rocksolid, thanks for clarifying that. Since I don't have TV I forget that they broadcast the meetings on public access. I stand corrected.

It's clear that Severson clearly overstepped his bounds on many levels. Stottler should be congratulated for bringing this to everyone's attention. On Severson's part, maybe the intentions were good, like saving the district another consultant fee, especially when the district has the Studer group already. However, Studer's process is touted as inclusive not exclusive, so this should definitely not be the way they work. In addition, the importance of a Superintendent's position has been blown way out of proportion and so has the pay and benefits. Yes, there is a big pot of money that the ESC is responsible for spending appropriately, but that doesn't require a herd of highly paid professionals. All Janesville needs is a few dedicated citizens and a few qualified employees at the ESC who are accountable to a transparent process. Stottler is making sure the integrity of the great democratic process in preserved, and Seversen should be ashamed.

Thank you Frank for adding those details.

ktaustin:

FYI - I/we did have a paper version printout. We wanted to be able to present it to the public via the power point as it would have been difficult for the cameras to focus in on the smaller pieces of paper. The board has the info, we want to share it with everyone.

Thanks,
Bill Sodemann

"Postponed discussion of the recent staff and parent satisfaction surveys because a PowerPoint display would not work"

Always have a plan B prepared. Anybody expecting any computer to function properly is asking for trouble. Whats wrong with just using a simple printout?

OK, here's the deal: Evert's letter announcing his retirement was in the packet of materials distributed to board members and the press before each school board meeting. The packet is always distributed late Friday afternoon. I always get my packet at 4:30 p.m., and rarely a minute sooner. So the news was going to come out that day. For some reason, DuWayne Severson decided to make a formal announcement at 2 p.m.

Now, it appears that Severson and Evert had been discussing the replacement scenario for some time, while at least some other board members may have been in the dark about it. One of them said Tuesday night that he had hoped Evert would have stayed another year. Lori Stottler said Tuesday night that she was "saddened and surprised" by Evert's decision.

If they have been working on this retirement for 3 months, why didn't the rest of the board know? What changed on Friday that caused the retirement timetable to be finalized so quickly?

Mr Schultz,
Then I stand corrected and retort my facts if that is true. I have been told on numerous occasions that they are relatives. But I'll take your word for it.

The only thing that I know of that school board member Tim Cullen shares with J.P. Cullen & Sons is the name. --Gazette reporter Frank Schultz

Gee, Who do you think is building the new school additions? DUH! The CULLENS! So, I believe too that cullen and severson are taking over the school council as well.

So goes the process of chosing people because of the relationship and not because of the quality and history people have to do a particular duty. Choose the ones that have the knowledge!

Milton's school district, enrolled student population at 3319 is 1/3 (from Milton School District website) the size of Janesville's,student population 10429, (from JSD website) and Milton's population is much more homogenous than Janesville's. Not much of an apple:apple comparison. Severson has solid business background and experience, and if he says the district could save up $30,000 by using resources already at our disposal, we taxpayers should be grateful there is at least one elected person watching the dollars.

Remember the city council spending $$ for a search firm ,and how that went?

While I welcome the input of the Studer Group, it seems to me these are decisions that should be made in consultation with the other board members. If confidentiality is required, call an executive session. Does state law even grant the president of the board this appointment authority?

The School Board should be unified as a team ans since most members work. They should have been given more atleast a days notice so they could make arrangements with their employers to make the news conference. Sounds Like Duane Severson Was trying to Bolster his own ego.

Sounds like newer board members share TV limelight envy with the newer city council members! Still, I thought that the method in which it was chosen to be announced was questionable if not awkward. She is right on that we need a broad based; yet not expensive, team to find a replacement.

Sounds like DuWayne Severson and Tim Cullen are trying to take total control of the School Board. My guess is the "suggestion" came from Cullen. Just attend a meeting and watch Severson take his cues from Cullen who has repeatedly been disrespectful to Dr. Evert and other staff members.

Sounds like Quint Studer is running the school district.

I agree that the expertise and level-headedness of Deb Kolste should not have been overlooked. Tom Evert has done a superb job as superintendent - he will be a hard person to replace. I would feel more confident if Kolste was also on that committee.