What's New in West Bend Schools

West Bend Schools adopt Volunteer Course for Graduation Credit

2012-01-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dave Weigand was the lone vote against the new high school citizenship course set to begin fall 2012. The course will give ¼ credit per semester, up to 1 full credit for high school graduation (22 credits). Students meet with a high school staff member 4 times per semester, then fulfill the “coursework” outside the school in what was previously a volunteer work. Now, as a credited course, the volunteer work will no longer be volunteer, but will be for credit.

Al Pauli, at the January 9^th meeting told the Instruction Committee members that the course, if adopted, would allow the Key and Rotary Clubs to be school clubs because they were creating a curricular tie through offering the new course. Pauli, however, admitted that those clubs are up and running today as after school clubs.

Weigand argued that the course sets a dangerous precedent and other after school clubs, such as the Dolphins, would have a legal right to then ask for creation of a course to allow their club to become an official school club. He expressed concern about the dumbing down of the high school curriculum. “It's a slippery slope.” he said. “We are a Board of Education and this puts us into a whole other realm than our curriculum. The students are involved in an activity off campus which we have no control.”

Weigand also cited his concern about students who previously listed volunteer activities on job or college applications which would not be allowed now if those hours were now part of their high school credits for graduation.

Kris Beaver argued that this course would not have a cost, and continued to badger Weigand about his realization that hours served would no longer be volunteer and students could not list them as such. “Have you talked with anyone in the colleges to ask if they would accept the hours as volunteer?”

Weigand stated that students would be lying if they were not honest on their job or college applications. Beaver did not agree and said the students were still volunteering even though they would receive credit.

Pauli, school administrator, admitted that the school would not list credited hours on a students high school transcript but would distinguish between credited hours and volunteer hours.

Addressing Beaver's comment that there would be no cost to the district, Weigand said, “There is always a cost. We're all adults in the room and we all know there is always a cost to any course offered in the schools.” The course would involve at least 3 staff members at this time.

Tim Stepanski, committee chair and purported conservative, asked only one question. He asked if there were any curricular ties to the new proposed course. He was told that the ties found by administration were English and Counseling.

There were no questions about standards of curriculum. No rational about why the course is being offered other than it allows Key Club and Rotary Club to be school sponsored clubs. No questions about accountability of courses offered off school sites. This course smacks of Saul Alinsky type community organizing and the dumbing down of high school curriculum.

As Weigand voted, “No”, he commented, “This is not a wise move. You set yourselves up for future litigation and future boards will ask, 'what were they thinking?'”

Policy Committee to discuss parental permission for school clubs, Board Instruction Committee to reconsider Citizenship Course

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

On the dock for Monday night:
The Policy committee will discuss the following new language to the co-curricular policy:

Parents have a right to be informed of all co-curricular activities in which their
children participate. Parents/legal guardians must provide informed written consent
for each co-curricular activity before a student may participate in the activity.

Also on the agenda is parental permission for students to participate in any survey which is invasive in nature.

Policy Committee meets at 5pm

Board Instruction meets at 6pm

Regular Board meeting at 6:30pm

Board Instruction will also be reconsidering adopting a new high school course that gives credit for volunteer clubs. (See previous post)

Agenda Item Details

Meeting

Jan 23, 2012 - Board Instruction Committee

Subject

2. Service and Citizenship Class at High Schools

Type

Discussion

Presentation: Service and Citizenship class at the High School

Topic and Background: At the January 9^th Board of Instruction meeting Phil Ourada, assistant principal of East High School, presented a proposal to initiate a new ¼ credit class at the High School called Service and Citizenship. At that time it was recommended that the course proposal move forward and be offered to students starting in the fall of 2012

Rationale: The Department of Public Instruction Wisconsin has joined the Partnership for 21st Century Skills to ensure that the Wisconsin PK-16 educational system prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for the 21st century workforce. Service-learning provides an instructional methodology that will provide students with experiences that bring these skills to life through the application of knowledge and skills in addressing community issues.

Why Service-Learning is Important

Service-learning is a teaching method that engages students in solving problems within their schools and communities as part of their academic studies.
Research has shown that service-learning has an enduring positive impact on students' academic achievement, civic engagement, and personal and social development.
Service-learning is an effective instructional pedagogy which asks students to use their abilities and skills to make their school, local, and global communities stronger.
Service-learning is a key strategy in developing 21st century skills which will lead to a prepared workforce and a civically engaged citizenry.

Committee meetings to be video taped and New Service and Citizenship course at high schools

2012-01-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

High school students will be able to earn 1/4 credit each semester (for a total of 1 credit for graduation) by enrolling in a Service and Citizenship Course. The course will follow the model of the Kiwanis Club, thus making that club an official co-curricular in the district. Students will meet 4 times per semester to review their portfolio and must have 35 service hours to earn the credit. The high school administration will determine if the volunteer activity is appropriate for the course.
Dave Weigand and Tim Stepanski both voiced concerns about the new program. Stepanski asked how the course would remain "apolitical", and Weigand asked Mr. Ourata to confirm that this would not make "a bunch of ACORN volunteers". Ourata assured them both that he would make sure those were not an issue. After the meeting I asked if students could earn credit by, say, collecting signatures for the Recall Walker campaign. Mr. Ourata stated that political activity would not be included in the definition of "volunteer. Mr Pauli, from administration, said it would be determined by those in charge.
My question is, who is right?
http://www.boarddocs.com/wi/wbsdwi/Board.nsf/files/8Q92UG73EEFD/$file /Service%20and%20Citizenship%20Portfolio.pdf

http://www.boarddocs.com/wi/wbsdwi/Board.nsf/files/8Q92UR73F10A/$file/Service%20and%20Citizenship%20Proposal.pdf

On another note...
Thanks to the work of board member Dave Weigand, the committee meetings will now be video taped and available the next morning for public viewing. Weigand is working toward transparency and accountability in the school district and administration. Weigand has commented that the meat of discussions take place at the committee level and not in the regular board meetings. The public will now be able to hear what takes place at that level even if they cannot attend meetings.

A School Board that Respects Parental Rights and Authority

2011-12-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

It always encourages me to see those in elected positions of authority working hard for families. Read on about a recent meeting:

POLICY COMMITTEE

November 28, 2011

PRESENT: R. Marquardt, D. Weigand, T. Miller, V. Elliehausen

OTHERS: R. Parks, B. Williams, T. Neitzke, A. Pauli, J. Ciriacks, B. Altendorf

The meeting was called to order at 5:08 p.m.

Policy 370 – Co-curricular Activities

This policy was reviewed at the September 12, 2011 policy committee meeting at which time revision were requested. As requested, the wording, in part, of the district’s discrimination policy was removed, but was cross-referenced in the policy. Mr. Weigand asked that the requirement for parental permission be included in the policy, not the administrative rule, since the Board of Education does not at this time review administrative rules, and he would like to see that process begin in the near future.

Ms. Elliehausen and Mr. Pauli stated that this type of specific requirement is best suited for the administrative rule, not policy. Mr. Weigand said that the policy needs to be a requirement for written parental permission and the administrative rule would enforce and facilitate the process.

Mr. Neitzke stated that the role of the building principals is to communicate to parents the expectations of their student’s participation in co-curricular and clubs offerings. Mr. Weigand stated that in his rationale he drafted, it is very broad and the board should decide if it is above or below the line. He stated that his rationale is broad enough and fundamental enough that it belongs in policy and the specifics would be administrative rule. Mr. Marquardt suggested that the rationale statement Mr. Weigand provided, which included written parental permission be the intent for the policy and how it is administered is administrative rule. Mr. Pauli will work with Mr. Weigand on this policy. Mr. Marquardt agreed that this policy should include communicating the expectations for each child’s participation with parents, but that the administrative rule should define the process. Mr. Weigand agreed that as long as parents understand and give written consent he could go along with that for policy, with administrative rule writing specifics to enforce policy. This policy will be brought back to this committee in January for further review.

Policy 333 – District Programs/Activities

At the September 12^th policy committee meeting, Mr. Weigand asked that district administration review the Cedarburg School District’s policy regarding this subject. Mr. Pauli reviewed Cedarburg’s policy and shared the differences between their policy and the West Bend School District’s current policy and concluded that the differences are minimal. The Cedarburg policy abides by Wisconsin State Statutes which require an opt-out provision; however, Cedarburg’s process includes personal follow ups/phone calls to parents are made to ensure all parents have responded and understand the election. It was mentioned that 48 of 275 10^th grade students in Cedarburg elected to opt –out of “sensitive” topics. Mr. Weigand has requested that the process for West Bend requests parents to elect 1 of 3 options: opt-in fully; opt-out fully or opt-out of specifically identified sensitive areas of the curriculum. Mr. Weigand said the election process would be a good way for parents to make the decision for their child, mentioning that human growth and development is not a required topic but if the district does offer it the district should make it more parent friendly, and we should be more creative in ways to offer the decision to parents. Mr. Weigand said he believes the public would like to be given an option and he would like a policy and implementation in place so that nothing falls through the cracks during parental notification and parental decision making for the “sensitive” topics.

Mr. Marquardt suggested allowing parents to select a path for human growth and development, Path A and Path B, depending on the sensitive nature of the material, and if parents do not respond their child would default into the less controversial path.

Mr. Pauli stated that the HGD committee would convene second semester and during the committee work they would review the Cedarburg process.

Ms. Elliehausen asked Mr. Weigand if he was okay with no changes to 1-3 of the policy. Mr. Weigand responded for number 3 a lot of great ideas were put forth and he would work with Mr. Pauli on implementing them through administrative rule.

The committee discussed the policy include a provision similar to Cedarburg’s #5 which pertains to students participating in invasive medical procedures. Administration concurred that this provision can be added to current policy. Mr. Weigand and the committee further discussed that with items 4 and 5, and now new number 6 related to invasive testing that stronger language be added clearly stating that students would not be able to participate in the surveys or testing without parental permission. There will be an opt-in for 4, 5 and 5. Mr. Pauli added the exception of those areas required by the Department of Public Instruction, the State of Wisconsin and/or Federal law if funds are associated with them. Administration again concurred that this provision could be added to those sections. Mr. Pauli will work with Mr. Weigand on these revisions to policy 333.

This policy will be brought back to this committee in January for further review.

Policy 615 Disclosure of Financing and Total Costs of All Referenda

Mr. Williams asked that district administration develop a policy that would define, in the case of referendum or borrowing, the District’s responsibility to disclose: 1) total principal amount, 2) interest to be paid over the term of the loan, 3) total cost of 1 and 2, and 4) assumptions used to support the amount of the referendum or borrowing. All district communications to the full community would also include this information. The committee forwarded this policy to the full board for first reading at their December 12, 2011 regular board meeting.

Review of policy process

Ms. Elliehausen provided a list of the current Board policies and the date each was last reviewed. She also provided a timeline for the remainder of the policies that haven’t been reviewed as part of the 5-year cycle. Additional information included the role of the committee, the process for reviewing policies and forwarding to the full board, as well as the process for requesting a new policy. Policies within the 600 series are the next to be reviewed by this committee.

Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.

Letter from a former homosexual

2011-11-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is really an eye opener. I wonder how many parents are aware of this information?

Compassion Kills

by Greg Quinlan, President of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays

As a former homosexual, I know homosexuality is not genetic or irreversible. DNA or medical tests to determine if a person is homosexual do not exist. Sexual orientation is based on feelings, self-affirmation, and public declaration. According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are no replicated scientific studies to support that people can be born “gay” or that homosexuality is innate.

I left homosexuality nineteen years ago. I watched 100 of my friends and acquaintances die of AIDS before I stopped counting. Yet I would never have adopted a gay identity if I had been taught that change is possible. And if my friends had been informed, they might still be alive today.

But nothing has changed. Too many youth are being led astray, as I once was. Homosexual student clubs like Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) teach children to approve a lifestyle that killed my friends and to defend it in the name of “compassion.” GSAs focus on “questioning” youth, knowing that in an adolescent’s life, confusion and insecurity about the opposite sex is common. GSAs teach students that homosexuality is innate, and that bisexuality and transvestite behavior is normal. That teaching is false and is not compassionate.

As the President of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX), I know firsthand that GSAs adamantly oppose PFOX’s efforts to bring the ex-gay message to students. While GSAs believe in equal rights for gay groups, their vision of equality is narrow and does not extend to the ex-gay community. GSAs and their parent group, the Gay and Lesbian Student Education Network (GLSEN), advocate for gay inclusion at all levels of education, but reject any ex-gay participation.

Ask GLSEN if they support tolerance for the ex-gay community. Ask GSA clubs if they accept people who change their sexual orientation as much as they support those who change their gender. Ask GSA sponsors if they will direct students with unwanted same-sex attractions to ex-gay resources or demand that they celebrate their newfound “gay” identity.

Do GSAs inform students that anal sex is more unhealthy than smoking? As a nurse, I witnessed my friends unnecessarily die of AIDs because no one mentioned alternatives to homosexual behavior. I forgive my parent’s generation for not fighting for my peers, but I cannot forgive myself if we fail to fight for our own children now. Think twice before allowing GSA’s to enter your school system. How will the School Board feel if even one child decides to enter homosexuality as a result of the GSA being a school sponsored club? Remember, their kind of compassion kills.

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) provides education and public awareness in support of families and the ex-gay community.

Superintendent Asks for Poll about Operating Referendum

2011-10-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

When we want something badly enough we ask for it. If we are told “No” we might ask again, and try and think of a different way to ask or a different spin to put on the question so we can get the desired answer. Sometimes we experience that with our children; School administrators are no different.

Tonight, in the Stakeholders meeting held at the ESC, Superintendent Ted Neitzke suggested the Stakeholders Committee put a straw poll to the community to see if there is support for an operating referendum. He said he did some research and it would cost $1,800-2,000. The straw poll would consist of robo calls with questions to the community. Ted asked the committee, “Should we do this?”

He then admitted to the 9% unemployment and comments he hears in the community that the district isn’t reducing enough. He then went on to ask if the idea should be put to bed or introduced.

School Board Member Rick Parks said he was the one who suggested it and thought it was a “prudent first step” toward an operating referendum. He then also admitted that the community’s “numbers show that holding the line” is what they want.

Other committee members, Tim Stepakski (chair) and Bart Williams said that a wrong message would be sent to the community if a straw poll like this is conducted. Stepanski stated that the message the new administration has been trying to put forth is not in line with an operating referendum and “even polling says something different than that message”.

Stepanski did not rule out the idea, he simply said the timing is wrong.

Parks continued to advocate for the poll, saying that if there is even going to be talk of a referendum, a poll should be done first.

Williams brought up the double-dip recession facing Wisconsinites and said that even helping his son sell popcorn for boy scouts is a challenge in the current economic situation many face. He said, “People are worried and even raising the question brings concerns”. He went on to say that the district is in a good spot with fund balance and the budget is balanced. “I don’t see a need for it.”

Parks continued his advocacy for the poll by mentioning the possibility of someone paying for the cost of the poll, to the nods of Mr. Neitzke. Neitzke said he has three questions that are possibilities for the poll and read them.

Stepanski and Williams said they are not in agreement with moving ahead with a straw poll and Parks now said he agreed.

Administration has been told “No” for now. Let’s see how badly they want that operating referendum…………..Stay tuned.

Annual Meeting

2011-09-27T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Resolutions passed last night during the annual meeting held at the East High School Auditorium. Resolution No. 1 asked for a levy of $37,408,031. It is a tax to the maximum allowable limit.
I'll pass on a few comments from the meeting (in no particular order):
* board member

*Bart Williams: This budget is a "decent start". He also asked his fellow board members to inmplement a 0.5-1% reserve and again called for "true zero based budgeting".

Vince Marolla: Asked the board where they would get the $250,000.00 to fight the Gay Straight Alliance in federal court. "What were you planning on cutting to pay for it?" Then he stood there until his 2 minutes were up. (off topic?)

Mary (West High math teacher): She was worried about safety issues with 34 students in a classroom and equated a high ACT test score with success in life. (I won't comment.......)

Jason Penterman (high school librarian and local union leader): He is upset about library aides being cut and wants an operating referendum.

Joy Schroeder: Suggested suing the state for budgeting issues and also asked for an operating referendum. She also talked about "naughty boys" in her child's K class and is upset about class size.

Kathy Van Eerden: talked about school boards (again, off topic?)

*Rick Parks: told audience that if they opposed the levy, they would be asking for less because the levy is as high as it can go.

Al R.: said kids need to be educated for the global world of tomorrow.

*Kris Beaver: Began by stating he has been on the board for 6 1/2 years (and all the HUGE tax increseases!-my comment), and wants an operating referendum though realizes it will be difficult to pass.

*Dave Weigand: Appreciates the new administration that does not seem as hostile to the taxpayer, but will not support a "Tax to the Max" predisposition that taxes to "every last dollar" they can.

*Tim Stepanski-VP: Told Ted Neitzke, "Mr. Neitzke, if you need more money ask us for more."

*Randy Marquardt-President: Does not see the need for an operating referendum. Does not see the need to spend money on putting one forth and sees zero support for it.

Warring Finke: Wants operating referendum

Kathy Meindel: "We've not only cut to the bone, now we've removed the marrow."

*Todd Miller: Supported the levy because it "taxes to the allowable limit." He also wants to see an operating referendum.

I noticed Joe Carlson was there but did not comment. He commented enough during his years on the board for us to know his views on more taxes. Let's keep those in mind if he ever again decides to run for school board.

The room was filled with teachers and administrators-those who benefit from more taxes.

Here's where I'll comment. I recently saw a photo a kindergarten class from 85 years ago. There were 40 students in it. The elderly former student told me the class was well behaved and they learned a lot.

Some, unfortunately, think that more money will solve problems. True wisdom would see that parents need to be more involved in their children's lives. Discipline problems (serious ones) would melt away with more parental support and nurturing.
More money or more parenting? My vote is for more parenting. Schools, stop taking more money from us. HELP mom's stay home and be the parents they need to be.

ANNUAL MEETING MONDAY SEPT. 26, 2011

2011-09-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

East High School Auditorium

The proposed levy has decreased by $458,566. 00, but it is still a tax to the maximum allowed limit. Because of Governor Walker's Act 10 the school district cannot tax higher.

6p.m.
Registration

6:30p.m.
Public Hearing and Presentation of Budget

7p.m.
Annual Meeting

Details can be found here:
http://www.boarddocs.com/wi/wbsdwi/Board.nsf/Public

BOARD DRIVEN POLICIES OR ADMINISTRATION DRIVEN POLICIES?

2011-09-13T06:37:00.000-07:00

Monday Sept. 12, 2011

The policy committee met last night. The following items were on the agenda:

Review of process for policy revision and Review of the following:

a. Policy 370 – Co-curricular Activities

b. Policy 333 – District Programs/Activities

I sensed a bit of a power struggle in the policy meeting.

I’ve always thought that the administration resented policies made by the board, and they often wrote “administrative rules” to undermine board authority. The discussion that followed confirmed my initial thought.

Dave Weigand, policy committee chair, requested a review of policy 370-District Programs/Activities. He requested, among other things, to have the policy state that written parental permission be obtained yearly for students in each club they participate. His intent is to give parents information on the clubs and obtain parental permission for clubs specific for each co-curricular athletic or non-athletic club. “It’s important for parental permission to participate, “ Weigand stated.

Valley Elliehausen, from administration, stated she, “wouldn’t advocate for a parental permission” policy for clubs. Further, she said that the district uses a Code of Conduct and students and parents sign it for clubs. Weigand, fighting for parental rights, continued to advocate for parents, stating he would like to see parental permission in district policy. Valley then said parental permission could be part of an administrative rule, but would not agree it should be district policy.

Weigand also requested the policy state that the elected school board review all clubs (every level) yearly in order to gage interest and participation, etc. Valley again stated that the administration, and not the board, reviews clubs, “That’s our role” she stated. Al Pauli added that the school principals at the middle school level review clubs. The discussion went on to reveal that the only time the board hears about clubs is when cuts are being made due to “budget constraints” and/or non-interest.

That leads me to wonder why the GSA was brought before the school board last spring and summer.

Valley began the policy meeting by letting the board know that the administration will be making a schedule of policies to be reviewed and anytime an administrator comes forward with a policy they want reviewed, their wishes will “trump” the process. Weigand added that the board would also have the ability to make suggestions for policy review on a case by case issue.

Valley asked that the board contact her to indicate policies to be reviewed, and she would then check with other districts’ and the School Board association to find out what other districts are doing.

By her comments, I came to understand that it wasn’t as important to her what the Board in West Bend thinks, but is concerned with what is done elsewhere.

I wonder what the local taxpayers think of those priorities.

Valley stated she does not want policies from the board telling how to run the district. According to district administration, the board operates “over” and not “under” the line. In other words, the board is to set policy for the administration to use in writing “rules”. Randy Marquardt, board president, wants policies to be general and “guiding”. Dave Weigand stated he wants “the board to make the intent clear” in policy.

This seems a minor difference, but in practice it is a major issue. In looking over some older policies, I noticed that the past boards have clearly written their intent and even steps to follow in policy. I sense a recent shift in where the real authority lies, and that shift is not moving toward the elected board.

After discussing policy 370, Weigand moved on to policy 333 regarding “passive permission” for activities in the district. This is a newer policy, written in 2007. http://wbsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496946/File/Board%20of%20Education/Policy/300/333.pdf?sessionid=b7a340531557af5affc1867a3bea1239

Weigand argued that an “opt in” and not an “opt out” would be more appropriate for activities such as surveys, etc. “We want parents to have opportunity to opt in rather opt out”, giving parents true authority over their minor children.

He further stated that the way it is now is “reversed”. Weigand also said that the Cedarburg School District has an opt-in procedure for human growth and development courses.

Randy Marquardt agreed “on certain issues”. He also stated he has, “no problem endorsing that kind of change.”

Weigand charged Valley, as administrative liaison, to work on the suggested changes to the two mentioned policies.

Valley also mentioned a policy proposal from board member Bart Williams about “truth in disclosure for referendum”. More details will be forthcoming as the board looks into this-hopefully-as the board engages in activities they were elected to do.

West Bend School District Leadership seeks to approve Gay-Straight Alliance Club

2011-06-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

From the district website (meeting location is Badger Middle School and begins at 7:15pm):
Agenda Item Details

Meeting

Jun 13, 2011 - Regular Board of Education Meeting

Category

5. Action Items

Subject

B. 7:55 Reconsideration of GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Application for recognition as a school-sponsored club

Type

Action

Recommended Action

I move to approve the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) as a School-sponsored club

Topic and Background:

Based upon their legal analysis of the factual allegations, applicable laws and legal precedence, two separate law firms have indicated that it is more likely than not that the GSA would prevail on the merits of the lawsuit filed in federal court against the District as a result of the denial of the GSA’s application for recognition as a school sponsored club. The two firms estimate that the cost of defending the lawsuit would range from $215,000-320,700. They also estimate the amount of time that Board members, administrators and other District employees would be involved in litigation activities could range from 224-328 or more hours over the next year. If the GSA should prevail, the District would also likely be responsible for payment of the plaintiff’s attorneys’ costs and fees incurred in the litigation.

The leadership recommendation is to approve the application of the GSA for club status.

GSA Application Information.pdf (3,654 KB)

Exec Summary GSA Application.doc (22 KB)

By supporting the creation of a school club, the associations of the club are supported by default, aren't they?:

1. Promoted events such as Gay Pride Parade (found on GSA national site):
http://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=587&q=gay+pride&gbv=2&oq=gay+p&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_sm=c&gs_upl=2084l3905l0l5l5l0l0l0l0l345l1337l2-4.1

2. Viagra and Cialis ads on the http://gsaforsafeschools.org/ website.

3. Undermining of marriage. In Wisconsin there is a marriage amendment and students are required by law to be taught "instruction in marriage". A mixed message will be very confusing for students.

4. Promotion of events such as "all school assemblies" according to the attorney for the GSA, Educational workshops for students and teachers, National Coming-out Day, Day of Silence
(students attend class with tape covering their mouth and refuse to speak in class), and more.

5. Activism in the schools

My concern is for families raising their children in the religion of Christianity. The doctrines teach that homosexuality is wrong and not something to "tolerate". What future conflicts will arise if this club is approved?

Stay tuned.

Outgoing school superintendent Pat Herdrich's comments on WBKV

2011-05-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

Pat Herdrich made some comments on WBKV this week. She claims the community does not care about or understand what is really important. I find her comments to be a sad commentary on her position and the responsibility bestowed upon her to be in charge of our schools.
I feel that she is the one who does not truly understand the community where she worked for several years.
Pat, the community has been telling you what is important to them. Their children attend the schools you have run for 6 years. Look at the current issues. Look at who the community has elected to the school board. Look at our values. Our children attend the local schools. This is what it's all about. We do understand.
I hope with all my heart you look closely at the Menomonee Falls community and work with them and not against them. It is their community.

DO ACTIVIST GROUPS BELONG IN OUR SCHOOLS?

2011-05-16T09:26:00.000-07:00

There has been recent movement in the West Bend School District to allow the Gay/Straight Alliance school club status. (current clubs and school policy are listed below)

Since schools are part of our community, and citizens are compelled to fund them for educating the children of the community, I thought I’d do some research to find out more about the group that wants to be a school sanctioned club. Their website (found by doing a Google.com search) was the most logical place to begin. I was looking for compelling evidence that this group fits in with the educational goals of the local schools.

If the GSA is granted club status, they will have daily access to all children attending the schools. In the meeting on Monday May 9^th they said they were a “support group” and that they did not support bullying in the schools.

Let’s take a look at what I found.

WEBSITE FACTS:

They call themselves an “activist group”. They want to “transform schools”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/what-we-do/transforming-schools

This is from Wikipedia and explains what contemporary activism is:

Activism consists of intentional action to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. Activism can take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, both sit-ins and hunger strikes.Some activists try to persuade people to change their behavior directly, rather than persuade governments to change laws. The cooperative movement seeks to build new institutions which conform to cooperative principles, and generally does not lobby or protest politically.

In what ways do they intend to “change your school, transform your school?”

Listed are: activities, books, more about their “activist group”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/posters-movies-and-more/recommended-books

(some of the listed books are the highly controversial books recently opposed locally)

Several books are recommended on the GSA website. This is just one example of the offerings this school club recommends to kids.

From the report, The Legal Liability Associated with Homosexuality Education in Public Schools: http://www.ccv.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Legal_Liability_of_Homosexuality_Education1.pdf

the novel Rainbow Boys, three 17-year-old boys explore their homosexual attractions. Frequent themes include obtaining pornographic magazines18 and movies19, as well as graphic descriptions of masturbation20. The book features a scene where one of the teen boys has anal intercourse without a condom with a 29-year-old man he has just met via the Internet.

One event listed on their website is the annual “Pride March”.

http://www.gsanetwork.org/pride

A quick Google search will bring up some pictures. They beg some questions:

“Where is the educational value of this school sponsored group?”

“Why does this group claim it is not at all about sex?”

“Why would a school sponsor a club that lists the parade as an event?”

“What about age appropriateness of school sponsored activities?”

Pictures of the Gay Pride parade:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=gay+pride+parade&cp=12&qe=Z2F5IHByaWRlIHBh&qesig=dZoGLo-3QfHRVs29FW83sQ&pkc=AFgZ2tnuZ6_vR3ppUGs5vQkx8RU4XemrUm7kSM_zBLQHZAKsjw647JlZ9GRGnMmjDvoIFDGJto66zij9aGlQKE3jYJ96DJsPBg&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1024&bih=604

What about health and liability issues related to a school sponsored group?

Also from the “legal liability” report with details in the report:

"Exposure to and experimentation with homosexual behavior carries serious risks that school officials should be aware of in order to protect students. There is concern that by allowing access by homosexual activist organizations, and by establishing policies that have the effect of normalizing homosexual behavior, schools may have become responsible for physical and emotional harm to the students entrusted to their care. In addition, because homosexual behavior has been proven to contribute to many harmful consequences for those who engage in it, school officials should be aware that it is possible that a legal liability exists for the tort of negligence if it is proven that homosexual activist organizations were granted access to students under the school’s responsibility and that students subsequently suffered physical or mental harm."

This, from page 7 of the report tells of mental health problems of homosexuals in countries openly accepting of homosexuality, debunking the notion that a support group is necessary:

"Again, most homosexual activists argue that such mental health problems are the result of societal nonacceptance and/or stigmatization of homosexual behavior. Such conclusions, however, are unlikely and still unproven in scientific circles, and schools should avoid basing policies on unestablished assumptions. In any case, studies like the referenced one conducted in the Netherlands was done in a culture that is very open and accepting of homosexuality. As if anticipating homosexual activists’ typical claim, the study notes that “the Dutch social climate toward homosexuality has long been and remains considerably more tolerant” 12 than in other countries. Yet the same mental health problems were found in homosexuals in that country as in homosexuals in the United States."

In my opinion, school is not the place to bring this debate. I feel this way for a couple of reasons, one of which is that people’s children attend schools, and families do not want their values undermined in their child’s school.

Waring Finke (the attorney representing the GSA) stated at the meeting the GSA desires to have all school assemblies, and they want the administration to shut down anyone who would speak against the homosexual lifestyle.

Is he asking that his group use the school district to re-educate our children? Could the GSA cause school districts to have legal action taken against them for neglecting to keep agenda based groups off school property and away from the children who are there for their education?

Should schools be sanctioning clubs that endorse illegal behavior and promote a lifestyle that holds such grave health risks? What is the liability of a school district that allows school sponsored sex clubs like the GSA? Some of the GSA’s activities are listed on the website and are clear examples of what they endorse.

This is said to be all about stopping bullying in the schools. The schools already have policies that do not allow bullying for any student. Ted Neitzke told the group at the meeting that there have been no complaints of bullying in either high school.

In my opinion it is the GSA group and their attorneys who are the bullies. They use schools to promote their agenda and gain momentum for their cause using our children. They are neither neutral, nor all inclusive. Anyone who speaks out in opposition to them or exposes the fact that many have left this lifestyle is quickly shot down by name calling.

Some parents may believe the Bible and Jesus’ statement about marriage between one man and one woman. Some states, i.e. Wisconsin, may disagree on the definition of marriage. How tolerant is the GSA to these points of view. What about them?

The GSA wants to “transform schools”. It appears they want to alter the values you may be teaching your child. Is this really just about a support group that wants to use the PA system in the West Bend high schools? Is there something more? When I saw what was offered on the GSA website and heard the attorney tell of the activities the group hoped to do in the school, I really began to wonder.

In my opinion, the school district did the right thing by not allowing them school sponsored status and keeping them as an after school, student-led club. It keeps the liability issue away from the district and it protects our kids from what appears to be an agenda based group at their school. Bravo, West Bend School Board. Stick to the curriculum. That is what we pay taxes for.

The school board appears to be the ones who care about kids and education.

Current clubs as found on the school district website:

Yearbook-East/West

 Music-Band, Choir,Orchestra

Co-Curricular board policy:

INSTRUCTION 370

OUTSIDE OF CLASS ACTIVITIES

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The School Board endorses a quality athletic and co-curricular program to serve the interests of all students. The District shall not discriminate in student participation in athletic programs or activities or facilities usage on the basis of sex, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures as described in Board Policy 411.

Co-Curricular: Non-Athletic Activities

Co-curricular activities are an integral part of the educational program and shall fit both the aims of the school and the needs and interests of students. Co-curricular activities shall be appropriate to the age group and in keeping with the general community standards. A co-curricular must have a written statement of purpose which identifies the activity as educational oriented and enhancing with school objectives. All school sponsored activities must be open to all students regardless of color, creed, sex, handicap, or national origin.

Students engaged in co-curricular activities must engage in such activities either on school premises or off, as long as proper safeguards are taken for the safely and educational relevance. The student activities may perform for outside organizations where admission fees are charged only if proceeds are used for charitable, educational, or civic purposes. Student activities earning team awards shall return those awards to the school. All school rules are applicable to all student participants.

The following show more activist ties:

http://candlelightcollective.wordpress.com/

Some examples of bullying by this group(which they say they oppose) include:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Safe-Space-for-Washington-County-Group/358103983550

Shaina Solidarity

West Bend GSA members:I have the "pleasure" of Dave Weigand attending my church and today I just couldnt help myself I HAD to..on the way out I walked past him and said "I know a good psychologist if YOU need one Dave"

New Superintendent of Schools

2011-05-13T14:34:00.001-07:00

Best wishes to Ted Neitzke, new superintendent of schools in West Bend.

First Meeting with New Board

2011-05-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Board of Education Meetings

May 9, 2011 - 7 p.m.
McLane Elementary School
833 Chestnut St.

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - Committee of the Whole
5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Board Instruction
6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. - Facilities

2001-12 West Bend School Board

2011-04-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

President- Randy Marquardt
Vice-President- Tim Stepanski
Clerk-Bart Williams
Treasurer- Rick Parks

Committees:
Curriculum and Instruction:
Chair-Tim Stepanski
Dave Weigand
Kris Beaver

Policy:
Chair-Dave Weigand
Randy Marquardt
Rick Parks

Finance:
Chair-Rick Parks
Bart Williams
Kris Beaver

Technology and Facilities:
Chair- Todd Miller
Randy Marquardt
Bart Williams

Stakeholders:
Chair- Tim Stepanski
Rick Parks
Bart Williams

Cesa Rep- Tim Stepanski

WASB delegate-Randy Marquardt

WB Public Schools Foundation-
Randy Marquardt
Rick Parks

CFAC-
Kris Beaver
Bart Williams

CFAC2-
Randy Marquardt

Negotiations-
Todd Miller
Dave Weigand
Randy Marquardt

New Board Leadership to be Chosen Tomorrow Morning

2011-04-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

April 30, 2011
9:30 a.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Board Reorganization
a. Election of Officers
b. Committee/Other Assignments
3. Adjourn into executive session pursuant to Wis.
Stats. 19.85(1)(c) to consider employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any
public employee over which the governmental body has
jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, and take any such
action, if necessary, based on its discussion namely:
administrative structure and transitions.

Surveys for 6-12 grades can be found here:

2011-04-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

http://wbsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?sessionid=d73bfa92247f3d2e942e4ef6a58c9bc4&pageid=226397&sessionid=129d0b2f7c917b9ce637bf8f1e139684

Sex and Drug survey for kids 11-18 years old

2011-04-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

How would you like your son or daughter to go to school and be asked:

During your life, with whom have you had
sexual contact?
A. I have never had sexual contact
B. Females
C. Males
D. Females and males

During the past 3 months, with how many
people did you have sexual intercourse?
A. I have never had sexual intercourse
B. I have had sexual intercourse, but not
during the past 3 months
C. 1 person
D. 2 people
E. 3 people
F. 4 people
G. 5 people
H. 6 or more people

If you attempted suicide during the past
12 months, did any attempt result in an
injury, poisoning, or overdose that had to be
treated by a doctor or nurse?
A. I did not attempt suicide during the
past 12 months
B. Yes
C. No

These questions are found on the upcoming survey sponsored by the West Bend School District, and your child will be filling it out unless you opt them out. The complete survey can be found at: http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sspw/pdf/yrbs09hsques.pdf
It has been updated for this year.

Parents received a letter this week informing them of the survey and advising them to fill out a form if they want to OPT OUT their child, and return the form to the school. No return envelope was provided. The date of the survey was not given. If a parent fails to return the form their child is automatically going to be a participant in this anonymous survey. The school district asks that all students take part in the survey.

I have a few questions myself.

1. If the district insists on asking such questions of our children, shouldn't the option be to OPT IN and not OPT OUT?
2. How many children will participate in this survey without parental knowledge?
3. Is this a good use of our tax dollars and class time?
4. What thoughts enter a child's mind when such questions are posed?
5. How can a parent decide if they want their child to participate when the survey was not included in the correspondence?

School contact information:
Badger Middle School 335-5455
Silverbrook Middle School 334-5500
East High 335-5530
West High 335-5570

Parents, please stay informed about what happens in your child's schools. Their future is at stake.

Feel free to contact the Board of Education with any questions or comments.

2009-2010 Members

Committees

President
Joe Carlson
jcarlson@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-1042
414-807-7287

Personnel / Finance
Stakeholder Communications

Vice President
Tim Stepanski
tstepanski@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-0775

Board Instruction
Stakeholder Communications

Clerk
Kris Beaver
kbeaver@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2602

Personnel/Finance
Board Instruction

Todd Miller
tmmiller@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2604

Technology/Facilities
Stakeholder Communications
CFAC2

Randy Marquardt
rmarquardt@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2601

Policy
Tehnology/Facilities

Dave Weigand
dweigand@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-2984

Board Instruction
Policy

Two newest members:

bwilliams@west-bend.k12.wi.us
rparks@west-bend.k12.wi.us

4K Possibility Still Alive

2010-07-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

Two of three members of the Board Instruction Committee gave the okay to Ted Neitzke to continue studying the possibility of adding 4K to the West Bend School District. Voicing strong objection to this added program, Dave Weigand recommended not pursuing it further.

The West Bend School District is looking to “partner “with local parochial schools, the YMCA daycare and other preschool providers for an offsite 4K program. It would not be fully funded until its third year.

Tim Stepanski questioned why the district would add a non-mandated program in the midst of “budget cuts”. Weigand echoed that thought, further stating that the district would likely use union teachers, which are part of the current budgetary problems we have today. Weigand cited the financial liabilities and legacy costs that come with hiring teachers from the teacher’s union. No one denied that the district would hire union teachers for 4K, even though it would not be necessary to due to 4K not being mandated by the state.

The lack of data showing the benefit of 4K to students future school years was one reason Weigand is opposed to adding this to the district‘s offerings. “The studies of the success of 4K are ambivalent”, stated Weigand.
Many studies have shown that by third grade, any advantage to being in 4K is lost.

Kris Beaver strongly supported the proposed program, stating that not all moms can prepare their kids for school. “There are moms who know how to teach kids and moms who don’t”. He went on to say that because his mom was a teacher, he had an advantage over other kids whose moms were not teachers.

Neitzke echoed that thought adding, "Eighty-five percent of parents in our district have a high school diploma." He compared that to the parents who have college degrees and said that there is an increase in vocabulary of kids from homes whose parents have a college degree.

That made me wonder how my two daughters succeeded. I have a some college credits and a one year diploma degree in nursing, but not a college degree. I home schooled my daughters through high school, and they scored higher than West Bend’s average on the ACT test. HMMMMM
It’s all about perspective and priorities. To me, a large vocabulary at age 4 or 5 is not as important as character, respect, a strong family environment, teaching my values to my young children, etc.

We are told that this program is optional, “We’re not encouraging anyone to do anything.” they say. But, they are forcing the tax payer to add another program which will increase taxes and cause parents to give up their responsibilities to the schools again.

Weigand asked, “where will it end?” Neitzke agreed. I agree too.

Post your comments regarding the move toward one high school in West Bend

2010-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Daily News article about the proposed charter school in West Bend

2010-07-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Charter school hearing sought Pastor of First Baptist Church seeks approval for K-12 school; it would be West Bend’s first By KRISTEN J. KUBISIAK Daily News Staff
The West Bend School District received an inquiry about opening what would be the district’s first charter school this week.

A certified letter was submitted to the district by Bruce Dunford, a West Bend resident and pastor of First Baptist Church. In the letter, Dunford requested a public hearing for approval to begin a K-12 charter school.

“Our intent is to begin this fall (if we get the approvals) with kindergarten and first grade with plans to expand to additional grades in a systematic manner,” Dunford said.
Charter schools are public, nonsectarian schools created through a contract between the operators and the sponsoring school board, according to the Department of Public Instruction.
The Wisconsin charter school law gives charter schools freedom from most state rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability for results.
The charter defines the missions and methods of the school and the chartering authority holds the school accountable to its charter.
“Our desire to start this school is based upon a long-held belief that families desire and deserve an option to the mandated government school monopoly that is presently in place,” Dunford said.
West Bend School District Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Ted Neitzke will be handling the charter school request. Neitzke said he had only just received Dunford’s letter on Wednesday and was still trying to contact him to discuss the details.
In Wisconsin, there are more than 200 charter schools.
“As school districts around the state go, we have a fine one in West Bend,” Dunford said. “But I think there are parents looking for an alternative that more closely reflects their values.”

Charter School proposed in West Bend

2010-06-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

A certified letter has been send to West Bend school district administration requesting a public hearing on the matter of a charter school in West Bend.

The plan at this point is to start this fall with K and 1^st grade. Future expansion to 6^th grade or possibly 8^th grade would continue next fall. According to Pastor Dunford of First Baptist Church, many parents have expressed a desire for them to begin a charter school.

The West Bend Board of Education needs to approve such a measure. Charter schools typically educate for less money, have smaller class sizes and results that compare favorably to or better than traditional public schools. There is strong potential for cost savings to the community by educating through charter schools.
This is a very exciting idea for West Bend!

More details later...............

COMMENTS FROM LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS AT TODAY'S BUSINESS FORUM

2010-06-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

The district administration is moving toward getting every child ready for college and the ACT test. They are in the process of changing curriculum to move toward that end. "College readiness" is frequently on the lips of our superintendent, Pat Herdrich. The district boasts about expanding curriculum and offering college credits through their courses. They talk about "career clusters" that students will take part in from middle school on up. All this is what makes the comments and concerns of local business leaders, as they spoke to top district administration and the two school board members in attendance(Weigand and Carlson), so compelling.
Local business leaders (see agenda in previous post for some of their names) encouraged the school administration to focus on teaching reading, writing, math skills and good communication skills. They also spoke of the importance of attitude and the ability to learn on the job skills needed in employment. Those who spoke were not as concerned with the job training of potential employees; they regarded strong basic skills in the above items as what they desire in their employees. Someone with good basic skills, they said, can be trained on the job.
One local business leader asked the school administration to restructure and fundamentally change the way we do education- to use technology and save on paid staff, something some school board members are trying to get implemented as well.
District administration was encouraged to "not cut off your fingers and toes", but be purposeful in making budget reductions and controlling costs. "Just remove the accessories". Private businesses are downsizing and because of that are bouncing back, the district should do the same. Government money available to schools is not likely going to increase. We need to use what we have wisely and not ask for more. One person also mentioned that the community does not want an operating referendum, and asked the administration to forgo asking for one. Some concern was expressed about kids making career choices in middle school (thus the career clusters), which will determine which courses they will take in middle and high school, due to kids just not knowing what they will want to do as adults.
These are refreshing comments from local businesses. We seem to have some good business sense in the local businessmen who spoke. I hope the administration and board members were listening. These comments seem to suggest the administration needs to simplify and stay with the basics. They want to see students coming out of high school with strong fundamentals. If the students have those, they will be on the right path to success in whatever path they take after high school.

Business Forum misnamed.....................

2010-06-26T08:05:00.000-07:00

When this was first proposed I was under the impression that local businesses would be letting government officials know how they feel about local government and the local government run schools. I thought it a good thing that the voices of local business would have a platform and that local government and school administration would listen to what they have to say. Now, looking at the agenda I can see that this is not the case. It will be your typical, "government bureaucrats taking the floor and telling the community how to run their businesses and what agenda to follow". Just take a look at the agenda, who is speaking, and how long they have the floor. I think you'll come to the same conclusion.
It is really too bad. I had hopes this meeting would have a more beneficial purpose.

The closing statement is very telling:
"this effort at creating a shared vision for this District and City Governments to begin working together in a closer partnership."

Business Forum Agenda (three hour meeting)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

Introductions - (10 minutes - Kevin Steiner).
8 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.

West Bend School District: Strategic Vision / 21st Century Skills (20 minutes - Joe Carlson,
Dr. Herdrich and Ted Neitzke)
8:10 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

EDC (20 minutes- Charlie Hillman and John Torinus)
8:30 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.

Focused Discussion - (20 minutes - led by Joe Carlson, Dr. Herdrich and Ted Neitzke)
(9:10 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.)

· Describe the skills needed to ensure college readiness and career success in a global economy.

· List the innovations needed in our K-12 Strategic Plan.

· List funding options for the vision and proposed innovations.

· Describe how the stakeholders can collaborate for West Bend.

Round-table discussion - (20 minutes)
(9:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.)
School board members, school district employees, University of Wisconsin - Washington County, Moraine Park Technical College, business owners and Village of Jackson.

City of West Bend Vision (15 minutes - Mayor Deiss, John Capelle, Dennis Melvin)
(9:50 a.m. - 10:05 a.m.)

Business Vision for the City Business Climate Discussion- (15 minutes - Economic Development Committee/Chamber of Commerce)
(10:05 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.)

Round-Table Discussion on Future and Potential for West Bend- (30 minutes)
EDC, City Council, City Leaders, Business Owners and Village of Jackson.
(10:20 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.)

Wrap Up (10 minutes - 10:50 - Joe Carlson, Mayor Deiss and Dr. Herdrich)
(10:50 a.m. - 11 a.m.)
Wrap up to determine future follow up and possible meeting to regroup in the future to continue this effort at creating a shared vision for this District and City Governments to begin working together in a closer partnership.

Keep Two High Schools or Change to One High School?

2010-06-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

It is increasingly apparent that the district administration is moving in the direction of changing to one high school. As community members, everyone needs to let the Board members know how they feel about the change. The Board will be voting this fall on this proposal.
There are some very serious considerations they need to think about.
1. No one knows if the district will lose students to open enrollment due to the West Bend having the largest high school in the state if we make the change.
2. No one knows if the proposed savings will really pan out.
3. The administration refuses to consider reducing the number of high school principals unless the change is made from two high schools to one. WHY? Just because it has been tried before does not mean that intelligent, well paid people can't make it work. Such a move will save the district well over $100,000.00 a year while retaining the two high schools.
Please let these men know how you feel:

2009-2010 Members

Committees

President
Joe Carlson
jcarlson@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-1042
414-807-7287

Personnel / Finance
Stakeholder Communications

Vice President
Tim Stepanski
tstepanski@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-0775

Board Instruction
Stakeholder Communications

Clerk
Kris Beaver
kbeaver@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2602

Personnel/Finance
Board Instruction

Treasurer
Bruce Koenig
bkoenig@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-335-2408

Personnel/Finance
Technology/Facilities
Policy

Todd Miller
tmmiller@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2604

Technology/Facilities
Stakeholder Communications
CFAC2

Randy Marquardt
rmarquardt@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-306-2601

Policy
Tehnology/Facilities

Dave Weigand
dweigand@west-bend.k12.wi.us
262-334-2984

Board Instruction
Policy

In the Spirit of More Transparency

2010-06-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

A monthly budget report will now be published and available online. Tim Stepanski suggested that this new budget report be made available on the district's website. Be sure to look for it and check it out.

My only question is how detailed it will be. Will it give enough detail for anyone to know exactly where the money is being spent? Time will tell.

Updates on Athletic Handbook

2010-06-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Jeff Rondorf, East athletic director, and Scott Stier, West athletic director, presented to the board of education some good changes to the athletic handbook. Among the proposed changes is a change regarding the penalty of an athlete who is at a party with underage drinking. Any student, whether consuming illegal substances or not, will receive the same penalty, which is a two week suspension from play. Previously, if a student was at an event with alcohol being served to those underage, but was not himself drinking, his penalty was less severe. Now, the handbook will reflect the standard that simply being at a party with alcohol is in violation of the athletic code.

The board gave Rondorf and Stier some input about academic expectations for athletes. The board has asked them to make a change in the handbook regarding grades and GPA for athletes. Currently, the West Bend School District's policy is one failing grade requires a two week suspension from play. The student must verify that his grades are passing in every class before returning to play. The board would like to see the policy also reflect a minimum GPA of 2.0, which would make the policy state that a failing grade OR a GPA of less than 2.0 requires a two week play suspension. Interestingly, the W.I.A.A. policy allows for one failing grade and does not suspend players for one failing grade, but two.
The board is expected to discuss this further on July 19th and possibly act that same evening.

One High School Plan-Monday June 21 meetings

2010-06-20T05:26:00.000-07:00

While the school board has not approved the one high school plan, the district administration is already moving forward on its implementation.
The Stakeholder Communications Committee meeting has on its agenda, "Discussion of Communication Plan around one-high School".
That meeting will be held:
4:30 – 5:30 pm
West High School – Room V15
1305 E. Decorah Road

Public input will be allowed at the Regular Board Meeting that follows: (Stakeholder Communicati0ns is on the agenda which allows for public input on the topic)

Regular Board of Education Meeting
West High School - Library
1305 E. Decorah Road
6:15 p.m.

BOARD WORK SESSION FOLLOWS THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING. ONE HIGH SCHOOL IS THE TOPIC. THOSE INTERESTED IN THIS SHOULD ATTEND.

Administration wants new program: 4-year-old Kindergarten

2010-06-15T19:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.bootsandsabers.com/index.php/weblog/permalink/west_bend_schools_move_forward_with_4k/

BOARD MEETING MONDAY JUNE 14, 2010

2010-06-13T17:29:00.001-07:00

ESC 735 S. Main St.
The regular board meeting begins at 6:15pm.
Committee meetings:
Board Instruction and Facilities-4:30 and Finance-5:30
A Work Session is scheduled to begin at 7:22. Probably about the budget. Try and be there!

School Board meeting regarding combining the high schools

2010-06-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

Monday June 21st is the date the school board will be discussing combining the high schools. It seems to me that the superintendent already sees this as a done deal.
The public needs to be there letting their elected officials know how they feel about combining the two schools into one. If this goes through, West Bend will have one of the largest high schools in the state.
Everyone has a price, but the projected savings of combining the schools is minimal, and the benefits to students none (that I can think of).
The projected savings the first year is $205,660 and subsequent years savings are projected to be $382,910(from a budget that exceeds $70 million) The projected savings will come from having one less principal and reductions in coaches and staffing events. One athletic director will be called an activity director, but the salary is the same.
We also do not know the impact of open enrollment if families decide to try and get into a nearby district with a smaller high school.
As I think about this I am considering:
1. How many kids will not make sport teams because of stiffer competition. High school is a time when many kids engage in sporting activities for their local school. It will probably impact the number of kids who make the team.I see less kids having the opportunity to participate at a meaningful level.
2. Will we end up losing money in the deal? No none knows. If more kids move to a different school district for high school, this could be a net loss.
3. Is it worth changing the way we structure our schools? Everyone has a price? It is worth it for a "savings" that could end up costing?
4. Impact for the kids in other areas. I hope kids and parents come out and share their thoughts.
I look forward to more discussion from the community on this.

Business Forum June 29th

2010-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

The date of the invite-only Business Forum has been changed from June 15th(see previous post regarding this) to June 29th. It will be held at West Bend Mutual Insurance and will include large and small business owners, community leaders, the Economic Development Committee, Chamber of Commerce, West Bend Public Schools, the University of Washington County, Moraine Park Technical College, City of West Bend and Village of Jackson government officials.

This event will provide opportunities to share a wide range of perspectives and information for future planning in education, business and government.

Packet with One High School Model Information

2010-05-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BwEO1hZbQgU7Yjk0MTRmMTMtNzI2My00Yzk2LTg0N2MtYzAzMzkzM2ZhOTVm&hl=en

The information regarding the one high school proposal begins on page 33. The 4K proposal begins on page 50.

MORE PROGRAMMING GROWTH REQUESTED BY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

2010-05-25T06:48:00.000-07:00

A few items on the agenda from last night's meeting (Monday May 24, 2010):
1. Four-Year Old Kindergarten
Administration would like to move forward to design and develop this new program. If adopted it will mean additional classroom space of 12-13 classes and more staff. It will not be fully funded the first two years, but a very small amount grant money may be available for some start-up costs.
It is not difficult to find studies showing that any benefit a child receives from 4K is lost by 3rd grade. Studies also show that a child who has been in 4K tends to exhibit more physical aggression through 6th grade.
http://nche.hslda.org/CAP/Why_Government_Should_Stay_Out_of_PreK.pdf

http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000000/00000028.asp?PrinterFriendly=True

article on all day kindergarten:
http://www.ednews.org/articles/all-day-kindergarten-failing-as-education-reform.html

http://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/article/1969

The was not discussed at the meeting due to lack of time, but it will be discussed in June. Stay tuned.......

2. Technology and Engineering Courses
Administration would like to, “ Restructure and expand the work-based learning experiences in technology and engineering education into a Technology and Engineering Internship.” The Civil Engineering and Architecture classes will be new this fall. Once implemented, these courses would give students 9-12 college credits.
Some teacher training will take place during the school year and substitute teachers will need to be used in classrooms on those training days.
Two comments that are memorable were: Ted Neitzke, “If we can afford it.” (referring to some of the changes), and Pat Herdrich, “We are the most aggressive district around. We offer more classes than any other high school.”

AND RESTRUCTURING:

1. One High School Model
The administration states, “As a result of the funding dilemma, the leadership team has suggested to the Board of Education that the high schools be combined. The 'one school' model would allow the system to capture sustainable savings because of the reduction in athletic teams.” A business plan was developed by administration. I will post it shortly.
This will be the topic of the June 21st board meeting.

Business Forum June 15th

2010-05-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Several local businesses and local government agencies will gather together for a Business Forum at West Bend Mutual on June 15th. Among those there to discuss planning for the future of West Bend will be the mayor and the school district. Local businesses will be expressing their ideas about their expectations of public school offerings. For their part, the West Bend Public School District will be bringing their "Simon Family Presentation".
Found on their website: http://wbsd.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/496946/File/The%20Budget%20and%20Future%20of%20WBSD%20%5BCompatibility%20Mode%5D.pdf?sessionid=ea11d9a25eac85842291e4b115cb3f3d
This is the presentation Ted Neitzke showed at the School Board meeting on March 22nd. The PowerPoint highlighted a scenario of a "typical district family" going through the district and the educational programming changing over time. Basically, it shows different school programming scenarios according to the amount we will be taxed next year--recommended cuts or added programs according to the amount of increase in the tax levy or the remote possibility of the levy not increasing. The scenarios presented are according to the Administrator's budget recommendations and wishes.
Since the "Simon family" has been introduced to us, there have been some new developments in their family. Mr. Simon lost his job. Combined reporting has caused his business to move out of state. He will be busy trying to find new employment (He's hoping for a government job and heard that the school district is the largest employer in the county), while Mrs. Simon will be taking a retail job for minimum wage. Her financial contribution will help keep up with their mortgage and property taxes. She is busy working evenings and weekends now and is not at home when Alex, age 10, comes home from school. She is also unavailable to help with his scout troop and homework. Mr. Simon hopes to step in where mom is no longer able to. They are concerned about more tax increases and its effect on their already strained budget. Jon is planning on finding yard work this summer to help pay for his car insurance (he just got his driver's license), while Megan was offered a weekly Booster route to help with personal expenses. The experience is causing her to mature in a wonderful way. They are learning all about family living while living real life together. They collectively hope that both local and state government will stop the tax burdens and unfriendly business climate so that they can once again function as a healthy, vibrant family.
Stay tuned................

What is the Role of Public Schools?

2010-05-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

McLane Elementary Principal Andy Kasik gave a presentation at last night's meeting. It was sort of a “state of the state” for McLane.
Mr. Kasik really seems to be a sharp guy. Over and over I heard him state or imply that McLane has high expectations for their students, and it shows. Their WKCE scores are the highest in the district. If a 1% decrease in test scores shows one year, they focus on that subject the next, whether it be math or reading. He said strong classroom instruction is what works. Period. McLane also uses technology to help struggling students and challenge more advanced learners to excel.
When kids need it, they are offered “second and third doses” of math or reading, which is done using manipulatives and technology. He understands that the means of education is changing and likened it to current technology advancing beyond the use of steam engines.
I was happy to hear him mention their use of technology in the classroom. It will be the future, especially in tough economic times when staff needs to be cut or reorganized to decrease tax burdens of citizens.
Mr. Kasik told of community projects the kids worked in, and he mentioned how they are working to increase communication with parents. I have no doubt that if his school budget was cut in order to budget without a tax levy increase, he and his staff could do it.
I'll end with this. He began his presentation with the comment that “30% of McLane students are eligible for free or reduced lunch. He went on to say that the staff at McLane needs to be certain that “all the needs of students are met; that the social and emotional needs are met by the school staff. Later he asked the question, “How do we meet families' needs?”
I wonder if that is a good question. I sometimes ponder that. Yes, some kids come to school with unmet needs. That is sad for the kids and for the parents. I understand that teachers love their students and want to “be sure their needs are met”. Some may think me hardhearted for saying this, but I'll say it anyway. The calling of a school district is not to “meet all the needs of students and families”. Schools are there to provide curriculum and instruction to students and share that responsibility with the parents and guardians. (WI statute 118) When schools begin to parent, more and more parents allow them to be the parents ,and they themselves refuse to do what is expected from them. That is stated as a general rule, and if we look back just a few years we can see that trend. Government becomes the family and provider, and many allow them to do it.
Just as high expectations for students is a way to see them succeed, so it is with parents. Our schools should have high expectations for the parents. Once we get that on the right track, our school budget will get on track too. It takes a new way of thinking. Schools are there to educate, and parents are there to parent. Period.

Preliminary Budget Advances

2010-05-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

By a board vote of 6-1, the West Bend School District Superintendent's Preliminary Budget for 2010-2011 passed. Dave Weigand was the lone No vote. The budget, which grew to $79,348,067 from last year's budget of $73,000,000.00, passed with budget "reductions" of 1,420,792.00 to make the current preliminary budget $77,927,275.00. This budget presupposes a maximum levy tax increase of over 8% (wasn't last year's levy increase 10.3%?)

Due to the late hour, I'll close with comments from board members and the Superintendent:

Joe Carlson: This budget is a sheared sacrifice of a budget.
Randy Marquardt: The teacher's contract took away any discussion from the board's hands. The $600,000.00 of cuts had to be put back into the budget. Because teachers salaries make up 85% of the budget it is the only place we can cut, and the union took that away.
Dave Weigand: Basically we are told if we don't spend money we won't have it later. This mentality is epidemic in school districts across the state.
Todd Miller: [Teacher] negotiations are tough. (From me: I don't doubt they are!)
Pat Herdrich: The leadership team will not make the recommendation to under-levy.
We are a low spending district (that was stated several times as well as comments about state funding favoring the most affluent communities)

Mrs. Herdrich also mentioned wanting to get waivers from the state to allow the district to opt out of unfunded mandates. That confused me because she is always saying she wants to increase programming.

I give accolades to Mclane principal Andy Kasik. He leads his staff in high expectations for the students there. More on that tomorrow.

Election of Officers

2010-05-10T20:47:00.000-07:00

Board President: Joe Carlson by a 5-2 vote. Dave Weigand and Randy Marquardt voted against the appointment. The other appointments were unanimous.
Vice President: Tim Stepanski
Treasurer: Bruce Koenig
Clerk: Kris Beaver
Weigand motioned and Marquardt seconded motion of Tim Stepanski for President, but Stepanski refused to accept.

Proposed Housing Project

2010-05-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

In Saturday's paper Judy Steffes wrote about a proposed new low-income housing project downtown West Bend. A survey has been set up by the district's alderman and Boots and Sabers posted on it. I'll add a link here to access all.
Besides the concerns expressed there, the future of this proposition will have an impact on our schools. It's time to be good citizens and look out for the best interest of our community.

http://www.bootsandsabers.com/index.php/weblog/permalink/opposition_to_proposed_west_bend_development/

REMINDER OF MONDAY'S MEETING

2010-05-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Preliminary Budget is on the agenda for Monday's meeting (May 10) at McLane Elementary School (833 Chestnut St). It will be a topic in two meetings:
Board Work Session in Room 101 from 5-6:15pm and
Regular Board meeting at 7Pm in the gymnasium.
Now is the time for folks to come to the meetings and express themselves. It was good to see so many local folks come to the annual meeting last fall and express their concerns over another tax increase.
The budget for this fall
will be discussed and you can have input now about what will be voted on this September 27th at the annual meeting.
The proposed budget will not be available to the public until Monday at the meeting.
I really do wonder about something. Why is there only 15 minutes on the agenda for the budget discussion, 3 minutes for public input and 35 minutes for student recognitions?
The budget discussion is scheduled for 9:10 pm.
Hope to see you there!

IS NOW THE TIME TO INCREASE COST AND PROGRAMMING?

2010-05-05T14:49:00.000-07:00

FROM THE DISTRICT'S WEBSITE UNDER BUDGET PRESENTATION RESOURCES:
Budget Enhancement:
K-6 World Language $550,000.00

Increased focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
through the development of courses 6-12 $259,000.00

Restore Gifted and Talented Programing K-8
(my note: Unless I am mistaken, Gifted and Talented is required by law. HOW it is done is at the district's discretion. So I wonder at the word "restore".) $242,640.00

Increase Librarians at the Elementary Level $285,000.00

ACT Curricular Alignment and Testing $83,000.00

Intervention Strategies for Elementary and Middle School math (double session of learning) $708,000.00
(my question: Does this mean hiring more teachers?)

Instructional software for research based interventions (20% intervention need)
$90,000.00

This would mean:
Tax at allowable rate
Projected to be an 8.3% increase
(assuming the state funding is the same)
Alternative revenue sources which could include an operating referendum
Reverse the trend of reductions and begin to look to sustain and enhance

TEACHERS ACCEPT AGREEMENT

2010-05-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Of course they accepted.

The agreement's provisions are in the previous post.

http://activepaper.olivesoftware.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=V0JETi8yMDEwLzA1LzA1I0FyMDAxMDY=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

WEST BEND SCHOOL DISTRICT TENTATIVE AGREEMENT SUMMARY

2010-05-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

1.Two year contract covering the period of July 1, 2009 – June 30, 2011
2.Any and all savings achieved as a result of this contract settlement shall be used to offset programmatic reductions in 2010-11. Any and all savings achieved as a result of this contract settlement shall not be used to under-levy 2010-11.
COMPENSATION:
3.Provide salary schedule step and lane increments in each year, and increase salary schedule by 0%/cell effective July 1, 2009 and 3%/cell effective July1, 2010.
4.Effective July 1, 2010, delete one (1) full step from 2010-2011 salary schedule.
(My note: this brings a B.A. Teacher's starting salary from $36,338 to $37,920)
5.Effective July 1, 2010, increase the NBPTS(National Board Professional Teaching Standards) stipend by one thousand dollars ($1,000) to twenty-five hundred dollars ($2,500).
6.Effective July 1, 2010 award six (6) credits for salary schedule movement to an employee who completes a guided PDP for relicensure under pilot MOU for 2010-11-Appendix M
7.Effective September 1, 2010, credits taken at University of Laverne or McPherson College will need to be preapproved under a pilot for 2010-11-Appendix M
BENEFITS:
8.Effective July 1, 2010, increase the employee contribution to the family health plan by ten dollars ($10) to establish the new rate at sixty dollars ($60) per month.
LANGUAGE:
9.Expand language on interschool mail to include electronic mail boxes. Add language that acknowledges the District Technology Use Policy and expectations that staff abide by this policy.
10.Expand language related to EEO protected classes to include all classes protected by federal and state law.
CALENDAR:
11.Create two (2) one-half (½) teacher workdays out of student-contact days. These
days will be March 25, 2011 and June 9, 2011. These days are accomplished by
restructuring the minutes of the student day and do not extend the school year.

YOGA IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL

2010-05-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

I just wonder why a public school would incorporate Yoga into an activity held at school. Yoga is deeply rooted in Hinduism-isn't that a religion? Who authorized this? What does this have to do with public education? What were the parents told about the Yoga (and drumming?)? This was many of the girls' FIRST YOGA EXPERIENCE! The schools have engaged in proselytizing, using our kids as the prize. Publication:APD - West Bend Daily News;	Date:May 1, 2010;	Section:Front Page;	Page Number:A1

‘Girls-4-Girls’ focuses on reducing bullying Silverbrook seventh-graders spend a night together By KRISTEN J. KUBISIAK Daily News Staff

School is the last place most middle school students would like to spend a Friday night — but for Silverbrook seventh grade girls it was a great location for a celebration.

About 60 seventh-grade girls gathered in the school cafeteria Friday night for the fourth “Girls-4-Girls” event.

The “lock-in” is the culmination of a five-week program focused on breaking down clique barriers and reducing the incidents of bullying among girls, said program organizer and school counselor Sue Milkus.

“Bullying for girls is different than with boys,” Milkus said. “Girls are in many ways more subtle and more mean. They are cunning in regard to how they can hurt another girl — by gossiping and spreading rumors. We all have that capacity — to deal with our own insecurities by throwing them outside of ourselves.”

Each hourlong session during the program’s fiveweek period gave girls a chance to get to know one another and discuss the issues in their lives. Topics included self image, the difference between being popular and being likable, and character development as well as ways to turn intense negative emotions — such as jealousy, anger, fear and insecurity — into something positive, Milkus said.

One of the positive activities Milkus introduced to program participants was volunteering.

Girls were required to complete two hours of community service at school, Milkus said, “so they know how good it feels to make a difference or help someone else.”

The big reward for their participation in the “Girls-4-Girls” program was the lockin.

Program participants were treated to a variety of activities during the fourhour event, including drumming, yoga, massage and manicures, T-shirt decorating and bracelet making. Girls were divided into groups of four to six, with one adult volunteer assigned to each group.

They rotated through the different activities, which took place in classrooms and were offered in 20-minute sessions.

Kathy Nieman of Yoga One Studio, Cedarburg, led girls through — what was for many — their first yoga experience.

“The purpose of teen yoga is to help the girls feel more empowered,” Nieman said. “Yoga brings a calmness to your body and your mind.”

One of the girls at the event looking forward to participating in yoga was Kaitlin Weidner.

Weidner said the “Girls-4-Girls” program enabled her to get to know her classmates better.

“There were girls I didn’t know who I found out we had things in common,” she said. “We are friends now.”

West Bend East sophomore Kate Vetter, who participated in the program when she was in seventh grade, was one of several Silverbrook alumni volunteers at the school Friday providing manicures.

“I remember my ‘Girls-4-Girls’ lock-in,” she said. “It was the first year the school offered it and it was a lot of fun.”

In year four of her program, Milkus said she hopes it is something that other schools might embrace.

“We don’t have a lot of bullying here,” she said. “I’d like to think that the program has had a positive affect on the school climate.”

Andrew Link/Daily News Staff Seventh-graders Allie Schoen, Danielle Bond and Cassie Albritton make their own beat during a drumming session at the Girls-4-Girls event Friday at Silverbrook Middle School.