Mayor Taylor’s $31 Million—Field of Dreams Gamble with Tax Payer Dollars

As the City of Franklin—in conclusion with an unelected  government body—MMSD adds a new $461.47 sewer tax to every Franklin  property owner’s 2012 tax bill, whether they are hooked up to the now infamous Ryan Creek Interceptor.   The Franklin common council and especially Mayor Tom Taylor believe “development would follow the pipes”—that’s a $31 million gamble I wouldn’t be willing to make with taxpayer dollars considering predictions of a 2013 recession.  Do the mayor and common council know something that the Wall Street Journal forecast panel—as well at The Wall Street Journal don’t and Forbes’ economists?

The $50 Million Questions?

School Board Member DEBBIE LARSONBefore you vote on the School Referenda next Tuesday, ask yourself whether the intentions of the Franklin school board are really in the best interests of the students and FPS District taxpayers and can I be certain that this nearly  $50 million will be used as the District told a  FranklinNOW reporter in this article published on October 31?

That is “security, parking, traffic flow and so-called ‘right-sized educational space’ and other important elements...”

We raise these question because in 2007, another FPS refendum was put to voters "based on another FPS survey which voters were told supported building a new high school, when in fact the survey showed voters supported two middle schools.  The 2007 referendum failed.  This decite and maleficence on the part of certain school board members, including current member Debbie Larson (Term expires April 2013) a board member since 2003.

Emails obtained through an open records request revealed then-board vice president Jim Ward (not the state senate candidate) was also heavily involved in this betrayalof taxpayers.

Also, keep in mind that with new and larger facilities, etc., including new football practice fields, utilities and maintainence costs will likely increase.  Where are the estimates from the District for those ongoing expenses?  How can voters be expected to to make an informed decision without all the necessary information?  TRUST?!

Is Franklin Public School District unique to most school districts in America?

We present this qestion to readers because according to the findings in this 32-page, 2012 report on the surge in school staffing  by The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. 

The Friedman Foundation is solely dedicated to advancing Rose and Milton Friedman’s vision of school choice for all children.  The Friedman Foundation was first known as the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation and was established in 1996 to promote school choice as the most effective and equitable way to improve the quality of K-12 education in America.  Teachers and their unions view school choice as the West Nile Virus of public education.  Competition is bad--monopolies are good, as long as they are the monopoly.

The Friedman Foundation is dedicated to research, education, and outreach on the vital issues and implications related to choice in K-12 education and in 2012 issued this 32-page report on school staffing.

In its Executive Summary this report begins:

America’s K-12 public education system has experienced tremendous historical growth in employment, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics.  Between fiscal year (FY) 1950 and FY 2009, the number of K-12 public school students in the United States increased by 96 percent while the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) school employees grew 386 percent.

Public schools grew staffing at a rate four times faster than the increase in students over that time period.

Of those personnel, teachers’ numbers increased 252 percent while administrators and other staff experienced growth of 702 percent, more than seven times the increase in students.

That said, exactly who are taxpayers footing the bill to "right-size educational space" for?

$50 Million FPS Referendum to Appear on November 6 Ballot

Here we go again.  Hmmm... What part of the word "NO" are the "usual suspects" (Traylor, Larson, Klein and superintendent Patz) having trouble understanding?

On November 6, voters residing in the Franklin Public Schools District will have a chance to have their voices heard, putting a $50 million facilities-related referendum to the taxpayer's test.  The referendum will appear on the presidential election ballot on November 6.

The three referendum questions are related to three Franklin Public School (FPS) facilities projects and each question will be voted on separately.  Here is the so-called Referendum Fact Sheet for the three questions which appears on the District’s website, including each project’s estimated cost impact on taxpayers.  Please take the time to become a well-informed voter by reading this information before voting on November 6 and contact any one of the Franklin School Board members with questions you may have pertaining to any of these projects.  Voters should also consider that with expanded facilities comes expanded maintenance costs, which are not included in FPS’ fact sheet.

If you are interested in knowing which school board members voted in favor of this $50 million referendum, click here and then proceed to the Meetings tab and then to the minutes of the July 11, 2012 School Board Meeting.

Congratulations to the Franklin Public Schools 2012 Teachers of the Year

We see from Franklin School Board President, Janet Evan’s blog "Board's Eye View" that the 2012 FPS Teachers of the year have been announced.THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL also extends our congratulations to this year's finest.

Nominations for Teacher of the Year are submitted each year by parents, staff and community members to recognize exemplary teachers in the Franklin Public School District.  Nominees are chosen by a vote of their peers.  Here are the 2012 Franklin public Schools Teachers of the Year.

Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Karen Ruid, Robinwood Elementary

Middle School Teacher of the Year

 Michelle Koenig, Math Teacher

High School Teacher of the Year

  Ann Nienhaus, Math Teacher

Interested readers may read each teacher’s nomination and acceptance on the FPS website.

Franklin’s BEST will be recognized during the Franklin school Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the Education and Community Center 8255 West Forest Hill Avenue.

What personifies a great teacher?  We think we have found the answers in this video.  Please watch.

CONGRATULATIONS Ladies!  

EDITORIAL: Franklin School Board Deserves a "F" From Taxpayers and Students

Please watch the following reminder...

A look at our follow-up file revealed that we are approaching one year since the Franklin School Board initially discussed its employee Health Insurance bidding process, another tax saving tool provided to local governments through Act 10 by Governor Scott Walker and Conservatives in the Wisconsin State Legislature.   The topic appeared on the school board’s July 20, 2012 agenda (See Agenda item 9.a.) .  FIJ attended this meeting and prior to this meeting published this story on July 19, 2012.  Here is a summary of the provision of Act 10.

The Baraboo school board saved an estimated $660,000 per year by dumping WEA Trust insurance and purchasing its employee health insurance from Dean Health Plan.

The Baraboo school board  is now free to put this $660,000 savings into the classroom, putting its students first, which most school districts claim is their priority: “It’s for the students…”

Enough of the rhetoric.  Quit the stalling.   It’s time to walk-the-talk and show Franklin parents, taxpayers and students you are serious about saving taxpayer dollars and actually willing to put Franklin kids first.  NOT WEAC or WEAC TRUST.

Call or email School Board president Janet Evans or other school board members to express your views on this issue and ask the Board to please place the employee Health Insurancetopic on the Board’s next meeting agenda.

It is time to take a stand against this garbage from outsiders brought in by the unions and demand that our elected representatives on the Franklin School Board do their job.

RELATED STORIES

• Franklin School Board to Discuss, Insurance Bidding Process (FIJ)
• Union fights district plan to save $1 million on insurance (EAGNews.org)
• Pro-reform Wisconsin teacher stands her ground, despite union harassment (EAGnews.org)

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 7-11, 2012

“The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.”

--Abraham Lincoln

Here's a great BIG THANK YOU! shout out from the editors and writers at THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL to all the great teachers in Franklin Public Schools.

Great teachers along with our parents, educate and give us the vital knowledge which we need to live our lives. Great teachers and parents encourage, support, discipline and prepare us for the road ahead and now it’s time for us to show the great teachers in our lives how much we appreciate their hard work and support. 

Teacher Appreciation Week began on Monday May 7 and continues through Friday, May 11, so there is still time to express your gratitude and appreciation for that special teacher in your life.

This week is the perfect opportunity for us to show the  great teachers how thankful we are for their caring and support. So kids and parents, it’s time for us to demonstrate how much our great teachers mean to us, let’s all say a BIG THANK YOU! to the those teachers who work hard so that we can have a better future.  We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to show your gratitude to your teacher!

Click for Free Printable eCards and build your own printable greeting card.

Franklin School Board Reorganizes

School Board President Janet EvansIf it were not for independent Franklin blogger Bryan Maersch of “Wag The Dog” and Kevin Fischer of “This Just In” on FranklinNOW, Franklin voters waiting for the “paper of record” for the Franklin School District and the City of Franklin—to report on the school board’s reorganization following recent elections would still be waiting. In fact, Franklin voters would not know that during the school board meeting on Wednesday, April 11, Franklin School Board members voted out Board president Debbie Larson and vice president Jeff Traylor, replacing them with Janet Evans and Tim Nielson, respectively.

A FranklinNOW search of “franklin school district” (Past seven days) today uncovered five stories concerning the Franklin School Board all written by local blogger Kevin Fischer and not one by a FranklinNOW reporter. Click here to view the search results we found.

Based on Maersch’s report (He actually attended Wednesday night’s meeting”) here are the vote results of the Board's reorganization:

• President, 4-3, Evans over incumbent, Larson.
• Vice President, 4-3 Nielson over incumbent, Jeff Traylor.
• Melissa Klein and Linda Witkowski were unanimously elected Treasurer and Clerk, respectively.

Read Maersch’s full story including video…

Congratulations to all of the newly elected officers.

Is Executive Summary by Epstein Uhen the Work of Vollmer & Associates?

This morning—as I normally  do—I read Janet Evans’ FranklinNOW blog, Board's Eye View.   This morning I found an article she wrote about the looming prospect of building new school facilities in the Franklin School District.

In her piece Janet links and points her readers to the Executive Summary produced for the District by Epstein Uhen Architects.   After reading it I “Goggled” the following line from this report: “America’s public schools can be traced back to 1640 when founders assumed…”

What I found was a paper written in 2001 by Jamie Vollmer of Vollmer and Associates.Vollmer and Associates paper is strikingly similar to the Executive Summary “written by Epstein Uhen.”

Links to both are below:

• Epstein Uhen Executive Summary
• Schools Cannot do This  Alone by Jamie Vollmer  2001 Vollmer and Associates

Epstein Uhen’s report begins:

This report is to provide an objective analysis of the present condition and capabilities at the Franklin High School and Forest Park Middle School for the Franklin Public Schools. The information presented in this report was gathered through on-site inspections of the sites and buildings, interviews with the building Administration, Teachers, Aides and Maintenance staff during November and December 2011. Eppstein Uhen Architects utilized Muermann Engineering for review of the plumbing and electrical systems while Fredericksen Engineering provided a review of the Mechanical (HVAC) system…

Are Franklin taxpayers expected to pay Epstein Uhen for Vollmer and Associates work?

Does Epstein Uhen pay Vollmer and Associates a royalty for using its work?

2007 Emails Reveal Unethical Behavior by Franklin School Board Members

The following emails present a glimpse of the corrupt, unethical behind the scenes actions, coordination of tactics and strategies between the Franklin School Board, various school administrators, teachers and a pro-referendum group around the time of the  failed 2007, $78 million school referendum in 2007.

These emails were first brought to light in our story ”Franklin School Board Deserves Close Scrutiny During Run-up to Likely School Referendum” were provided to  by current school board member Janet Evans.  The emails were sent between April 4, and April 30, 2007.  For your benefit here is the “cast of characters” in these email exchanges surrounding the 2007 school referendum:

• Bill Szakacs, District Superintendent.
• Sue Huhn, School board member/Treasurer.
• Jim Ward, school board member/Vice President.
• Scott Bauer, school board member/ President.
• Mary Karolewicz, school board member and former City of Franklin Economic Development Commission (EDC) member.
• Debbie Larson, elected to the school board in 2003 and currently board president.
• Jeff Traylor, elected to the school board in 2007 and presently vice president

We found it interesting that some school board members chose to use personal email accounts when communicating with other members concerning District business.  Now why do you suppose they wouldn’t use their official government-provided email address when conducting District business?

 2007 School Referendum Emails

 

Franklin School Board Deserves Close Scrutiny During Run-up to Likely School Referendum

I see from Bryan Maersch’s “Wag the Dog” blog that our untrustworthy school board is gearing up again for a possible school building referendum for the November, 2012 general election.

With the exception of now-school board President Debbie Larson and Jeff Traylor the current school board has no members remaining from the 2007 board which placed the $78-million school referenda on the April 2007 ballot.

After the referendum failed, rumors persisted that the then-school board had ignored, manipulated and mislead voters into believing a pre-referendum voter survey called for a new high school, when in fact, the new high school reflected the personal agendas of certain board members, completely dismissing the input and wishes of Franklin voters.

There were also rumors that voting-age high school students were taken out of class to attend a propaganda assembly concerning the referendum.  Around the district a pro-referendum group had convinced some school administrations and teachers to include pro-referendum materials in student take-home literature provided by the group, while the school board remained clueless to what was happening under their noses.

Catching wind of all this, Franklin citizen Janet  Evans made an open records request to the school district for email between school board members. To determine whether there was any truth to the rumors or among other accusations, culpability between the board, teachers the pro-referendum group concerning the growing scandal.

Now a school board member, Janet Evans has been kind enough loan THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL 132 pages of these emails between board members and then-District Superintendent Bill Szakacs, particularly emails from April, 2007.

Look for these emails here tomorrow.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Update on Monday, January 2, 2012 at 9:13 AM by Basil Ryan

Due to a glitch with our scanner, the 2007 referendum school board emails scheduled for publishing today, will be postponed  until Wednesday, January 4 at the lastest.

"Great" Teachers…

Ask Franklin Schools Superintendent Steve Patz or any member of the Franklin school board and they will likely tell you: Franklin public schools have great teachers.  Arguably, “great” is relative, but Merriam-Webster defines great this way: An outstandingly superior or skillful person.  We do not doubt that Franklin Public Schools has some great teachers, but like any organization it more than likely has its share of not –so-great- teachers, as-well.

In researching what makes a great teacher, we came across a number of websites  that attempted to answer the question: What makes a great teacher?  You are welcome to Google that question to satisfy your own curiosity, but we settled for an article entitled: Top 5 (Plus 14) Character Traits Of Superior Teachers at a website named:  So you want to teach.com.

The article concludes that these are the Top 5 (Plus 14) Character Traits Of Superior Teachers and that if you want to be a great teacher, these are the things you should begin to develop first.  How do these traits  measure up to your expectation and definition of a great teacher?  Meet my hair-pulling fourth grade teacher, Miss Martins:

Top 5 Character Traits of Great Teachers

1. Inspired me and never let me settle for anything less than my best.
2. Compassionate, caring, made me feel important and welcomed, made a personal connection with me.
3. Were demanding, pushed me hard.
4. Had a great sense of humor.
5. Knowledge of the subject matter.

Other specifics

1. Wasn’t afraid of what other people thought.
2. Passion for the subject matter.
3. Challenged me to think beyond just the answer in the textbook.
4. Listened to my ideas.
5. Taught me new things.
6. A terrific fund raiser.
7. Kept things interesting.
8. They were interactive.
9. Added personal elements to the classroom.
10. Organized.
11. Wasn’t fake or shallow with comments to students.
12. Discipline.
13. Confidence.
14. They were problem solvers, rather than simply problem identifiers.

THE FRANKLIN INDEPENDENT JOURNAL is a member of Michelle Rhee’s studentsfirst.

Here is Rhee discussing studentsfirst.org, school reform and great teachers.

RELATED MEDIA

• Studentsfirst.org Facebook link>

Not a “Facebooker”?

• Here is StudentsFirst’s website (videos) link>

Fortunately, we no longer have kids in Franklin Public Schools and feel comfortable writing about this subject without fear of reprisals to our kids from teachers doubling as union reps thug-enforcers.

Franklin School District Taxpayers Footing Bill For Non-District Residents

In a recent post, one of Franklin’s more contentious and hard-working School Board members and FranklinNOW blogger, Janet Evans, discusses some probably little-known facts and asks some compelling questions about the Franklin Recreation Department‘s fee structure and policies, as well as its funding which, if you were not aware, is under the taxing jurisdiction of the Franklin Public School District and therefore governed by the Franklin School Board.  I gathered from Mrs. Evans’ post that the school district views the Franklin Recreation Department as a pseudo-"wellness program" for district employees living outside of the district, thereby charging these government employees an in-district fee for classes in the Recreation Department’s program.

Defining the Franklin Recreation Department programs as "wellness programs" is simply asinine and ridiculous.  As Mrs. Evans rightly notes in her piece, health insurers generally have a wellness program in their coverage.

The 2009-10 the Recreation Fund budget was $ 411,716 and was increased $42,201 in 2011-12 to $453,917.  That's nearly one half million dollars that should go directly to classroom education versus yoga classes, etc.

Some members of the school board, more specifically, board vice president Jeff Traylor, do not seem to understand the meaning of fiscal responsibility.

School Board Members Respond to November 30 Board Meeting Comments by Union Rep

See up-date at the end of this story.

To- date we have received responses from Franklin School Board Members Mr. Tim Nielson and Mrs. Janet Evans concerning our December 6 story “Did Franklin School Teacher and Union Rep Threaten School Board Member's Kids?”  This was the first time we have offered any elected officials an opportunity to comment before a story involving them was published and in hindsight we realized that board members have day jobs and it was not  fair of us to ask members to respond by a 500PM publishing deadline.  Therefore, School Superintendent Dr. Steve Patz and those elected school board members who have not responded to the story are welcome to comment.  Ms. Marquerite Dargiewicz a teacher’s union representative and Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools was also given the opportunity to respond to our story.   At this writing we have not heard from Ms. Dargiewicz.

Here are the emails we received from Evans and Nielson.

From: Evans, Janet (Janet.Evans@Franklin.k12.wi.us)

Dear Mr. Keller,

Regarding your reference to what went on in the audience, Board members sit in the front of the room and I did not hear the conversation your parent said transpired, so I will not comment on it.

As far as the discussion on the Employee Handbook and benefits, I have studied the handbook. Dr. Mueller (Human Resources Director) was not present at this meeting as she was at a conference. Health insurance is due to be reviewed in January. I would prefer changes would occur prior to January. I believe we should have implemented changes last July.

I am of the opinion some of the remarks made directly to Mr. Nielson by Mrs. Bialk regarding the fact that he has not been on the Board long enough to address insurance were condescending. I also brought up the topic with Dr. Patz that he had given the impression to the Board that it is "punitive" to make some of the changes to benefits that other districts have been making, and I didn't feel it was right as leader of the district for him to do this. The Board is going to need to consider making changes and if he is saying it is punitive it doesn't help the situation.  He insisted it was punitive and that some districts are just making change because they "can."  I maintain changes to insurance benefits are something we "can" do to save money.

There was some discussion about including staff in discussions on benefits.  I'm curious as to whether Board members might be included in a discussion or two on benefits. What I do know is no "negotiating" is allowed regarding benefits since Act 10.

This process (or lack thereof) has been painfully long, and in the end, painful for the taxpayer.  After the meeting on the 30th I am left wondering if some would rather consider cutting staff and programs rather than what some might consider perks. Certain Board members consistently state they are there for the students, yet appear to not want to make the hard decisions when it comes to benefits so more funding can go where it belongs - to education.  Keep in mind, there hasn't been a vote on "benefits."

Regards,

Janet Evans

School Board Member

* * * *

From: Nielson, Tim (Tim.Nielson@Franklin.k12.wi.us)

Fred:

I am compelled to explain myself a little bit here...While the situation may have been personally uncomfortable for me (who wants to be the center of negative attention?) I can't go so far as to concur with the comments I was shut down. I had plenty fo time to state my case. Judith had an opinion to express and she got the chance to do so. It wasn't argumentative. It was civil. Her and I may disagree on how many sick days per year is enough but that's OK.

Dr. Patz also expressed his opinion at the meeting and to the Board in that we (the Board) should be careful before implementing any policies that will take away benefits "just to take them away". I can appreciate that position and I can assure you and anyone who will read this that this has never been my intent.

I spent hours reviewing the Distict's handbook and wanted to have a substantive conversation about some options that may need to be explored in the upcoming budget. I used the word "proposal" with my Board colleagues which I feel was taken as an action word so I think they, as well as the people in the audience, were expecting a whole host of motions to be made for Board consideration. I recognized this while I was speaking and even addressed this in the meeting.

The benefits topic of discussion is one that strikes to the core for District employees and I completely understand that. I am not spending my free time trying to find creative ways to limit the benefits the District offers. I am merely attempting to take my business background and infuse that kind of budgetary thinking into how we can best run the District financially. It doesn't all have to do with cuts but rather efficiencies. I am not even suggesting the District is inefficient but how else can we continue to improve on how the District is run if conversations like these are not taking place? Uncomfortable, sure. But people that know me also know I can be reasonble too. I absolutely want to retain the best talent we can to teach our kids as I feel we have wonderful programs in place. The District's future is bright.

With regard to the comment if I have children in the district...I do. My two daughters are wonderful, bright, & get excellent grades. I have never had a negative comment from teachers or other staff made towards them...at least that got back to me. They volunteer and are leaders. I am not sure why an inquiry like that was made (if it was made) and I do not have a comment with regard to it.

Regards,

Tim Nielson

 School Board Member

Franklin Public Schools

Update on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 9:03 AM by Basil Ryan

To-date we have not heard from Superintendent Steve Patz, School Board president Debbie Larson, Vice president, Jeff Traylor or the balance of the Franklin School Board members or Ms. Marquerite Dargiewicz a teacher’s union representative and Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools.

For those of you interested in a response from your elected representatives, as-well-as Franklin Public Schools teacher Marquerite Dargiewicz,  Patz can be reached at 529-8230 and Marquerite Dargiewicz at 525-5042. Click here for a list of school board members’ email addresses.  Disrespectful?

Did Franklin School Teacher and Union Rep Threaten School Board Member's Kids?

We received this information via email yesterday from a Franklin parent and taxpayer who attended the November 30 Franklin School Board Meeting:

I attended the last Franklin School Board Meeting and happened to sit near “Margaret” who I understood to be the local union president representing Franklin teachers.  [further research by this publication revealed this individual to be Marquerite Dargiewicz an Art teacher at Ben Franklin and Country Dale Elementary Schools].

During school board member Tim Nielson’s presentation concerning the update to the Teacher’s Handbook, I learned that Franklin teachers accrue 12 paid sick days per year.  I also learned that up to 120 days of unused paid sick days can be “banked” and paid-out at retirement.

Mr. Nielson,  who I understand is a small businessman, mentioned that no one [I assumed he meant in the private sector] gets that sort of benefit, and suggested a number of alternatives before being shut down by both School  Superintendent Steve Patz and board member Judith (anything for our teachers) Bialk.  I then heard “Margaret” ask a Franklin teacher “Does he[Neilson] have any kids in our school system?”  When the teacher replied “Yes,” they both chuckled.

As the meeting continued, I felt that both [Ms.] Bialk and [Dr.] Patz were trying to intimidate [Mr. Nielson] by suggesting, how do you expect to keep good teachers?  [Like those teaching the kids in this video?]

Bialk was definately trolling for the teacher votes.

Thanks to the McIver Institute for this video.

Dr. Patz, Marquerite  Dargiewicz and each school board member were offered the opportunity to comment on this story prior to its Tuesday, December 6, 5:00PM publishing.

Majority of Franklin’s Elected Representaives Ignore Survey

On Monday, September 29, we emailed a two question survey to all elected officials in Franklin government, including the Franklin School Board, asking each where their primary academic background lies and asked for their cooperation in participating in our survey.  The story generated the following comment from one of our readers:

"Unfortunately, you can have all the degrees available to you.   But, unfortunately there are no classes taught in 'common sense'.”

Amen to that!

To-date we have not received responses from the following school board members: President Debbie Larson, vice president, Jeff Traylor, Linda Witkowski.  That represents 's three out of seven elected representatives.  It certainly seems reasonable to conclude that the aforementioned school board member HAVE NOT read or choose to ignore the District’s Communications Plan.  From City Hall, only District 1 Alderman Steve Olson and District 3 Alderwoman Kristen Wilhelm have responded.  That's two out of seven elected aldermen and Mayor Taylor that ignored the survey.  In alphabetical order, here are the responses we received.  When included by the respondent, additional comments are included in this story.

 JUDITH BIALK, Franklin School Board.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: My primary educational background is in education.

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: My first college degree was earned at Alverno College in 1964.  It was a Bachelor of Science in Education with my primary focus on elementary education.  I also hold two minors, one in Speech, the other in English.  I earned licensure and certification as a Reading Clinician and Diagnostician from the National College of Education in Evanston, Illinois, and I hold a Master of Art degree in Pastoral Studies from St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee.

JANET EVANS, Franklin School Board.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: History

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: None.

Additional comments: I’m sure you wouldn't find a large percentage of local public officials in smaller cities such as Franklin who had political careers in mind when they made their educational choices. Also, very often citizens are reluctant to step up as candidates for School Board.

That said, generally, in public schools the Business Manager has most of the control over the budget process, with the help of other administrators including the superintendent, directors and principals. The final budget comes to the school board for approval. Note I said “generally,” as I believe there are key stakeholders being left out of the process.  Some school districts that have figured this out and are using other budget processes.

Too often I have heard it stated at our Board meetings, regarding the administration, “They’re the experts” when it comes to issues from building and grounds to budget. But the majority of the administration has backgrounds in education.

As far as the article you reference, as a citizen of the U.S, while I would prefer the congressional "supercommittee" on finding deficit reduction have backgrounds in economics, I prefer our congress be representatives of our people as a whole, and therefore, have diverse backgrounds.

Lastly, if the public is unhappy about the educational paths of elected officials are we going to blame them or ourselves? I'm sure there have been plenty of politicians without business backgrounds who have been elected because they are better public speakers.

MELISSA KLIEN, Franklin School Board.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: Engineering and business administration.

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: Growing up in central Illinois, I attended elementary and high school in a very small county-wide public school district. Shortly after earning an engineering degree from the University of Illinois in 1990, I moved to Wisconsin. In 2001 I completed a master's of business administration degree from UW-Milwaukee.

TIM NIELSON, Franklin School Board.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: Business/Finance.

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: Accounting.

Alderman STEVE OLSON, Alderman, Franklin District 1.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: My major area of study was broadcast management with a declared minor in Business Administration. 

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in Speech Communications.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University in Speech Communications.  My major area of study was broadcast management with a declared minor in Business Administration.

Additional Comments:I am a thesis short of a masters degree in communications from Marquette but not pursuing it.  I have additional schooling from the American Management Association, MSOE and 35 years [of] experience in business management as an employed manager.  Also, see City website.

KRISTEN WILHELM, Alder woman, Franklin District 3.

Question: What do you consider to be your primary academic background?

Answer: my primary academic background in Organizational Management and Development.

Question:  If you hold a college degree, what was your major?

Answer: I hold an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree, with a major in Electronics Technology and a Professional Certificate in non-profit management.

Additional Comments:  Your question should also address work experience. Academic background helps with an application but work experience provides knowledge. A rounded background is needed for aldermanic duties.  8-years as a volunteer in the city; ordinance and plat review, and more than 3 years on the Finance Committee as an example of some of my hands-on experience. Let us not forget Robert's Rules (Thanks to Dad and the USAF, I can also do my own brakes ; )

Thanks to those elected representatives who took the time to respond to our survey.

To comment privately on this article or any other aspect of this publication CLICK HERE

Wisconsin’s Second Largest Group Health Insurer owned by WEAC

Would you be surprised to learn that the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) created and owns WEA Trust insurance?  We were.

In a July 14 story entitled Franklin School Board to Discuss, Insurance Bidding Process, we wrote in-part:

For the sake of Franklin taxpayers let’s hope the “insurance” being discussed by the [School] Board is employee health insurance.

In its May publication Wisconsin School Reformer, a publication of Education Action Group Foundation (EAG),reported that the limitations placed upon teacher’s unions collective bargaining will leave school boards and their districts free from costly WEA Trust insurance. Baraboo School Board got a jump on the rest of the state in May when it voted to dump WEA Trust employee health coverage in favor of similar coverage through the Dean Health Plan. According to the report, the Baraboo school District will save an estimated $660,000 per year by making the change. Eighty-eight percent of the savings will go to the district, while the other 12 percent will be split among insured employees, according to wiscnews.com.

Wisconsin School Reformer also wrote that the money the district saves will almost certainly help salvage a few teaching positions and student programs over the next few years and goes on to state that the bidding competition at Baraboo was really not competitive at all.

The family premium proposed by WEA Trust was $1,630 per month, while the premium proposed by Dean Health was just under $1,400 per month. The WEA Trust plan would have cost the district about $5 million per year, while the Dean plan will cost $4.3 million.

Since that meeting and as previously noted, we have learned that, according to its website, the WEA Trust was created by the Wisconsin Education Association Council (Wisconsin Teachers Union) to provide insurance, and retirement and investment services to Wisconsin public school employees and their families.

We noted in a related story on July 21;  Teachers Flood School Board Meeting, Franklin Teachers made up the majority of the audience at last night’s school board meeting.   During Citizen Comments school board president Debbie Larson a former teacher permitted Franklin teachers to comment on agenda item 9. a. Board Discussion, [health] insurance bidding process. Fear of the unknown and satisfaction with the status quo (WEA Trust) seemed to be the motivating factor behind most of the comments.

Larson assured these Franklin Teacher’s that the Board and the District would get their input in making the decision.  It is unclear whether Larson can make that claim without the approval of the full school board.

The Franklin School Board can certainly learn  from the Baraboo board.  We found this statement from Baraboo officials  especially interesting concerning its bidding process:

"...the bidding competition at Baraboo was really not competitive at all."

The Franklin School Board plans to conduct its search for a new insurance provider with the help of an outside consulting firm.

If you would like to discuss this or other education issues regarding the Franklin School District please contact a member of the Franklin School Board or Franklin Schools Superintendent Steve Patz at 414-525-7603.

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Years Trump Effectiveness: Tenure and Seniority

Today we present episode 6 of our multi-part special video series presentation of the documentary film “Kids Aren’t Cars,” produced by Education Action Group (EAG) Foundation.

What if your value to your employer was decided by the sum of the last four digits of your social security number? Or you win nationwide recognition for your teaching achievement, only to be fired the next day because someone else had been there longer. It happens in American public schools every year. Do tenure and seniority benefit students and their success?

Franklin Public Schools Mission Statement

Franklin Public Schools educates every student to his/her highest level of personal excellence through learning experiences that focus on student needs in active partnerships with family and community.

If you would like to discuss education issues regarding  the Franklin School District views please contact a member of the Franklin School Board or Franklin Schools Superintendent Steve Patz at 414-525-7603.

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EDITORIAL: Franklin School Board sets the Bar for Dysfunctional Government

As we previously reported Franklin Teachers made up the majority of the audience at the July 20 school board meeting and that during Citizen Comments school board president Debbie Larson allowed Franklin teachers to comment on agenda item 9. a. Board Discussion, [health] insurance bidding process. Fear of the unknown and satisfaction with the status quo seemed to be the motivating factor behind most of the comments.  After listening to several teachers, Larson assured these Franklin Teacher’s that the Board and the District would get their input in making the decision.  Didn’t Governor Walker’s Act 10 do away with public sector union collective bargaining?  Meeting with teachers to discuss possibly changing health insurance carriers is ridiculous and smacks of quasi-collective bargaining.  For those of you working in the real world, private sector, how many times have you participated in choosing your employer’s employee health insurance program?  Mrs. Larson and the school board will certainly open a Pandora’s Box if they open this process up for employee input.  This matter is solely the job of the school board—NOT some hybrid-collection of teachers and school board members.

Conflict of Interest?

Debbie Larson’s school distinct website bio includes the following statement:

"Being a board member is important to me because I have dedicated my adult life to education. I am a life long learner and a teacher. (Emphasis added).  I believe I bring a different perspective to the table as both an educator and a parent. With five children, one of which has graduated and four that are currently enrolled in the district, I only want a world class education for not only my children, but our entire community. This is why I work as a board member."

Consulting Firm to be Hired

During the Board’s discussion on employee health insurance, Human Resources Director, Judith Mueller reported to board members that the District will be working with The Horton Group, an employee benefits consulting firm on the employee health insurance question and expected to have a change in place by this time (July) next year.

According to its website The Horton Group began in 1971 as a single location, eight-person insurance agency in Orland Park, Illinois. Today, Horton is a large, broker that delivers complex solutions to thousands of customers. The company currently features seven offices in four states.  Not only is Horton an employee benefits consulting firm,  it also happens to be one of the largest, privately owned insurance brokers in the Midwest and is among the Top 60 in the U.S.  How convenient.

How Much For Horton?

During the meeting school board member Janet Evans eventually pried a "ball park figure of $10,000-$20,000 out of Business Manager, Jim Milzer.  Milzer added that Horton generally saved its clients five times its fee. Not one board member asked Milzer for evidence of this claim.  Does the District really need to spend up to $20,000 or more taxpayers dollars with a consulting firm (who also sells health insurance), to find the best health insurance plan for its employees?  I don't believe so.

What is included in a Human Resources Director’s job Description?

According to one source, compensation and benefits administration falls under the Human Resources Director’s job description.  As we recently reported Franklin Public Schools’ Human Resources Director, Judith Mueller was paid $142,487 in salary and benefits in 2007, $172,036 in 2008, $182,714 in 2009 and 2010, and is scheduled for the same in 2011.   The question is: Why isn’t Judith Mueller doing all the leg-work to obtain RFPs(Request for proposals) from health insurance providers, and why, according to Mueller will the process take one year to accomplish.

During the meeting new Board member Tim Nielson questioned the length of time Mueller proposed for this change, suggesting  that  it could be accomplished much sooner, thereby saving taxpayer dollars sooner than later.

DON'T WAIST OUR TIME OR MONEY WITH CONSULTANTS WITH "SKIN IN THE GAME."

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Franklin Teachers Flood School Board Meeting

Franklin Teachers made up the majority of the audience at last night’s school board meeting.   During Citizen Comments school board president Debbie Larson permitted Franklin teachers  to comment on agenda item 9. a. Board Discussion, [health] insurance bidding process. Fear of the unknown and satisfaction with the status quo seemed to be the motivating factor behind most of the comments.

Larson assured these Franklin Teacher’s that the Board and the District would get their input in making the decision—quasi-collective bargaining?

We recently published an article explaining how the Baraboo School Board, in May, voted to dump WEA Trust employee health coverage (Franklin’s current health  insurance provider) in favor of similar coverage through the Dean Health Plan which District officials estimated would save the District $660,000 annually.

During the Board’s discussion on this item Human Resources Director, Judith Mueller reported to board members that the District will be working with The Horton Group,  an insurance, risk management and employee benefits consulting firm on the employee health insurance question and expected to have a change in place by this time next year.

Board member Tim Nielson questioned the lengthy amount of time Mueller proposed, suggesting  and voiced his opinion that  it could be accomplished sooner, thereby saving taxpayer dollars sooner than later.  Nielson also asked what the Horton Group’s fee. was and was told by Business Manager, Jim Milzer said that it would depend upon the consulting package the District chose.  Eventually Janet Evans pried a "ball park figure of $10,00-$20,000 out of him.  Milzer added that Horton generally saved its clients five times its fee.

School Board President Debbie Larson also resurrected a so-called “board meeting debriefing,” a past Board practice whereby each member publically evaluates the meeting based on a number of specific survey questions.  What ever its purpose, this exercise, from this reporter’s vantage point only seemed to divide the Board further and stoke the flames of animosity that already exists between some members.

Larson also seems repared to move forward with a suggestion from a Franklin Teacher in attendance, to video tape Board meetings and post them on the District’s website although the Board never discussed or voted on the matter since it did not appear on the meeting agenda.

On the hiring front, Superintendent Patz confirmed that in the coming weeks the District will be adding a communications specialist to its staff.

Also, with the job elimination of Adria Day, Administrative Assistant to Superintendent Patz, for the short-term, the Superintendent has taken it upon himself to take and publish the board meeting minutes, a task which is relegated to staff and the City Clerk for Franklin Common Council Meetings.
Finally, the annual Meeting of the Electors will be held on August 24, 2011, Agenda to follow.

RELATED MEDIA

• Wisconsin Schools Already In Line to Save Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Through Newly Negotiated Teacher Contract

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Franklin School Board to Discuss, Insurance Bidding Process

For the sake of Franklin taxpayers let’s hope the “insurance” being discussed by the Board is employee health insurance.

In its May publication Wisconsin School Reformer, a publication of Education Action Group Foundation (EAG), reported that the limitations placed upon teacher’s unions collective bargaining will allow school boards and their to free their districts from costly WEA Trust insurance.  Baraboo School Board got a jump on the rest of the state in May when it voted to dump WEA Trust employee health coverage in favor of similar coverage through the Dean Health Plan.  According to the report, he Baraboo school District will save an estimated $660,000 per year by making the change. Eighty-eight percent of the savings will go to the district, while the other 12 percent will be split among insured employees, according to wiscnews.com.

Wisconsin School Reformer also wrote that the money the district saves will almost certainly help salvage a few teaching positions and student programs over the next few years and goes on to state that the bidding competition at Baraboo was really not competitive at all.

The family premium proposed by WEA Trust was $1,630 per month, while the premium proposed by Dean Health was just under $1,400 per month. The WEA Trust plan would have cost the district about $5 million per year, while the Dean plan will cost $4.3 million.  Read more.

A check of this Wednesday’s (7/14/11 Revised) Franklin School Board Meeting agenda shows item 9. a. Board Discussion, insurance Bidding Process.  Other topics we found interesting on the agenda include:

Discussion Regarding 2011-2012 Budget

Superintendent’s Report:

a. Trails Committee Update

b. Economic Development Committee Update

c. SWSA Resolution

d. Architects Hiring Update

e. Retreat Update

Look for our report on Wednesday night's meeting on Thursday, July 21.