I have received multiple e-mails from people present at last nights meeting. Very diverse opinions but consensus was that more needs to be done and reviewed.
I will reserve comment until I have a chance to hear the audio and/or see written minutes. Here's link to Kenosha News report (click here).
Audio now available (click here).
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
Mike,
A some generic observations regarding the meeting:
Considering the amount of interest and clamoring for this meeting...I was a bit upset by the lack of attendance. I skipped a doubleheader of softball games to attend. Although it was probably one of the highest numbers they've had at a school commission meeting, there were only 20 or so people in total.
I was, however, impressed by the Village presence. In addition to the commission members and Mike Polocoff, you had about a dozen members of the Village staff in the auditorium. All Board members (less Clyde), Vesna Savic, Kris Lepore, Kathy Goessl, Rocco Vita, and a couple others. It was nice to see them support this issue...I think they thought it was gonna get bloody. (it almost did)
Among the dissidents ;) were Rich Preston, Alex Tiahnybok, Bob Babcock Sr, Milt Dean, Jeff Lauer, myself, and a couple others.
Of note to me was an older woman (I believe it was Jessen [sp]), who was apparently instrumental in PP joining the KUSD some 40 years ago. She was eloquent to say the least and brought up some excellent points.
Notables not in attendance:
You. I don't recall the reason, but knew you couldn't be there
Bob Babcock Jr. On daddy detail
Clyde Allen who was mentioned earlier, but still of note, as it was HIS call to arms
Dave Fountain PP resident and KUSD school board president
Eric Olson PP resident and KUSD school board member (who did call me this morning)
Jeff Kostrzewa vocal in 2001 for the separation, but out of town for work yesterday
Joe Clark PP resident and County Board Chairman who was also vocal in 2001
John Krerowicz, who has seemingly disappeared since the original PPSD "emancipation proclamation" which turned out to be FALSE.
I was at my thrid graders choir show. One of those that one can't miss. I have enough trouble just trying to attend VB and PC meetings. Was all about Kenosha (and he also has a project on Kenosha; wouldn't it be nice to do one on Pleasant Prairie?).
So what did Jensen say?
No mention of Allen as far as why?
Don't be surprised by attendance. A lot of people are talk and no action. Just look at how many at any VB or PC meeting.
Still no audio on website.
No blame, if it were anything for my kids...I wouldn't hesitate.
Allen was on vacation this week. Don't know where, but it seems odd as he brought up the topic and was out of town for the meeting. Again, not blaming...how could you. The man has a family and some things have to take priority.
Jensen? I assume you mean Bill Johnston. He and Marc Hujik were thrown a curveball when they were forced to go first instead of second. I think a good move by the Village, but a bit underhanded...as the agenda was printed otherwise.
Once that was sorted, which took some doing, it was simple logistics.....it seemed to be nothing more than circular arguments from Hujik and Johnston. Not impressive (for lack of a better word). I would have to say defensive at best...guilty (not criminally) at worst.
Here is what it boils down to...the KUSD took a mildly aggressive approach to ease a future burden. They are liable for $241 Million and took out a loan for $37.5 Million to invest. If the idea was so "foolproof", which no investment is, they would have (and could have) borrowed the entire amount. It may/may not turn out badly, and can only be judged in its entirety. It just doesn't look to have foresight. It showed Pleasant Prairie needs to be more involved in the ideas/plans of KUSD. Nothing more, nothing less. A separate school district isn't necessarily the answer. It COULD be an answer, but I now think there are better ways to go about improving the education of the future of Pleasant Prairie. I may switch back again...it will be up to a few studies and their numbers.
FYI: Next School Commission meeting is Thursday June 5th at 6:00.
I listened to most of the tape. I thought the discussion, even though testy, did address most concerns. Not sure why their seemed to be a lot of animousity. Everyone knew why they were there. So who gained the profit from this transaction? Not sure why KUSD would even consider another $20 million investment when it was clear, even in summer of last year, that markets were going to be affected by housing and such. The otehr thing that bothered me is the insistance that taxpayer monies were never at risk. I'm not a finance person but this is my take after listening to most of the presentation.
Post a Comment