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Wednesday, February 2, 2011
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Green Lake Zobel Park Rec Fund
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About Me
- Chief Highknocker
- You aren't local until you have at least three generations in the cemetery.
152 comments:
Who is running for the board this year, and who is going to get elected?
Aaron Becker's editorial in the Ripon Commonwealth was exactly right on. All of these candidates run on the promise to be much more fiscally responsible and cut expenses. Then they get on the board and all their voters pat them on the back and say, "yeah, go make those changes. Then, they find out that there is more that they actually didn't understand about how school funding works. Then they realize they too have to turn to the community and say, ' this amount of fundin isn't going to work." Then they get voted out. It's a silly cycle we go through in this community. Remember to think about that in two years, when you can go back and look at what the candidates said they were going to do, during their campaign, and how they change course once they are on the board and find out the realities of the financial situation.
"Who is running for the board this year, and who is going to get elected?"
Good Lord, do you live under a rock?!?!?
I will be voting for the candidates that are fiscally responsible. The IB program needs to be removed from our school system as soon as possible:
Gaining IB authorization is nothing to brag about. In fact, in the seven years I have been investigating IB, I have yet to come across a single American school which has failed to receive IB authorization, as long as the checks are good.
Why waste over $200,000 a year on this divisive, elitist, anti-American program in this terrible economy? Nothing may be “set in stone” but your district is spending your hard earned taxdollars on the IB application process and expensive IB teacher training. Demand to know how much has already be wasted being sent to Geneva, Switzerland and put a stop to this indoctrination NOW!
http://truthaboutib.com/home.html
Just because we have had a few school board members who have no cahones doesn't mean that there are not candidates out there that do. The school budget went up 18% last year. This is unacceptable. Bates continually lies about how much HE is spending to have the IB Program, HIS pet project for HIS thesis, in OUR school. Get rid of both of them.
The school board is supposed to be running the school, but everyone knows that Bates has been running the school board. It's time for this to stop. We need to replace the school board members who don't have the fortitude to stand up for our school and our children.
I agree 100% with the last blog! Bates is a cancer to this school and the Green Lake community. He 'schmoozes' his way around town and has nobody holding him accountable. He may hold the 'credentials' to be in his position yet he has not once demonstrated that he can effectively function in his capacity. He has 'hired hands' to perform duties that HE IS SUPPOSED TO BE DOING! He is nothing more than a glad-hander who has wormed his way into our school and community through his connections.
The only way to move forward at GLSD is to rid it of the members whom have shown no courage in holding to their principles and get rid of the 'yes' people...not hard to tell which ones they are. AND, either hold Bates in line...or get rid of him also.
Marty Valasek - - is more of the same, and probably worse, since he comes from the same screwed up educational system that we are trying to fix. He'll just add to the problems. Marty is hell-bent on selling the community the same BS we've seen for years...."we are a small school so our expenses ALWAYS exceed the state average"! Well guess what Marty...exceeding by a reasonable, and fiscally responsible amount is one thing! Exceeding it grossly, as is the case in Green Lake, is not acceptable or ethical and those responsible need to be held accountable. Just because we've dug ourselves into this deep financial hole does not mean we should keep digging deeper with the hopes of getting out.
Celest King - - been there, done that, really don't want to wear the t-shirt again! Nice enough person, just not what we need on the school board.
Janet Busboom - - definitely worth looking into and getting more information on her. Seems to have a real grasp of the situation AND some very good ideas for corrective actions.
Dick Mrazik - - very knowledgeable and passionate about the community and school. Seems to know the numbers quite well and hits home with his facts and figures.
Chris Vincent - - once again, comes across as a very friendly guy. Don't know enough about him but will definitely be looking for more info from Chris.
Ron Triemstra - - long time resident and a very decent, concerned citizen.
As for the incumbents...we already know what they are all about - - keep their track-records in mind when going to the polls. You don't need the blog to see how they voted over the course of the past several years (or terms!!).
Everyone wants the best for the school and people have differing opinions on what is 'best'! However...keep in mind that trying to be all things to all people leads to failure and that is what has happened at GLSD.
The school board needs to focus on what is best for the majority as it falls within the financial framework provided. Anyone can point to small successes when given unlimited financial freedoms.
What the citizens of Green Lake need from their school board is finding a way to succeed within the budget! Period!
IB training is paid for by a Grant- not adding extra expense to the budget!!!
You are never going to understand this because you don't want to.
IB training started with a grant FROM TAXPAYERS and that money has been long gone. It all comes from the same place: THE TAXPAYERS
When it comes to the candidates for school board, the choices are easy. Who is going to work to keep costs down and work within a reasonable budget? Who is going to keep trying to squeeze more and more money out of the already over-burdened taxpayers? If you read the interviews in the newspaper, the answers are right there in black and white.
FOR HIGHER SPENDING AND MORE REFERENDUMS:
CELEST KING
MARTY VALASAK
CHRIS VINCENT
DENNIS DEYO (actions speak louder than words, Dennis)
Since Green Lake has the FOURTH HIGHEST spending in the entire state of Wisconsin, it would be irresponsible to vote for any of the "big spenders" listed above.
AGAINST HIGHER SPENDING AND MORE REFERENDUMS:
JANET BUSBOOM
RON TRIEMSTRA
DICK MRAZIK
Since Green Lake is already spending over $21,000 per student, per year, I will be voting for those three. I encourage the voters in this school district to do the same.
Chris Vincent is Ken Bates new puppet. When Vincent talks, you can see Bates lips moving. He moved here from Illinois less than a year ago and is already thinking he should be running the school. I don't think he owns the house he lives in, and therefore is not a taxpayer. What does he care if the school keeps holding referendums for higher spending, it's no skin off his nose.
You've got that right! As it turns out, it was Bates who asked Chris Vincent to run for school board so he could have one more school board member to control.
I heard the exact same thing. It seems very unethical for the school administrator to be hand-picking the school board candidates.
I am all for fiscal responsibility. I am just curious to see what these 3 you recommend, Janet, Ron, and Dick, will actually have changed in two years. If they can do it, great. If, after they've been on the board a while, they suddenly are singing the same song being sung now by others who promised changed, we'll be stuck in the same place we are now, and then we'll be listening to more candidates tell us how they are going to change things in their campaign rhetoric.
I would be in favor of shared administrator services. Maybe also sharing accounting services. There are a number of districts out there, our size or bigger, who have accomplished this. In industry, they do it all the time. My concern is the amount of time our administrator spends away from the school. Conferences and committees and special groups. Just don't think all of that is necessary. If we could combine administrators with a neighboring district, I think the basic things we need could be covered.
Most of the time that our illustrious administrator (Ken Bates) spends away from school has NOTHING to do with school. The Downtown Renewal group, Chamber of Commerce, GLA, Rotary Club, Kiwanis, Caestecker Library Board, Bike Trail Committee, Green Lake Conservancy, La Leche League of South Central Wisconsin....gee, what have I left out? Why do some people feel that they have to be a part of every freakin' group there is?
Maybe, just maybe, if Head Master Bates spent more time working on SCHOOL RELATED ISSUES, then our school would not be in the horrific mess that it is in.
Share an administrator? Heck YEAH! As long at it's not Ken Bates.
Ken Bates for Mayor of the City of Green Lake. Approved by FIBS for KEN.
Please remember:
Not ALL the FIB's like Bates!
IB training started with Federal Grant funds for Charter Schools and now continues with Federal Grants for teacher training.
Get your facts straight-oh, I forgot- you don't want the facts...
Oh yes, I forgot that federal grants (just like state grants and any grants issued through a local municipality) don't cost the taxpayers anything. See, it's all 'free' money that comes from nowhere.
It's almost like magic...when you need it (or just want it because you have some fantastic idea but just don't have any cash to pay for it) it just appears!
Even better, when it runs out, you just get more - -
FOR FREE!!!! It's amazing stuff - - it never runs out.
That is...until everyone finally opens their eyes (and their abilities to reason) and realizes that the well has run dry and the money behind the grants (awards; entitlements; 'free government money) IS GONE!
To those who continue to ride the wave of...'it doesn't cost us anything because it is paid for by grants'...get ready to hit the beach hard because reality is setting in.
Cut the IB BS and all other 'pet projects' that cause the school to incur additional expenses 'that aren't within the budget'...it is not a very difficult concept to grasp.
I'm sick of hearing about all of the 'deep cuts' that the school has made when they are still way over budget.
Guess what...if I've put myself in a bad financial position then it's my responsibility to get myself out of it. The school is no different and they are 'playing' with our money.
Kind of makes you feel foolish...doesn't it!
Bad enough when we make bad decisions that cost us money...even worse when others are making bad decisions that cost us money.
The school budget went up 18% last year! It is obvious that the IB program is costing far more money than the school is admitting to. For the school to keep holding more referendums, claiming that they are down to "bare bones" is insane!
How about the school goes back to what they were spending years ago, with 80 MORE students. That would be fair. Go back to spending $4 million per year instead of $6+ million. It was done before, and can be done again. Get rid of IB.
We need to elect SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS who will be fiscally responsible with the taxpayers money. The primary is Tuesday, Feb. 15th.
I am going to vote for Janet Busboom, Ron Triemstra and Dick Mrazik. They are all very well informed on school issues and public education. I encourage you to vote for them also. Thank you.
Spend less like years ago- are you kidding? Do you not realize the cost of everything has gone up in those years?
and grant money is not gone- it's there and if we don't take advantage of it and use it someone else gets it. Then who is the foolish one?
You still just don't get it. GRANT MONEY IS TAX MONEY. IT COMES FROM US, THE TAXPAYERS. IF WE DON'T USE IT, MAYBE WE COULD PAY DOWN THE NATIONAL DEBT. 40 CENTS OF EVERY DOLLAR WE SPEND IS BORROWED.
THE UNITED STATES PAYS $1.2 BILLION DOLLARS DAILY, JUST IN INTEREST ON THE DEBT. NOBODY SHOULD BE RECEIVING OR SPENDING ANY GRANT MONEY!!!
The cost of everything has not gone up. Computers cost far less than they used to. The thing that has gone up are the salaries, and we will make them go back down, one way or another. The states are all working on that problem now, because it has gotten out of control and must be fixed. We need the federal government to get out of education. Wisconsin will become a right to work state, and then non-union teachers can compete for jobs.
Do you want a school, or not?
This is a tough spot we are in. Of course, extra programs and grant driven programs are nice, my kids have benefitted from them. But I am convinced we have to tackle debt, as a nation, a state, a country, and a school district. We simply can no longer sustain this pace. So tough choices will need to be made at all levels. Beyond creating real new jobs, not government fantasy ones, as a way to grow the economy, we have to stop spending what we don't have.
The school will have to learn to live within its' means, just like we have to do at home.
If we adjust our budget so we are at the state average expenditure, we would shave about $2million annually. Let's see, hmm..., that's just about equal to the salary of all of our teachers. Yeah, that's it, let's run a school without teachers.
As for the IB Bashing, the best thing that has happened to some of our teachers is that they have had to "learn new tricks", by virtue of implementing a new curriculum. Several of them are better teachers now, because of the need to get out of their comfort zone. They can't just dust off the old lesson plans anymore!
I wonder if Ron Triemstra remembers how much his taxes went down when his neighborhood left the Ripon district and returned to Green Lake. Same house, same location, only difference was Green Lake tax rate, instead of Ripon's. It might be worth asking about it.
The new board members will have only have 2 choices. 1) raise enough money to run a decent school that students want to attend and that can attract open enrollment students, or 2)keep cutting in the name of "fiscal responsibility", and finish destroying our school and end up paying more taxes by a forced consolidation. Remember, our tax rate is still about 1/2 of that in neighboring districts.
Maybe the choice isn't so clear after all. If our school isn't different and better, then who will come?
Just how many students are actually involved with the IB program and if it's all "Grant Money" why did a wealthy school district like Mequon decide to not go into the IB because IT WAS TO EXPENSIVE and why are schools around the country dropping their IB because it is TO EXPENSIVE. I have friends in other states who have said many of their schools are dropping IB because of the expense. "Grant Money" is taxpayer money and grant money runs out, then who pays for the programs. Oh yeah, money grows on trees in this town.
The district is currently spending $21,000 per student, per year. If that is not enough to educate one child, then the school should in fact close it's doors.
I personally believe it can be done for far less than GLSD is currently spending.
You keep bringing up a tax rate that is meaningless. Our taxes are very high. That is probably because our home is valued much higher than it would be if it was in Ripon. We live in Green Lake. It's all relative.
If our school isn't different and better, then who will come?
The school was better before it turned into a three ring circus. The school was better before Bates and Eddy turned it into a new-age ashram of brainwashing and global citizen stupidity.
Bates drove so many families away from GLSD, it is ironic that he is trying to bring people here. There is no discipline at the school. The kids are not learning, especially with the IB classes. I know parents that are looking to switch their children to Ripon or Markesan because of IB.
All the community wants and needs is a regular, small-town school that teaches kids they way schools used to be. Focus on the academics we learned and thrived on. Math, English, social studies, science...a regular old school with teachers who know how to teach. There is one classroom at the school now where every student is performing below standard. With the kind of money that is being spent on education here in Green Lake, this is inexcusable. Start evaluating teachers, and firing those who are not up to par.
You have hit the nail on the head. Perhaps an IB school would flourish in a ultra-liberal city like Madison, but it is not a good fit for Green Lake. For one thing, in virtually every school district that offers the IB Program, it is optional.
I was horrified to learn that our entire school is forced to participate in the IB Program. To force the sick thinking of the United Nations upon our wholesome kids is demented. If my kids were still in school, I would sue the school district for forcing my children into this un-wanted indoctrination. I don't want my children to be global citizens. I want them to be American children from Wisconsin.
The school should have done a study on the demographics of the school district before they implemented the IB Program here in conservative Green Lake.
Re: You keep bringing up a tax rate that is meaningless. Our taxes are very high. That is probably because our home is valued much higher than it would be if it was in Ripon. We live in Green Lake. It's all relative.
The only actual example of the effect of different tax rates is Woodland Circle, which was in Ripon's school district for over 20 years. About 7 years ago, that neighborhood returned to the Green Lake District. This is a perfect comparison, because nothing changed, except the school district mill rate that is applied to the property.
I believe that some residents saw an actual, real dollar tax savings of close to $1000. That's real money and a perfect example of what would happen to our taxes if our district consolidated. Ron T. should be able to confirm this, because he lives in that neighborhood.
Maybe that is because Ripon has a lot more schools, school staff, students, etc than Green Lake. Dah. Green Lake has 300 students, total. How many students attend Ripon public schools?
Consolidation will not increase taxes. After the dust has settled, there would be less salaries to pay, and that is where most of the school budget is going. (70 -80% of the school budget is for salaries)
See how that works?
GLSD has plenty of money to work with. The only reason that consolidation is a possibility is because of dwindling enrollment. There are several factors for decreasing enrollment. The first one is the school itself, which continues to drive away students due to lack of discipline and the school's New Age indoctrination of our impressionable youth. The other factor is that the birth rate is down, and families with children are not moving to Green Lake. There are no jobs anywhere in the nation, and there really are no jobs in Green Lake. Families are not moving to Green Lake because they can get much better bang for their buck than in Green Lake, where home prices and taxes are high. We can expect low birth rates to continue, as our nation continues to botch job creation and corporate growth. If and when the school closes it's doors, it will probably be in stages. First the high school, then the middle and elementary. If and when these things happen, we (as a community) will deal with it. In the meantime, we have education reform on the way. School vouchers will replace this most unfair public school system. Public school as we know it will most likely not exist a few years down the road. Virtual schooling, home schooling and (next) free choice in schooling will improve the way our children learn. Performance based pay will ensure that the best teachers are kept and promoted. It can't happen soon enough. Get ready for change.
To force the sick thinking of the United Nations upon our wholesome kids is demented..... forcing my children into this un-wanted indoctrination. I don't want my children to be global citizens. I want them to be American children from Wisconsin.
Ah, the "barefoot and pregnant" theory of education!
Why not just put a McDonalds into the school so it can prepare them for the type of work they'll be ready for with this view.
And uniforms! Uniforms would be nice. Brown is a great color for the shirts.
RE: Consolidation will not increase taxes. After the dust has settled, there would be less salaries to pay, and that is where most of the school budget is going. (70 -80% of the school budget is for salaries)
See how that works?
Ignorance is bliss! Unfortunately the state funding formula doesn't care about common sense. Basically our property value is approximately equal to Ripon's and greater than the other surrounding districts. So, if our value accounts for 50% of a combined district, we get to pay 50% of the cost (via taxes). In every case, the cost to Green Lake taxpayers goes up. Plus, we also get "lost" in a bigger district, where our votes represent a minority, even though our dollars may be the majority.
At least we won't have to be scared of the UN.
There is nothing wrong with being a patriotic American. Quit brainwashing the children into being "global citizens". Go ahead and teach YOUR kids all that garbage, but leave my kids alone! Your analogy of "barefoot and pregnant" is just plain stupid. Why is it that the education the students received just a few years ago (before the IB program came here) was obviously fine, but according to you, that will only end them up with a job flipping burgers. You are a sad, pathetic excuse for a human being. Go promote your BS IB propaganda somewhere else.
Mrzaik is the one touting fiscal responsibility & lauding his business experience as what gives him the expertise necessary to fix the board's problems - correct? Wasn't his business effectively run into the ground in Ripon - Dairy Queen sits empty from where I drive by it - anyone else see the same? Is this the type of fiscal responsibility we are really TRULY supporting?
How about if we have someone under 50 on the school board, I know Green Lake is an older community, but give me a break only two candidates don't have AARP cards!!!!
The UN's basic philosophy is both anti-American and pro-totalitarian.
Our Declaration of Independence proclaims the "self-evident" truth that "men...are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights." But, in its Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN ignores God's existence, implies that it grants rights, and then repeatedly claims power "as provided by law" to cancel them out of existence. If any government can place restrictions on such fundamental rights as freedom of speech, the right to keep and bear arms, freedoms of the press, association, movement, and religion, soon there will be no such freedoms.
The UN was founded by Communists and CFR members whose common goal was a socialist world government.
Sixteen key U.S. officials who shaped the policies leading to the creation of the UN were later exposed in sworn testimony as secret Communists.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child also claims power not only to grant rights but also to cancel them "as provided by law." It claims that governments must guarantee children freedom of expression...freedom to seek, receive, and impart information...freedom of thought, conscience, and religion," regardless of the wishes of their parents.
There are numerous reasons for small business failure in this country. For you to criticize Dick Mrazik for closing the Dairy Queen is ludicrous (and mean-spirited). Could it be that someone opened a Culvers right down the block? Gee, I wonder how the two new chiropractors are doing in Green Lake? I wonder how Christianos took most of the Goose Blind's pizza business away. How much business did the downtown BP lose when the Crossroads opened another gas station?
Your rudeness is only exceeded by your stupidity. People with good business sense know when it is time to close their door.
I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself since I seem to be personally attacked on this blog and clearly there is no one here who knows me. As you can tell, I have posted my comments with my name attached to them rather than cowering behind an Anonymous tag, I suggest a few more of you do the same.
My name is Chris Vincent & I want to be a vital part of the Green Lake School Board. I am a parent of young children in the district & I have lived in the community for less than a year – two qualifications which I believe are essential to my success in this race.
Let me be completely up front about my housing situation – we rent a home about four blocks away from the school. We currently own our home in Illinois and it would be fiscally irresponsible for us to take on two mortgages in the middle of a recession. We had an offer on our house when we moved to Green Lake, which subsequently fell through along with other closing dates since. My family is renting until we can sell our house in Illinois. That being said, I am clearly attuned to tax issues as a small-business owner in this community. Don’t think for a moment that I make any decisions regarding taxation without future home ownership & owning a small business in mind.
On moving to Green Lake, be very clear – my family moved here for the school. We found Green Lake when we were looking to get out of a failing district in Illinois and the IB program sealed the deal for us. Our family sees this as an opportunity to give our sons the advantage of a world renowned educational system in a small town environment – what more can we ask for as parents?
As far as being a puppet or being personally asked by Ken Bates to run, I think you need to check your facts. I was never asked by Ken Bates to run for the board, I have utilized him as a resource (along with others) in preparing for this race to understand the school finances, the issues with the current board as well as the justification behind IB. If you have a problem with me utilizing those members of the community as a resource for research I will turn the question around & ask you – how do you expect me to learn? I don’t have the history in the community & I need to get up to speed on the issues, if you would like to claim that I am a puppet for doing a thorough job I guess we would have to disagree on that question.
Now that I’ve answered the personal attacks, let me tell you why I am running. My son Tucker is in Kindergarten this year and is just learning to read. The light on his face when he figures out a new sentence or remembers a star word is an amazing experience for a parent. As a teacher, I saw the light turn on for many of my students, but seeing it in your child is priceless. I have another son, Morgan who is gearing up for 4K next year and looking forward to “learning lots of stuff”. My investment in this district goes beyond the hours spent in the classroom or helping out with PTO events, it goes beyond helping out with school events or sitting on advisory committees, it is about our kids. Not just my two boys, but about the 300 children that Green Lake School teaches each day. My greatest responsibility in this life is as a father. Whatever I can do to make sure that Green Lake School is an excellent educational environment, I am willing to do that. Even if it means getting beat up on a blog. Vote Vincent next Tuesday for a fresh approach to old problems!
You sure haven't sold me, Chris. The fact that you are new to Green Lake and have kids in school makes you an unlikeable candidate to me, one who's own interests go before the community. You aren't the first person to move here and try to take over every damn thing possible.
Every kid learns to read in Kindergarten, and Green Lake is nothing special in that regard. The joy of learning is a good thing, it is too bad that GLSD is squelching this joy every chance they get. I know another family that moved here for the school, and they have already pulled their child out of the school and are now looking to move again as a result of their misguided decision and bad experience at school. They are extremely disappointed in GLSD and how they have been treated. I know another family that is looking at Ripon schools because the work that is given to their child does not correlate with the grade level. In other words, the school is forcing the children to run when they can barely yet walk. This family is extremely frustrated and disgusted with the school. Worse yet is that their child is learning to hate school at an early age. Thank you Ken Bates and IB Program.
I am glad that you are a part of your children's education, but I don't want you to be a part of my children's education. Thanks anyway.
Our friends recently pulled their children out of Green Lake and sent them to Markesan. They had enough of GLSD and finally made the move. They couldn't be happier. On a scale of 1 - 10, they give Markesan a 15. The kids love it there and are learning far more than they learned in Green Lake. It seems that all that families want is a good school with good teachers, and not all the indoctrination. You see it all over the walls, as soon as you walk in the building in Green Lake. It is deeply disturbing to me what they are doing to the children's minds. I will instill MY values in MY child, I send them to school to learn academics.
Sixteen key U.S. officials who shaped the policies leading to the creation of the UN were later exposed in sworn testimony as secret Communists.
Zombie Joe McCarthy is that you?
It's one thing to have an IB program and another to force all students and parents to partake in the IB program. This should be a choice. we are spending $21K on each child in our system with only 300 kids in the school. That's 6.3million $$$$. WHY?????
That's a lot of money for a limited education that these students are receiving.
I am curious as to how many students are on honor roll, high honors, etc...
How many of the students that have graduated from green lake have gone on to further the education and what type of job do they have? Have they in some way benefited from an education in green lake that somehow puts them above other students in the US?
Did they all become brain surgeons or are they making 6 figures???
Has anyone done a study on where students in Green lake end up after graduation???
Seriously $21K is the cost for 1 yr of college, not 1 yr of high school or 1st grade.
flipping burgers - nothing wrong with that, someone's gotta do it.
totally laughed about the AARP Card comment (childish I know) but I am not the only one that giggled at that.
flipping burgers - nothing wrong with that, someone's gotta do it.
No skill minimum wage jobs in the only indutrialized nation that has no universal health coveage. You certainly dream big for the children.
The IB Curriculum is teaching my child to be creative this month - oh the horror! The other day, he came up with a new way to "organize his closet" (keep his clothes off the floor) because he was "using his creative thinking skills". As a mother I am appalled that my 1st grader is picking up after himself, I would much rather yell at him about it for the next 10 years. Thanks a lot IB!
LOL Mom2GLSD!!!
I have three grandchildren in the GLSD and they were celebrating responsibility during December. They decided that this meant that they needed to donate a bunch of old toys to St Vincents since they got a ton of gifts for Christmas. Without parents prompting them & they are in three different grades, but were getting the same message of taking responsibility from their teachers - if this is indoctrination, I think everyone on here should sign up for some!!!! Maybe you can sit in the 4K room for kindness month & learn how to talk to others who have different opinions than yours.
Kindness? You have to be kidding me. That is indoctrination! You are mindless not to recognize that. Since your kids "have too many toys" they are supposed to give some away to others who have less. Nice socialist brainwashing there. Thanks for this classic example of why the IB has no part in American schools. Social justice= give away your toys. This is sinister if you ask me. It's one thing for a child to want to give away their toys (on their own), it's quite another to use emotional duress to guilt them into giving away their toys.
And to the mom whose kid organized his closet, it seems you have failed at YOUR JOB of teaching YOUR CHILD how to be responsible for his own things. It sounds like you would rather yell at YOUR CHILD than show them how to take care of their stuff. Nice that the school is raising your child for you.
This town is being run into the ground by mean spirited, biggoted and close minded people who can not and will not listen to anything that even remotely sounds positive about the school. They are on a runaway train on a one way track to close the school. It seems the parents and children in town just don't matter anymore. After all, how many of the complainers in this town actually attend anything at the school? Face it, the complainers don't CARE and we as parents are forced to listen to the ridicule of being supportive of the school of our children. Not saying it's perfect, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna sit by and let it be closed by a bunch of people who don't CARE.
How can people vote NO for a school they don't know anything about except what they read on a blog or in the paper? Where is the participation at the sporting events, concerts, etc?????? I guess it's easier to kill the kid's school when you don't have to look them in the eye.
GREAT COMMENT!!!!!! How many of these people would vote to close their own kids' school or their grandkids' school? Most people agree that fiscal responsibility is badly needed, but how your decision affects the whole picture and not just your pocketbook should be considered. I'm afraid the blind hatred in this town toward a particular administrator is extremely dangerous to the children and the future of their school. Cuts yes. Closing no.
For you to criticize Dick Mrazik for closing the Dairy Queen is ludicrous (and mean-spirited). Could it be that someone opened a Culvers right down the block? What the hell does that mean?
Who is this Dick Mrazikk anyway? I patronized that Dairy Queen in Ripon many times- it was a hell hole. The food stunk- terrible service- dirty building, no wonder it closed, I always wished a real Dairy Queen would open up. Who is this Dick Mrazikk anyway? I heard he is a business man What business? Does he take jobs away from people that need them? Not voting for that creep.
Our friends recently pulled their children out of Green Lake and sent them to Markesan. They had enough of GLSD and finally made the move. They couldn't be happier. On a scale of 1 - 10, they give Markesan a 15.
IF IT'S THE FAMILY I THINK IT IS-GUESS WHAT.....ON A SCALE ON 1 TO 10 ON THE HAPPINESS THAT THEY FINALLY LEFT-IT'S A 15.
P.S. GREEN LAKE SPORTS IS ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
The town is doomed...the school is doomed...stop dumping money into the abyss that once was GLSD.
You who think that the school will continue in it's present form...pull the needle out of your arm - it isn't going to happen.
This school, like so many other small town locations that have nothing to offer by way of jobs / employment for the parents, is going to be a thing of the past. It's reality!
Budgets are being cut locally, statewide and nationwide. What makes you really think that taxpayers - not just in Green Lake - will continue to foot the bill? Take a look at what's happening in Madison, etc. Take a look at what's happening in Milwaukee!
It's reality folks...nothing more, nothing less.
So, let's get back to it - GLSD, take the money you presently have and make it work. There is more than enough there to provide a good, solid, sound education within the parameters given.
Heck, I'd be all for trying some new-fangled idea if it wasn't going to cost me anything.
Unfortunately that is not the case and in trimming the budget the fat must go first and guess what...IB, Charter, etc...THAT is the FAT!
Trim it and get your constituency back in line...get your community back behind you...get your CITY back.
Hate to say it because in reality it probably will be short term due to the small town locale and lack of employment previously mentioned. But, short-term might be years in the making whereas the alternative could literally happen in months.
The choice is yours - make a sound decision and make sure it is based on facts and figures that aren't suspect.
Keep the school functioning for as long as possible as long is it's not a drain on the city.
I'd love to keep the school here for obvious reasons (and yes...I have kids in this school but I'm dealing with the realities that they may not graduate from it...it's part of life...happens everywhere so why shouldn't it happen here?). However, I'll do what is best for the community while at the same time try to do what is best for the school...I hope others will do the same. Keep the school active and involved for as long as possible. The only way to do it is to stretch the available dollars and stop reaching into the pockets of taxpayers who are already overburdened.
The Ripon Dairy Queen was a pig pen, as I recall. The staff were dirty looking, and not very customer friendly. The floors were dirty, as were the bathrooms. I don't think Culvers took the customers away. I think the customers went away because it was a poor experience to go to the Dairy Queen. If that how he ran the restaurant, I would be skeptical about his " business skills" helping our school.
Very well said. Thank you.
That meant for the previous blog, not the lunatic who just posted.
It is amazing to me that there is such vitriol (that is hateful criticism for those of you who don't value education)on here that you can take my sharing of my son's accomplishments & turn it into me letting the school raise my child. A bit of a stretch. I was simply stating that I appreciate a school who backs up my values and underscores UNIVERSAL human values in everything they teach & every grade level. If this is not the type of education you want for your child - School Choice is a wonderful thing.
Why is everyone so negative about the school & the area on here? What exactly does this accomplish?
Has anyone who is so negative about the school actually spent time there? You talk about discipline problems & a host of other issues, but have you been there to witness it? I spend about 20 hours a week in the building for various projects & I have to say, we are not seeing the same thing!
I find it interesting that everyone who has posted to this blog has answers for the school and the school board. However, there are only 8 people with the gumption to speak out publicly to try and make a difference rather than sit back and bitch out it. If everyone knows the problem, why aren't there 1000 candidates? Just sayin...
I am a parent of young children and I choose to open enroll here. I see Green Lake and the IB Program as the best fit for my family. I want my kids to have every advantage and I am saddened when I read all this bickering about what it costs to educate my greatest achievement, my kids. There is more to a school than finances. I see our school as a place that wants to put kids first and will do what it can to see that my children succeed. Obviously times are tough right now. Why not try to focus on ways to bring more revenue into our area and even our state. We should be brainstorming ideas that will help us rise above all this instead of shoveling you know what at everyone. I have to believe everyone on here wants nothing but the best for future generations, but we need to find a common thread on how to ensure that. Anybody have ideas on that?
Last poster...read the newspapers, read the blog (yes, there is some good information here if you learn to sift through the trash), talk to people who are knowledgeable about the real costs / benefits attributed to the school and then, using all of your logic and reason, answer your own question! We, meaning the GLSD and the City of Green Lake, HAD and can have, an excellent school, perhaps even 'nothing but the best for future generations'!
The problem is that the school continues to ask for MORE, even though they ALREADY have MORE than almost every other school district in the State!!
Now - ask yourself (and others)...does anybody have ideas why people are so up in arms about the school and it's finances?
It isn't just the state funding formula that is a problem!
It isn't just that we have a superfluous [(that is being more than is needed/necessary for those of you who don't value education ;-)] administration!
It isn't just that we have a school board that doesn't seem attuned to the constituency it represents!
It is a combination of all things coming together at the most inopportune economic times and yet THEY STILL ASK FOR MORE!
Yes, there is more to a school than finances but finances have to stand at the forefront when almost everyone has taken a big hit the last couple of years.
As the saying goes...money talks and it has recently spoken volumes about how the school is run.
Everyone keeps touting the 'cuts that have been made at GLSD'! Well, the reality is that deeper cuts need to be made and the school needs to operate within the already significant and extremely generous budget that our school board, administration AND STUDENTS are, and have been, blessed with.
Stop bitching about what they don't have at the school and start being thankful for what they do have!
I heard that the PTO recently held a Movie Night that was free for families in the district. Someone (although I believe they know who)reported them for not having a License to show the movie. It cost them $75 to show that movie then. Nice. Although they should have investigated it better on their own, I believe they thought since it was in a school and for NO PROFIT,it was okay to show a movie. Sad to know that someone, (again I stress I think they know who it was)actually took the time to report them. That makes me wonder if people on this blog really are concerned about the kids, or just get their kicks off complaining.
My daughter (who struggled last year in Markesan) just started reading two levels above her grade after only 6 months in Green Lake. Kudos to the great elementary teaching staff!
My son, who was bullied and harassed at another nearby school, has just earned his doctorate at Green Lake! Not bad for a second grader!
What a wonderful school...everything is 'peachy-keen' and superb.
Oh wait...is that John Lennon's 'Imagine' playing in the background.
Get real folks...it's a Grade School / Middle School / High School.
$20,000 plus per student per year is more than enough money to make it work AND to keep it open for years to come if the school board and school administration WANT it to be open for years to come.
Stop believing the BS...it isn't closing...it just needs to do it within its means!
I am new to this site and am already disappointed. This morning there was a post with good information about Jon Wilsnack and his taxes posted as a comment under the Primarys in Feb blog. Apparently this is not a true forum for people to post information and discuss things, as now I see all 3 comments have disappeared and no comments seem to be allowed there anymore. I guess if we don't want Wilsnack for Judge, our thoughts are not welcome. I think I am done here now.
There is definitely a segment of this town that is anti school and anti kids. They try to cover it up by saying they are just trying to be fiscally responsible but then follow up with anti school/staff slurs. Maybe it's time for the parents and staff of the district to stop patronizing some of the businesses and organizations in this town whose members have been particullarly vocal. Contrary to what some believe, it is well known who and what organizations and businesses are spewing this stuff. I don't mind free speech, but malicious and rude comments towards staff, students, parents and anyone else who supports the school has to stop. Maybe if they feel it in their pocketbooks, they will take a minute and think about what they are saying and doing. After all, money's all they really care about....
Maybe you're on to something. There are places in this town where the "just close the damn thing" crowds like to hang out and complain. Been there, heard it.Hmmmmm....all of a sudden those morning coffees, friday night fish frys and pancake breakfasts don't sound quite as good. I'd rather spend the money on the future of this town (the kids and school for those who don't get it) than at those places that harbor those lovely people who want to stop supporting the school while they spout hypocrysy by not letting anyone touch their social security or medicare. Fiscal responsibilty should be across the board if you are an honest believer in it....
Seriously, I am new to the area & would REALLY rather not put my money into anything that is support this hateful & negative thinking - who do I boycott? I either do not notice or pay enough attention when I am out, but I would happily avoid those businesses - can someone give me an idea which ones to stay away from?
Did anyone go to the school board candidate presentation tonight at the school? Wondering how the candidates did?
It was very interesting and informative. I think the front runners at this point are Marty Valasek, Wendy Schultz and Chris Vincent.
I went. I think Mrazik and Triemstra are the only two that looked against the school. Schultz, King, Deyo, Vincent and Valasek all seemed pretty together in thinking and they seem to greatly believe in the school.
Body language says a lot - Mrazik with his crossed arms & scowl did not look happy to be there, plus he could not limit his answers & had to be shut down many times over. All in all a lot of good information and some positive outlooks for the school & our community - Schultz, Valasek & Vincent are my choices!
I agree with the previous post. Mrazik looked like he did not even want to be there.
Of course Dick Mrazik didn't want to be there. It wasn't his cup of tea because the format didn't allow ranting and rudeness. It required the candidates to give concise, to the point answers, not ramble on, and be considerate of others opinions, which is an environment he is unfamiliar with.
I thought it was a shame that Chris Vincent had to use valuable time to explain his housing situation of trying to finish selling his home in Illinois, before his family purchases a home here. Why is that anyone else's business? And why does that add anything to the equation of whether he'd be a good candidate? The small mindedness of some of our residents that made this an issue on this blog, presents our community in a poor light. It certainly won't encourage others to consider relocating here. Chris, I don't know you, but thank you for trying to get involved in the community and having interest in the school.
Wow...I would like to thank the last person (who posted like 6 or 7 times in a row) for sharing her thoughts!
Some things are just too funny and too transparent. Yes, please tell us which 'thriving' Green Lake businesses we should all boycott? Please show your community support by sharing this information with us. Please let us know how business and people friendly you, and the Green Lake community, are so that we can attract more businesses to the area. Please let us know who the front-runners are in the election so that we know which ones not to vote for.
And by all means...please level a few more personal attacks against people whom you know nothing about.
This is a seriously funny (and sad) blog sight...it seems to be the pride and joy of about 3 or 4 people who post to each other (and hysterically, to themselves!) ad nausea!
Amazing how 'important' one can be hiding behind anonymous, libelous drivel...how does the phrasing go - a legend in their own minds!
Last night’s candidate debate was interesting. For those who couldn’t attend, there’s a news article at www.riponpress.com
If people have the right to talk trash about our district to anyone who will listen, then those who support our district have the right to stay away from their businesses. If they won't listen to our words, maybe they will listen to our actions. It's a free country, we can demonstrate our displeasure with their views any way we want. I say we go for it! It's our turn to stand up to the negativity!!!
Does anyone know how to get in contact with Dick Mrazik? As a parent, I have several questions regading his stance on consolidation that I would like to ask him. For instance, has he ever talked to our High School kids in person before assuming we as parents are doing a disservice to them by keeping them in a small school? I know I have never seen him at any school functions except Board Meetings so how could he assume such thing without ever experiencing the small school atmosphere himself? His views seem completely out of touch with the kids and parents. Managing some kids at a Dairy Queen does not give him the right to assume that he knows more than the parents.
A school board is supposed to make sound decisions for the good of the school,staff, communITy and students. So someone please explain to me why anyone would want to put someone on the board who never has anything positive to say and thinks taking away the school is a good idea? IT MAKES NO SENSE (unless of course you have this love affair with Markesan that is not shared by the majority of parents). Fiscal responsibility is the answer, not Dick Mrazik.
Talk about doing a disservice to our students- What about about all the negative sound offs and comments by people in this town? Isn't it a disservice to the students when their efforts at athletics, band, choir, etc. are met with constant criticism and jeering form people in this town who want to close the school? Contrary to what Mr. Mrazik thinks, the kids who go to school here like it and deserve to hear some positive feedback once in a while. Is he capable of saying anything in a positive light? I wish he would show up at some of these events to really get an earful from the parents who are tired of his bad attitude. Maybe if he ventured out from his close circle of supporters, he would be better able to see the whole picture and how his banter hurts the people who work hard to make the school a positive environment. He says ads in the paper won't bring in more kids. Well guess what Mr. Mrazik, either will your rants and raves on how bad the district is. Get a clue.
Help me out here. Isn't Markesan in as bad or worse fiscal shape than we are? A couple of years ago there was talk of them dissolving the district entirely. Why are we even in talks with them? Obviously they can't figure out how to balance a budget either. They may have the newest fanciest school in the area, but why should we be responsible for helping to bail them out of their overspending on it? If you're going to give your hard earned dollar to a district that can't balance a budget, why would you give it to the district that isn't in your town? Markesan is not any better than Green Lake. It may have a better paint job, but it's still a lemon. Keep the school in Green Lake. Work to balance our own budget and not another school's. That's the way I see it.
Markesan isn't in any better shape than we are. dick Mrazik and others who wouldlike us to consolidate with them should remember this and try to use this as a negotiating point with them instead of selling us out to them like a cheap prostitute. Markesan can't wait to get their hands on us and we will get nothing in return except more financial problems.
It seems like everything has calmed down since the forum. Did it answer all the questions or shed some different light on things. Speak up, I was unable to attend so I am interested in what took place.
I heard that one time Dick sold a chili dog that had a "little less chili than it did 'dog'". So, in order to be compliant with the truth in labeling requirements he changed the name of the meal to 'dog chili' and oh my gosh did he get in trouble with the ASPCA! Also heard he sold 'hot' fudge sundaes where the fudge was only 'warm'...talk about a ruthless, horrible individual. Yup...That Dick Mrazik is definitely an arm-crossing, twitchy-eye kind of guy who is not to be trusted. I'm pretty knowledgeable about people like him since I've watched 'Lie to Me' and 'CSI-Somwhere' on TV a few times...I guess in Green Lake that makes me an expert at something.
Isn't it sad that when someone (Mrazik) has taken the time to investigate and comes prepared to logically present FACTS and FIGURES to back up their statements they get personally attacked as a last resort by those who disagree with them. These individuals (Mrazik) can't be attacked for the information they present because it is FACTUAL. How shallow, and inhuman, that people feel they have license to personally attack others because they disagree with them. Such vehement and bitter aggression is extremely scary and yet - - it is so run of the mill on this blog.
I often wonder why people get so bitterly aggressive against people who point out a truth that they don't want to believe.
They can't argue against it with their own FACTS and FIGURES because their own information, if accurate, would be detrimental to their point of view.
So then they go to the 'intrinsic and unquantifiable' aspects of the situation...you know - those you don't have to justify with dollars and cents (or should that read 'sense').
Dick Mrazik is a decent and well-intentioned person who has unfortunately been chosen as the whipping boy of the pro-spending / pro-pet project group of the school. It is unfortunate that people have decided to make hurtful statements about him in an attempt to diminish his stance. Yet, they have not pointed out where his information is inaccurate or untruthful.
If you can't attack the information but only the messenger...isn't there something wrong with your arguments? Perhaps you should step back from the sporting events, the band concerts, and all the other 'feel good' moments that are secondary at best to providing an excellent education, and decide if you really, truly want a school in Green Lake...or if the memories of what was will suffice when it's shut-down forever?
Only you can make that call but it's a decision that has to be made.
But please...let's stick to the facts and leave out the personal attacks (it only shows ignorance).
The goal is to keep the school(s) in Green Lake. That is why we need fiscally responsible school board members who can work within a budget. It is the OVERSPENDING that is a threat to our school(s). On Tuesday, I will be voting for Dick Mrazik, Janet Busboom and Ron Triemstra. They are well-researched and very much qualified and ready to help our school and our students move forward into the future. Let's get fiscal discipline and order back into the school board, and have the school board run as a school board is supposed to! May these last several years of internal chaos and dissent in our community be behind us.
Will Dick Marazik and Janet Busboom listen to the parents or will they only listen to their supporters? This is the concern I have. You cannot heal this community by refusing to listen to both sides. Parents have real concerns about cuts and consolidation that need to be listened to with equal consideration. I just don't know if they will be able to do that.
I am pretty sure if Dick Mrazik, Janet Busboom and Ron Triemstra get elected, the dissent among our community will only escalate. Ron Triemstra actually said at the end that closing the school would be a possibility for him. Dick Mrazik concurred. I would be horrified to think that we would elect people to manage our school that actually thought closing it is a possibility. Putting people like that on our school board is not going to draw more people into our system. Have you looked at the resume Marty Valasek brings? You don't think his experience on boards counts for anything? I also believe voting in someone like Chris Vincent who is new to the area and has small kids in the school would add an important viewpoint to our board. Do you really want a bunch of people on the board that only come to the school for their own meetings? How would they have any idea of the true soul of the school? They wouldn't.
How shallow, and inhuman, that people feel they have license to personally attack others because they disagree with them. Such vehement and bitter aggression is extremely scary and yet - - it is so run of the mill on this blog. .>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>We the people of this blog are just talking --- through our observations and experiences with this person we feel he is a bad business man and bad decision maker for this community. Why are we called aggressive and scary. Why are we called attackers. We had not thrown any sticks and stones. Name calling will never hurt you. Just get you thinking about what you are getting into.
Did we figure out which of the downtown businesses to boycott yet? I would like to see the McConnell Inn at the top of the list!
I think we all need to start by defining what we are talking about. Dick has a book of figures that have been interpreted to support his argument, the same numbers can be manipulated in a ton of different ways. Look at the per pupil expenditure - DPI figures place it at $19,394 of which over $4,000 per pupil is a capital improvement project (the roof). So the entire premise of "fiscally conservative" goes out the window when you consider most other districts have less than $300 in capital expenditures built into their per pupil equation. Adjust that out & Green Lake is barely above state average expenditure. Anyone can make the numbers work the way they want them to, we have to first agree on what our goal is - providing the best education possible or pinching pennies?
Numbers don't lie. You are the one trying to spin things.
There is a home basketball game against Cambria tonight at 6:00. I would love to see Dick Mrazik, Janet Busboom, Ron Triemstra and Harley Reabe in attendence. These people have yet to appear at any school functions yet they hold the kids future in their hands. How can you make a good decision without being informed? There is more to being informed than researching numbers. Interaction with students and parents is just as important. Nobody should vote for candidates that choose not to be involved with the kids and parents they are supposed to be listening to. Show some interest in their achievements for pete's sake! Your non-interest is disturbing to say the least.
Avoiding the Little Corporal and the coffee cluth that likes to hang out there would be a good start. Unfortunately I would have to throw the Legion pancake breakfasts in there as well due to some of the stuff Mr. Barke and others are spewing. Wish it wouldn't come to this, but some of these people just won't listen to reason or compromise on anything. Their negativity towards the school is over the top and I would rather not spend my money on places that support the closing of my kid's school.
Numbers don't lie. You are the one trying to spin things.
Mr. Mrazik may be right with his numbers, but where does he get off saying I'm doing something bad for my kids by sending them to a small school? Has he talked with any of the parents who like it here? Has he talked with any of the students who like it here? How can he make such a broad statement as that without getting up close and personal with us? I also have not seen him or any of the others previously mentioned at any events. I would think it would be common sense for people who claim to be so enlightened to participate in the school they are hoping to run. Their not showing up tells me all I need to know-they have no intention of fixing things, they only want to close it down. Funny how none of them have kids or grandkids who go there-I guess that makes it really easy to throw the school away. How very sad.
The parents and kids in Green Lake don't matter anymore. The older people in this town (with a few rare exceptions who have stood their ground) have decided that the money in their pocketbook is more important than us. That's it in a nutshell.
The problem in this town is that the people of CARE truely believe that they know more than the parents. They are mandating what will happen to kids who they know nothing about. Shame on them. If we're going to look strictly at numbers, maybe we should cut their Medicare and Social Security to make those programs more fiscally responsible. Heck it saves me some money on my paycheck and those programs don't pertain to me anyway. That's the comparison that needs to be made-there's more to think about than just the numbers.
Is this really all about money? Why is this issue so divisive? I love Green Lake Schools for my young sons & I am enjoying the town with it's huge variety of activities, I guess I just don't understand how this is such a hot issue....what am I missing?
Is this really all about money? Why is this issue so divisive? I love Green Lake Schools for my young sons & I am enjoying the town with it's huge variety of activities, I guess I just don't understand how this is such a hot issue....what am I missing?
After the candidate forum was the Judge forum.....I've heard all the rumors about Wilsnack and his avoidance of paying his income taxes for like 10 years, which I did go look up and seems to be true. While Selsing would be okay, I believe Slate seemed the most enthusiastic and progressive in his ideas. Nothing better than a progressive conservative rather than just old time conservative. Slate definitely seemed ready to embrace technology and also wants to find better ways to rehabilitate people rather than filling up our prisons. If we can't keep kids in school, we shouldn't be so quick to put everyone in jail.
Dick Mrazik knows how to save money--his own but not taxpayer money. He owes the IRS taxes from four years ago.
Vote for Dick the (tax) Dodger. And while your at it remember his CARE buddies.
Holy cow! I just checked out the Wisconsin Dept of Revenue's website for delinquent taxes. I guess Mr. Mrazik thinks he doesn't have to pay for anything he doesn't believe in. This deserves an explanation from someone who claims to know about fiscal responsability.. I wonder if the other two candidates who threw their hats in with him were aware of this? I wonder if CARE was aware that their wonder boy candidate had this in his closet?
Could this be a different Dick Mrazik? Please tell me he would not be stupid enough to run on the fiscal responsibility ticket if he had this hanging on him.
Wow - this has become a place for personal attacks against some very decent individuals and Green Lake businesses. If this doesn't show just how horrific this situation has become I don't know what will.
Yes, boycott the Legion, the fund raising pancake breakfast and Mr. Barke for 'spewing' things such as fiscal responsibility and conservative values within GLSD.
I can't fathom that someone would so ignorantly exhort the people of our community to 'boycott' the American Legion who's membership PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE FOR YOUR FREEDOMS!!!
Shall we talk about what the Legion does for the community and more specifically the Green Lake school and it's students!!!
Shall we talk about Badger Boys & Girls?
Shall we talk about the annual scholarships provided through the Legion to GLSD students?
Shall we talk about the Honor Guard?
Shall we talk about helping veterans in need?
And yes...boycott the Little Corporal due to the coffee clutch that hangs out there ! Now this is a wonderful idea to not patronize businesses because people with differing points of view also patronize them.
This is so unbelievably sad. Blackball anyone that is in disagreement with your point of view. And also blackball any businesses that these dissenters patronize.
Yes, we need to boycott these 'cancers' for it is the only way this community and it's school will thrive.
Whomever it was that posted the 'boycott' info AND the personal info on Mr. Mrazik (whether it be true or false) is an ignorant ass. You are the cancer within this community. Using your divisive tactics is unconscionable and shows just how petty and lacking you are of human spirit.
However, if the ends are justified by your means I guess it's all 'ok' by the standards we are setting in Green Lake.
What a wonderful 'community' we live in - Hah!
Maybe we should boycott Adam's Rib? What do you think about that Chief?
I believe this blog is harmful to the community. Sure, everyone has a right to their opinion and freedom of expression, but this just creates more division and personal attacks. If I was someone interested in moving here or enrolling my child in the school here and I read this I think I'd pass on this community.
Why should people have to patronize anything that they disagree with? The previously mentioned organizations and businesses have boycotted the school and it's stuents with their "close the school" attitude. Again, they are the ones who have painted themselves in a corner with their uncompromising and belligerant attitudes. Never has it been said that the Legion is not honorable, but perhaps it should put a leash on some of it's more outspoken members who want to close the school and have put sound off after sound off in the papers stating so. The Legion needs to stick to their honorable practices and stay out of telling parents how their kids should be schooled.
The problem in this town is that the dissenters want to take away the school without any thought about the kids or families in town and what they want. The dissenters are the problem as they refuse to compromise on anything that could get us past this. Maybe if they shut up and listened to parents and their concerns their wouldn't be these battle lines drawn. Parents have a right to be heard without being called liberals, spending freaks, idiots, or irresponsible. Parents and kids have the most to lose in this, not just money out of their pockets but their school as well. A responsible community would aknowledge this and listen.
If CARE would just take a minute and get off their soapbox there could be some hope to fix this problem. CARE would like to see fiscal responsibility (including closing the school as a possibility). Parents and students want the school open but have conceded if CARE gets their way, the school will have to consolidate. If that happens, the parents and kids want to consolidate with Princeton. We share sports teams already and our districts butt up against one another. Why won't CARE listen to this request by the parents? Why do they keep pushing Markesan? A compromise would be the parents giving in to consolidation and the CARE members in this town starting talks with Princeton and dropping the whole Markesan idea. That's how you meet halfway.
I would certainly hope that all the school board current members and candidates will abide by whatever the parents think is best if consoidation occurs. Their kids' future is at stake and they should have the most influence in that decision.
Yes, we need to boycott these 'cancers' for it is the only way this community and it's school will thrive.
Don't be so cynical. These places and the people who frequent them have made it clear they don't want the school to thrive regardless of any boycott by school supporters. If the school fails, it will not be because school supporters boycott these things. It will be because anti school "thinkers" (I use that term loosely) were too short sighted to understand what the school means to this community. A boycott will not hurt their businesses and organizations as much as their no votes will hurt the community. A boycott is just an organized way to show the displeasure of the parents in this town with how the communtiy has treated them and not listened to their concerns. If no one will listen, how else can they be heard by these people?
Enough said...boycott places / businesses / people that are 'guilty through association.
Ignorance is bliss!
Boycott Adams Rib because someone works there who is associated with the Blog which is just a forum for people to voice 'their own opinions or positions'!!!
Does that make any sense?
Boycott the Little Corporal because people who go there for coffee disagree with your opinion!!
Does that make any sense?
I think the Little Corporal and Adams Rib...and all other businesses in Green Lake, shouldn't allow anyone who is not in total agreement with everyone else in the city to patronize their establishments.
In fact, let's make people wear shirts, or armbands or uniforms, or perhaps a large 'Scarlet Letter' emblazoned on their bodies showing their political affiliations, their position on the schools affairs or whatever may be the 'flavor of the day in Green Lake'. That way we'd know who our allies and 'enemies' are!
Has it really come to this you ridiculous fools? Yes, that was harsh criticism of your silly, misdirected attempts to chastise those who would have a differing point of view than you.
It makes me wonder why those horrific members of that awful Legion actually fought for everyone's freedoms...SUCH AS FREEDOM OF SPEECH...which even allows for fools such as you to spew your counterintuitive venom.
But yes...let's boycott these places and really show anyone who may be interested in raising a family, or starting a new business, just how 'friendly' a place Green Lake is!
This was all started by the no voters in this town. The school asked for a referendum. This was met with nasty sound offs, namecalling and "just close the darn thing" battle crys. How did you expect the yes voters to react? No matter how many times this referendum was attempted, a simple "no thanks" would have sufficed. Just vote and walk away. If the yes voters keep asking, just keep saying no but take the high road and stay away from the ridicule of parents, sign stealing, and battle crys. Those sort of things will garner the exact response that you are getting that you say is so distasteful. If you don't want a response, don't attack.
I am one who is not supportive of the CARE group, and some of their tactics. I do think this board will have to figure out more cuts, and probably at the administrative level. However, I do agree with the previous blogger about the futility and pointlessness of suggesting boycotts on businesses, just because a group of citizens have a cup of coffee or meal there to talk about their views. This is America, last time I checked, and we do need to allow freedom of speech and the right to have differing opinions. I will continue to support our area restaurants and American Legion pancake breakfasts, though I may not agree with what people around the tables may be talking about.
You've got to be kidding me! The 'NO' voters overreacted to each and every one of the referendums by voting them down. What a silly position to take.
And yet, even with 3 failed referendums...the school which WILL NOT close down, continues to drive a wedge between neighbors/friends by considering another attempt! This is just disgusting that they'd even consider or suggest such a thing.
Don't you get it...The citizens of Green Lake said NO! Not once...not twice...but three times and yet that isn't sufficient.
The level of frustration hearing how the school needs more, more, more has reached a point of complete intolerance.
I also get a kick out of the fools who place all of the NO voters into the category of uncaring and wanting the school to close. This is completely against the wishes of those who voted YES to fiscal responsibility and conservative ideals by voting NO to the referendum(s)! Don't you get that point...does it need to be hammered home again and again and again for people to understand that a very small percentage of those voting NO probably want the school to close.
How assinine is that! The majority of the people who voted NO did so because they have seen the wasteful spending and the lack of transparency with regard to school financing...which in Green Lake is MORE than sufficient to provide a good, solid, quality education for the students of GLSD - Period!
Voting NO gave this school a chance to make it!
Voting No made people (school board, administration, citizens/taxpayers) stand up and take notice that changes need to be made IN ORDER TO SAVE THE SCHOOL!
If you haven't been paying attention to the news outside of Green Lake (Yes, there is a big, bold, world out there beyond the unfriendly confines of GL proper) the world is in a financial crisis - Including the good old US of A!
And, our wonderful State of Wisconsin is in the top 10 states that are in danger of financial collapse.
If that doesn't make you think of 'tightening the belt' a few notches to make things work, then nothing will.
The school will only survive if those with common sense continue to hold accountable the school board and administration of Green Lake.
With that in mind...before you vote in the upcoming primary and elections, ask yourself - - Do you want more of the same misguided leadership that put GLSD in this financial quagmire (that would be the 'spend at will' for the sake of spending candidates)...OR, will you vote for those candidates who consider the continuation of Green Lake schools as the priority?
Seems like a pretty simple choice to me. If you keep asking for more, more, more...pretty soon you'll not only end up with less...you'll end up with nothing! Wouldn't that be a sad ending to an important piece of the Green Lake community.
And with regard to 'boycotting'...yes, by all means hit the businesses and professionals where it hurts so that there will be even less of a tax base for our fine town to try and survive without. Sorry but, once again, your position is one of complete and utter ignorance...but at least you are consistent in your simplicity.
I'd like to buy the world a home
And furnish it with love
Grow apple trees and honey bees
And snow white turtle doves
I'd like to teach the world to sing (Sing with me)
In perfect harmony (Perfect harmony)
I'd like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company (That's the real thing)
I'd like to teach the world to sing
(What the world wants today)
In perfect harmony (Perfect harmony)
And I'd like to buy the world a Coke
And keep it company (It's the real thing)
I'd like to buy the world a coke
(Coke is what the world wants today)
And keep it company (Coca-Cola)
(It's the real thing)
I'd like to buy the world a coke
(Coke is what the world wants today)
And keep it company (Coca-Cola)
In the Green Lake Reporters recent interviews with the school board candidates, Wendy Schultz states: on my wish list is to offer more adult education.
Wendy Schultz is so far removed from reality, it is beyond comprehension. The school should be be offering adult education? Since when is it the job of a local school district for K-12 to offer adult education? Does Wendy Schultz believe that money grows on trees? Or is she simply thinking that if GLSD offered adult education classes. then her son (who dropped out of college after one year to work in a bar) could start attending school again? It is obvious to me that Wendy Schultz has spent too much time on the school board, and the results speak for themselves.
Well at least she sees the value in education!! I mean really, you don't think the school could be used say by Moraine Park for classes? Maybe it wouldn't even be a cost and maybe it would even bring in some revenue??!! Nice personal attack on her son btw. That's pretty low. And you wonder why people are organizing a boycott?
How is it an "attack" to simply state the truth? You are so funny! Really, just go back to "organizing your boycott".
GLSD currently spends over $110 per day, per child. If you had to write out a check every Monday morning for $550 for the week for your son or daughter to attend school that week, would you feel that you are getting your money's worth? Does the fact that other people's tax money pays this instead make it any better?
Why all of the personal attacks because one person has a different view point than yours. One side makes personal comments about Dick and his side gets all upset. Than his side makes comments about Wendy, and her side gets all upset. Just leave all of the personal details out of this election and vote for the people you think represent you and your own thoughts the best. One side is not going to change the mind of the other side, so why all of the bashing. It just does not make sense.
I think it is important that the public know the truth about the candidates. It is one thing to throw out slanderous lies and yet another to state the truth. For instance, when Celeste King was on the school board, she voted to end the FACE program at school. After the vote passed, she asked what FACE was. I believe that the public not only has the right to know that, it would be irresponsible to go to the polls on Tuesday without knowing that.
Isn't it sad that the technology classes at Green Lake were removed by former school board members (including Wendy Schultz)? The classes were terminated, an excellent teacher was let go, and the equipment was sold for pennies on the dollar. Keeping those classes might have saved some of the kids who have slipped through the cracks.
Yes, much of the dialogue on this blog is very mean spirited, but some of it is just the bold truth that needs to be told.
I am stunned that a community member on this blog would stoop so low, to attack a person's child, and somehow attempt to link that to an individuals' candidacy. Just wonder when you make peace with God at night how you're feeling about having gotten to this incredibly low point as a human being, to resort to a tactic such as this? Wendy, whether you agree with her school board philosophy or not, has
tried in every way over the years to help make the Green Lake community better. Volunteering with scouts, 1/2 marathons, bike trails, church, Green Lake renewal, Harvest Festival, health committees, and on and on. She's helped with bake sales, marched in patriotic parades, chaperoned field trips, and the list goes on. This is what she has instilled in her children, if you knew anything about her. Last time I checked, her son played on the football team, was in the school band, was an Eagle Scout, did community improvement projects, and to my knowledge, was never in trouble for anything. I know that he is attending one of our state universities, and is gainfully employed. Certainly, you have the right as anyone does, to disagree with her wish list for school, or any other candidate, and you can show that with your vote, and even your comments here. As citizens of Green Lake, when you make your comments here, hopefully you could know where to draw the line in human decency to others.
There was no attack on any child. Quit blowing everything out of proportion. There was ONE sentence which merely stated a fact. Period.
Since when is a 20 year old a child?
Could we have constructive conversation and civility?
I have had a "child" drop out of college, too. There is no shame in that. Not every young person is cut out for a 4 year university. This is yet another example of what is wrong with GLSD. The current administration and Jan Hauer heavily push the students into 4 year universities. Our tech-ed program has been slashed (under then School Board President Wendy Schulz) and the IB "programme" has taken over. A much better fit for our school would be to offer AP classes and a solid technical education program. I have heard that several local families are now sending their students to Berlin High School because is has a great tech-ed program. Really, if GLSD is trying to attract (or keep) students here in Green Lake, they are going about it the wrong way.
$110 per day is all relative, what is the cost of not educating our kids? Just so we are all clear - we don't have a choice in the matter. The costs of education do not go away if we consolidate, they just get higher depending on where we go. Would I pay $110 per day to send my kids to Green Lake - yes, but the bigger question is will you? I know most of you probably moved here after your kids were through school or they went through GLSD years ago, but there was a tax base that paid for your children to be educated, why do you think this is now not your responsibility? Social Security will not be viable by the time I retire, yet I pay a chunk of my $$ out of each check for it, can I stop paying because I don't use it now & probably will never have the opportunity to? Again, what is the cost of not educating our nation's youth?
Maybe we should look at classes like welding as some alternatives? I note in today's Oshkosh Northwestern, Oshkosh Truck, ( Corp) is putting a call out across the state for hundreds of welders and other related skills, for taking care of the load they are increasing, for the next five years. Decent paying jobs, with benefits. Probably some kids in Green Lake who would like jobs like that where they could work with their hands?
To the person who wrote, "There was no attack on any child. Quit blowing everything out of proportion. There was ONE sentence which merely stated a fact. Period."
Tell you what. How about you list the names of your children or spouse here, if you have the balls to do it. Then let a few people take a shot at them. Even ONE sentence. Anonymously. Then let's see you be so laid back and feel good about it.
I've been reading recent posts on the blog. I'm just curious, what's so bad about the idea that was brought up of offering adult education classes at Green Lake School? A lot of communities around the country do this as a way to help adults sharpen skills or develop new ones. Or it could be helpful to people just wanting to learn about new things, as adults. My understanding is that classes are paid for, by those taking them, not taxpayer subsidized. Enough could be charged to cover instructor, marketing and utilities. This also means some side income for individuals teaching the courses. It could give more people in the area something positive to do, and make our community more interesting to people thinking about relocating here. It could be a good use of the school building during off hours. As long as it is not covered by taxpayers, why not?
Wouldn't it be nice if GLSD focused on educating our children, and stopped trying to be all things to all people? Adults in the area who are interested in continuing education have many options already. The current administration has not learned to work within a budget and continually spends more money than they have. The people voted down three referendums last year for more spending. How much clearer does the message have to get?
Anyone who runs for a public office is under public scrutiny. If you can't take the heat, then get out of the kitchen. How many personal attacks were there on this blog against Dick Mrazik? Apparently to most of you, those were acceptable, even if they were not true. But to say one honest thing about Wendy Schultz and what equates to a real problem that needs addressing at Green Lake High School is labeled a vicious attack. I truly apologize to Wendy Schultz and her son if I have offended them. I am entitled to my opinion and this blog is a format to express my opinion. I do not like the direction that the school has gone in since Wendy Schultz has been on the school board. This is not a vicious attack, it is my opinion. I will not be voting for her for school board because I do not want more of the same. The problems at school have escalated, it is time for change.
Thank you. I would say you have redeemed yourself, and I for one, appreciate your apology on this blog. I admit, I too, have said things out of anger here that I could have used better words in doing, or not made it personal. I am only one person, but I will make better efforts to stick to my opinion on the issue, and not make it personal.
Well this is the first time I have ever looked at a blog--and I have to admit that I am not the least bit impressed. It seems like just a forum for people who are afraid to identify themselves to bash on others without any basis in fact.
We love this area and moved to town after talking to several people who felt their children received a good education here. We would not have moved here if we had not been confident of the school. Obviously there are concerns with being a small school district, but hopefully we can find the best way to move forward for our students. I am a much more involved parent because our school is located in the community where we live.
My opinions, along with my name should be in an upcoming Green Lake Reporter editorial. Many of us have the courage to speak on the record for our children.
Get out & vote today! Get educated before you cast your ballot!
Soon there will be no worry about the school. The City of Green Lake has failed TIF's and will be on the hook for a half million dollars if sewer,water,and lighting are put in the new road that the DOT will build when they close Lawson Drive at Rt.23. For information call the City Clerk (920)294-6912.
School Board election results are posted at www.riponpress.com
Thrilled with the election results - we will have at least one positive voice for GLSD on the new board. Now the work begins to make sure the everyone knows what is at stake if you vote for Busboom & Triemstra, what their vision of the future of OUR school is. Let's go for three seats who support our community, OUR school & OUR children.
Thank goodness Dick Mrazik is gone. Clearly the voters could see his approach to just close the school was not what the community wanted. I could not imagine what board meetings would have been like with his rude, demeaning manner. I am pleased there are a variety of choices and philosophies going forward for voters to consider. I hope the community gets involved and we have a high voter turnout of interested citizens who are concerned about their school.
Sorry, have to agree with the Grim Reaper on this one. With the fiscal mismanagement (yes, there are those words again) of our wonderful city government you won't have to worry much about the school! All of the problems at the school take a back seat the what is happening in Green Lake!
Take a look at the failed TIF's that GR refers to and the ridiculous and unsustainable spending that was both endorsed and approved by the majority of our council and mayor Chuck, and the school is secondary.
Our fair city is basically broke...does anybody realize this??? And we are soon to be getting 'broken' when these TIF's come a callin'! And with the expenses we'll incur thanks to the wonderment that is the DOT...reach deep, deep, deep into your pocketbooks citizens of Green Lake...it will be time to pay the piper.
Put it all together and see how desirable a community we are:
1) City without money
2) Failed TIF's accounting for more $$$
3) School that can't do it on $20,000 per student which will cost taxpayers more $$$
4) Major DOT project for which GL will pick up lot's of expenses $$$
5) City government that doesn't understand running things from a business perspective (ie: if you don't have it - DON"T SPEND IT!)
6) Dwindling population (zero growth / actual decline) = less tax base
7) No jobs - lack of good employment
Unfortunately not much different than many other small, rural/tourist towns around Wisconsin and the nation.
Fortunately, many small town, rural/tourist towns HAVE made the adjustments necessary to survive in these (and future) tough economic times by coming to the realization that major changes were necessary to exist.
Unfortunately...Green Lake hasn't been one of them!
I was holding out hope that people around here would take notice of the horrific events happening around our country and the rest of the world, but these primary election results (and the silly "yes we have our people in place" comments) speak volumes.
If people don't get real with OUR situation we - - OUR city, OUR school, OUR community...will be just another pleasant memory of what it was like when ignorance was bliss and everything was free and easy!
It isn't free and it certainly won't be easy but it also IS NOT TOO LATE!
Wake up and vote what is best when the real elections come to town.
Be a part of the solution...not a continuing part of the problem.
To the last blogger. Even though I don't agree with everything you've said, you've made some really good points here. Green Lake area, county, city, schools, etc. have a host of financial problems facing us. We simply cannot sustain the existing spending plans. Many small towns across America are hurting. Good or bad, we've been blessed with the lake which many communities our size don't have, and that has helped us over the years, but it cannot be the only answer. The city, county and school are going to have to do more belt tightening to get us through this, or face the facts that we will end up just being some subsidiary of a Ripon or Berlin commmunity.
I would like to know if this town crier person really lives in the city & is not one of the many blow hards that have moved out of the city limits and continue to pick on and suck off the city. Are you people that claim they have grown up and go back many generations in this area but do not live in the city and show up to complain when the city wants to grow or try something to increase revenues. Let's stop crying about having no money and let's find ways to increase city revenues. Get those parking meters going, (of course city residents are exempt with window stickers) -- let's get a city sales tax going-- I will pay the tax if it goes to Green Lake--Let's get some real businesses here to take advantage of that new water treatment plant.---let's get some annexation going---all you people out there that don't live in the city but like to come here and wipe your feet all over us-- you gotta pay so the rest of us that live here full time can have the nice things a city like Green Lake should have. Like streets, sewers, sidewalks, parks, schools, and business.
I guess I should have called myself City Crier instead of Town Crier! Yes - I am 'blessed' to live in the city proper...complete with warts and all (the city that is...not me - that I know of)!
Parking meters in Green Lake? That is hilarious!
Why not parking meters in Green Lake. They could be placed in front of all the nice shopping places people go to every day in the downtown area. Oh wait, there aren't hardly any left. Never mind.
Even if we had a thriving downtown, parking meters are not a good idea. Most small towns have gotten rid of them because they deter shoppers and cost more to enforce than they bring in.
Enough Chief about the School Board and the judges. What about the Green Lake Common Council? Who is running and what are their qualifications?
Qualifications? You don't need no stinkin' qualifications to be on the Green Lake city council. That is pretty obvious.
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