School Board needs to communicate

It looks like the New Richmond School Board is perplexed on how to respond to information on the blogs.  Blogs are fast and react quickly to newsworthy events.  They truly become the voice of the people and can turn a wannabe reporter into a reporter, editor, and publisher all in one on his own internet blog.  

The problem is that blogs becomes self-edited by the originator.  Information floats out there in cyberspace and the information is either not checked or could be false.  The speed and volume of the information makes it doubly difficult for the school board to react to allegedly false information.

The New Richmond Board wants to act in unison with one voice.  A case in point was Bill Brennan’s letter some weeks ago criticizing the board’s handling of the school superintendent and a construction contract.   It took the board several weeks to answer his charges by discussing it in a regular meeting, and then the letter was signed “New Richmond School Board.”  The implication is that the response was a unanimous decision instead of the five to two vote.  

The board has to get over the idea that it must act in unison.  The Supreme Court lays down the law of the land in five to four split decisions with minority reports written by the dissenters.  The same goes for legislators who make law by spirited debate and split votes.

The board feels it must make a response by preparing a letter by committee and duly voting upon it in open session.  It’s time some leadership is shown and individual members came forward and respond to letters-to-the-editor and blog information immediately.  There is no reason board members can not show their leadership ability and carry meeting debate into the news media.

Then there are closed sessions.  The multiplicity of closed sessions removes the public even further from debates on the issues.  How does the public evaluate individual members’ performance?  Are their arguments logical?  Do they understand the issues?

Take land acquisition: the only argument I’ve heard for going into closed session is to prevent competitors from outbidding.  The public needs to know about location, the pros and cons of its desirability compared to other options, and price.  Any board member who thinks the owner is not looking into fair market value is not thinking.  When a referendum fails, the board is perplexed that the public didn’t get the necessary information to vote for it.  Well duhh.

The New Richmond School Board has the resources to put out information in a timely fashion through the school website.  The October 17th meeting minutes were published a month later in the News.  By then it’s old news.   It could have been published several days after the meeting on the school website.

The problem is that meeting minutes have to be approved by the board which is done at their next regular meeting, then satisfy the News’ deadline.  Why not publish a draft on the website with a disclaimer that it is not official.  The official newspaper version can be published later.   If there is a will, there is a way.  One thing about the unofficial meeting minutes is that the superfluous stuff can be left out.  Who cares who voted to approve the agenda, approve the previous minutes, approve the hiring of teachers, or voted to go into executive session—give highlights only.  

On second thought, the public would be more inclined to read the unofficial minutes if they were printed in the newspaper.  

Bill Brennan’s letters did more to flush out debate by school board members than could possibly be spread by five or six persons in the audience during the board’s regular meetings.  Lester Jones or other board member could easily publish a rejoinder disputing any inaccurate or controversial information that gets into print or on the blog.  We all know that one board member does not represent the official position of the school board as a whole.

The school board had better improve its communications ability and reduce closed sessions before any future referendums or face another defeat.  

Sincerely,


Bob Ziller, 1231 172nd Ave., New Richmond, 715-246-6237,  051224                            

Teacher's Union afraid of voters

New president wants to kill TABOR before it reaches referendum
MADISON – Kill the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) before the voters have a chance to vote on it.Because the voters want it. If it gets to them, it’s going to become law. So stop it before anyone has a chance to vote. That’s official policy of AFT-Wisconsin (the American Federation of Teachers), now that their new president, Andy Gussert, has taken over. In an interview with WisPolitics, Gussert was asked whether he and other TABOR opponents will be able to “kill it in the state Senate.”Gussert’s answer: “I hope so. … We want to kill it legislatively.”“It’s obvious why spending interests would want to kill TABOR before it gets to the voters,” said Rep. Frank Lasee (R-Bellevue), author of TABOR. “Poll after poll shows large majorities of Wisconsin voters favor constitutional limits on taxes and spending. If TABOR gets to the voters, it will pass. It will become law.”“They’re afraid of that,” Lasee said. “Afraid their gravy train might stop.”In the interview, Gussert also suggested that, once educated on TABOR, people won’t support it.“If that’s the case, why not just let it get to referendum?” Lasee asked. “Why not let the people vote it down?”“Because they know the people won’t vote it down, because they’re wrong about TABOR,” Lasee said.Lasee pointed out Gussert’s statement that “It’s bad for economic development. It’s bad for business.”“Colorado’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the nation,” Lasee said. “In every measure: population, personal income, gross state product, new business startups, job creation. Colorado is a leader. Their economy has taken off since their voters passed TABOR into law.”“Andy either doesn’t know the facts, or he does, and knows he has to lie about them,” Lasee said. “But this much is clear: AFT and other government unions don’t want to give voters the chance to limit how much taxes and government spending grow. They want a government without limits.”

Single Sex Schools

This just into my computer from Scott Jensen, 98th district state assemblyman.  It’s school related and is evidence that our legislators are beginning to get involved in educational improvements.

National Attention for Single Sex Schools and Classes
I'm pleased to report that my bill to give public school districts the option of offering single sex schools and classes is not only moving through the State Legislature, it is also garnering national attention.
On Monday, November 28th, CBS News interviewed me about my single sex schools and classes bill, and the story ran three days later on CBS's The Early Show. The following day a member of the Florida legislature who had seen my interview contacted my office and asked if he could use my bill as the model for a similar bill to be introduced in Florida.
Not only is this idea attracting attention nationally, research on the topic continues to demonstrate that single sex schools and classes benefit both boys and girls. In September, 2005, the United States Department of Education Issued a 128 page report entitled "Single-Sex Versus Coeducational Schooling: A Systematic Review." Although it's written in "government speak," the report states that "the preponderance of studies in areas such as academic accomplishment (both concurrent and long term) and adaptation or socioemotonal development (both concurrent and long term) yields results lending support to single sex schooling."
Translation: an independent review by scientists in the federal government of 88 research studies on single sex schools and classes finds they can provide short and long term benefits for both genders.
I will keep you updated as this innovative bill continues its journey through the legislature.
  

The Masked Marvel strikes

The morning after the New Richmond Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) had its meeting on November 29th, the Masked Marvel, a.k.a NR Resident critiqued the meeting on his/her post. MM made this comment:
"The “facilitator” was in rare form last night as well. Scott Needham, former School Board member, threatened to go home and quit the group if members raised questions about the lack of diversity of opinion in the make up of the group and the legitimacy of its work. What an impressive display of leadership. But we probably see kids on the playground do the same thing by threaten to take their marbles home too."
I was the one raising the concern of an unknown agenda at the meeting after my radar had been increased in power by several sharp posters on this blog discussing groupthink. I listed several concerns about the possibility of the committee being driven by unknown members or outside persons. My concerns were: 1) the selection of the chairman by the school board prior to the first meeting, 2) meeting agendas generated by unknown persons, and 3) packets of information appearing prior to the meeting. Did I have any proof? No, but I thought it best to bring it up to counter any future charges of credibility and bias. I also said that had the committee choosen the chairman, I would have been the first to nominate Scott.
Scott Needham, in a slightly heated response to my concerns, said that if he finds a hidden agenda, he would quit. I agree 100 percent with him as I would too. I am sure he felt that, as chairman, his credibility by implication was being questioned. He also apologized later if his comments were perceived as heated. At no time did I take offense at his remarks. I certainly would not characterize his remarks as that of a school boy picking up his marbles and going home.
At no time have I felt I couldn't speak my mind. I have several agendas of my own; year-round school to raise building utilization to a more efficient 100 percent being one. Everyone has an agenda on this blog as well as the LRPC. At this time all ideas are on the table. No debate has been cut off, no one has been ridiculed and time is always available so everyone could express an opinion. Many times during the meeting, Scott asked if there should be further discussion. After the proverbial pregnant pause, he went on to the next topic.
I would suggest that the Masked Marvel come to the next LRPC meeting to be held in the NR high school media center, Wednesday, December 14th, at 7:00pm. Find out first hand--it's an open meeting.
P.S. I criticized the quality of the New Richmond city water going into the Middle school at the last meeting in response to complaints of rusty water. Mayor Schnitzler was two seats away.
Also published on the ontheborderline.net
051207

Atty Gen'l slaps hand of NR school board

Responding to a complaint to the Wisconsin Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General Alan Lee slapped the hand of the New Richmond School Board in its reason for going into closed sessions.  Lee found that the Board did not comport to the requirements of section 19.85(1) [closed meeting law].  

Lee said that the board’s notice of subjects to be considered in closed session should be as specific as possible without compromising the reason for the closed session.  The board should also cite the specific subsection of the statute that permits meetings in closed session.

Lester Jones, Board President, assured me that in the future, topics for discussion in closed session will be publicized in a more detailed and specific manner and that these topics will be linked to specific exceptions to the open meetings law.

In an earlier posted I chastised Jones for either lying or getting faulty information from the board’s legal counsel.  The word lying is a little strong and for that I apologize.  In a discussion with him, I believe he checked with the board’s attorney and that his advice conflicts with the Attorney General.          

Year-round school revisited

During the DO group meeting I made a proposal for year-round elementary schools and how this would postpone building a new elementary school for 10 years.  

Here is the justification.  I invite comments, both pro and con on this approach.  The year-round school is based on the model used in the Wake County Unified School System (Raleigh NC) which has a four track system.  Students get 180 days of instruction and attend one of four tracks with 45 days of instruction and 15 days vacation and common days off for week-ends, Christmas, and Easter time. Students are picked by lottery and assigned one of the four tracks.  Siblings are assigned to the same track for transportation reasons.  Teachers (some with 20 years experience) volunteered for the school and enjoy the schedule.

Here’s how it would work in New Richmond.  

Assumptions:
ATS&R Architects building capacity for the two schools
Ten classrooms completed at East elementary
Reinhardt Report worst case student population for 2015 at 1652

Total current enrollment capacity of the two schools is 1072
With 10 classrooms added to East Elementary capacity becomes 1072 + 10 x 23 = 1302.

Opening the doors for year-round schooling, capacity becomes,

(1302 x 4)/3 = 1736

This calculation is derived by dividing the ATS&R capacity of 1302 by 3 to establish a single track size representative of one of the four tracks.  Multiplying by 4 gives the total possible enrollment for year-round school of 1736.  

Using the Reinhardt projections for 2015 of 1652, we find that in the year 2015, the elementary buildings could handle 84 additional students.  

Somewhere around the year 2013, if the Reinhardt projections become reality, the third elementary school should be built.

As I said earlier, I invite comments and this includes criticism.         051205    


  

Groupthink Revisited

At the Sunday night (Dec 4th) meeting of the DO group, a pledge was requested of those present to refrain from negative comments outside the meeting and keep all discussion, both positive and negative, within the scheduled meetings.  

I stated that I would not make such a pledge. My reason (not discussed in the meeting) is that it violated three out of eight rules of Groupthink.  Groupthink is a mode of thinking which arises when concurrence-seeking behavior in a cohesive group becomes so dominant that it tends to override realistic appraisal of alternative approaches.  This is described in an earlier post.

The three violations in this request are: 1) self-censorship, 2) direct pressure on dissenters, and 3) self-appointed mind-guards.

In the group discussions following in Fast Freddie’s, a person, who had attended hundreds of meetings, noted he had never been to an official meeting that didn’t generate discussion afterward, both critical and supportive of proposals.  That has been my experience.          

Next DO group meeting December 18th, 7:00pm, Suzanna's

The DO Group meeting last night was attended by 22 people. They generated much spirited debate and heard a report by Wally Habhegger on the 1999 long range planning committee. He said that if the recommendations of the 1999 committee are followed, East and West Elementary Schools should be improved by adding 10 classrooms to East and modifying West for security reasons.

Habhegger also noted that there is nothing wrong with the high school as far as building codes are concerned. Discussion centered on improvements to the food servicing area and possibly the addition of a new gymnasium.

Closed Session--the rules

     Several weeks ago at the regular meeting, I complained to the New Richmond School Board about the proliferation of closed sessions and how they were publicized in the meeting agenda.  I was told by Lester Jones that this been approved by the board’s legal counsel.  
     I thought this rather strange as such closed session announcements are routine and wondered why legal counsel was even consulted.  Maybe this is why the school district’s legal fees are so high.  Sooo, on to a second opinion.  I wrote my good democrat friend, Attorney General Peggy Lautenschlager.  I explained my concerns in a cover letter and attached the official,  October 26th special meeting agenda.  Here is the last two-paragraph response from Mr. Alan Lee, Asst. Attorney General in the Dept. of Justice.  
     “The board’s citation to section 19.85(1) and its subsection therefore, is not sufficient.  The notice, however, also lists other subjects such as “land acquisition, investigation update,” “administrative contract,” “assignment of administrative duties and “issues related to confidentiality.”  The specific subjects of the closed meeting could have been better explained without compromising the reason for closing the meeting.  The lack of clarity could have been cured if the board had followed the law’s requirement to list the specific subsection justifying closing the meeting.  For example, if “investigation update” involves a personnel matter, the board should have cited to section 19.85(1)(b) or section 19.85(1)(c), whichever was more appropriate.
     “I must conclude that the board’s agenda does not comport with the requirements of section 19.85(1).  The board’s notice of subject to be considered in closed session should be as specific as possible without compromising the reason for the closed session.  The board should also cite the specific subsection of the statute that permits meeting in closed session.”
     A copy of the letter was also sent to the School Board President.
     I can only draw one conclusion from the exchange between myself and Lester Jones at the Oct 26tth meeting: either Mr Jones lied to me about checking with the attorney or the board is getting poor advice from their attorney.  

    

Groupthink

It's time we take a look at how we go about reaching concensus in committees and groups. Groupthink is a mode of thinking which arises when concurrent-seeking behavior in a cohesive group becomes so dominant that it tends to override realistic appraisal of alternative aproaches. What are the symptoms?

1) Illusion of invulnerability
2) Belief in inherent morality of the group
3) Collective rationalization
4) Stereoptypes of out-groups
5) Self-censorship
6) Illusion of unanimity
7) Direct Pressure on Dissenters
8) Self-appointed mind-guards

Keep these eight points in mind the next time you attend a meeting.

Rusty Water

There has been some talk about problems with the middle school regarding its acceptability for renovation.  The utilities need expensive repair.  The water is rusty.  The electrical distribution panels are centralized in the old 1926 building which many wish to demolish.  

I was reminded of this as I drove north on Knowles Avenue.  As I approached the motel on the north of the business district I noticed that the right lane was blocked by a city utilities truck.  I moved to the left lane and drove through a pool of water.  Workers were watching a four inch stream of water coming from a fire hydrant.  They were flushing the water system.  That stream of water was rust colored.  What are the odds that the middle school was getting rusty water and the pipes in the school are okay?

There are people in the school district who have jumped to the conclusion that the middle school must be replaced at any cost and are looking for any reason, even if they are wrong.