is that rubber stamps seemed to have been traded in or discarded.  We now have a clear majority of board members that care (or demand) to see and review hard data before making decisions.  That is a huge change, people.

President Tom Weber.
We see Tom as both a thinker and a harmonizer.  He wants to avoid unpleasantries if possible, but deep down he knows that things need to change at the district.  Our only advice to Tom is that sometimes hard work means getting a little dirty.  Pro education with fiscal restraint and accountability.

Vice President John Welke
Mr. Welke has brought hope back to the community.  He is well-spoke, does his homework quite well, and is not afraid to make the hard statements at the board table.  We suspect that his style is to give people every opportunity to fix things on their own before he rolls his shirts sleeves and digs in.  Those are good qualities.  He's often found himself standing alone, yet others are starting to gain the courage to join him.  Pro education with fiscal restraint, transparency, and accountability.

Treasurer John Whalen
John Whalen is a nice guy...but a softy.  It's's pretty clear that he doesn't invest the time into independent review of data (you know...trust, but verify).  He trusts Culver and district administration implicitly.  And that is the problem.  He pays lip service to the taxpayers on occasion, but ultimately supports whatever the district wants.  And that is dangerous.  Education regardless of cost.

Clerk Jill Camber Davidson
Ms. Camber-Davidson is somewhat of an enigma and harder to nail down than the other tenured board members.  At times (e.g., wellness/nutrition, advertising in schools, huge increase to hockey fees) she stands firmly and speaks boldly and passionately.  At other times, where we would expect her to stand with other board members on a particular issue, however, she does not.  We think some of that comes from being outside her comfort zone.  She does do her homework though, and that is critical.  Pro education with fiscal restraint and accountability.  Pro education with concern for the taxpayers as well.

Deputy Clerk Mike Krachey
After o mere three months since election, it is clear that Mr. Krachey  is a data guy.  That is a good thing.  He's also not afraid to ask the tough questions, recently exposing another $200K of technology purchases for 2012-13 using "surplus" 2011-12 funds.

Member Caren Diedrich
Ms. Diedrich is like that Forrest Gump box of chocolates...you never do know what you're going to get.  Except, after observing her for a number of years, we can count on the fact that in the months prior to an election, she suddenly starts playing the role of the taxpayer's ally.   Too bad that, as soon as she's re-elected, she goes back to fully supporting whatever Culver wants.  Of course, maybe its all those lunches he takes her for.  Unfortunately with Ms. Diedrich, it's all opinion (Tim Culver's that is) and no data.  Whatever "the big dog" wants, she supports.  We think that 5 or 6 3-year terms is several terms too many.  It's time for some new blood.  It's eductaion regardless of cost unless we're within 6 months of an election date.  Forget education and fiscal responbsibility.  Whatever Culver wants, Diedrich will support.

Member Steve Schroeder
Newest board member Steve Schroeder, recently  voted by the board to fill departed member Jim (Seabass) McCourt's seat,  is another promising board member.  As assistant dean of UW's Business school, he's got the chops to understand the budget madness, and he appears to believe strongly in holding firmly to a budget.   We think there's a lot of potential here.  Too soon to gauge, but we suspect, based on his background, that Mr. Schroeder is pro education but also favors running the district more like a business.