OK, based on that I'll concede it was a contributing factor in getting them to STAY.
Too bad the building of Ruether Way didn't carry as much weight today as the other contributing factors did back in the day.

http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/jun/03/...

Not first hand knowledge, just knowledge of my Janesville trivia

To me schools come first, that's MY point. I will gladly pay more in taxes and donations to support our schools and communitites. If there's a higher priority long-range goal than better education to improve Janesville I'd be open to hearing people's opinions. We can do it with or without GM.

Just curious "mrperfect"...re-read my post and then kindly explain...which part is "partly right" and which part is "mostly wrong"?
.
Oh, and please cite your source.
1st hand knowledge?

Johndoe, While this may be a Chicken or the egg debate here But... GM did come here as Samson Tractor company in 1919 they went under around 1922 and GM only stayed because of the city's commitment to build the new high school and roads. In 1923 GM first started building cars here and THIS is when GM really started their expansion to what we know now.
So while you're partly right but mostly wrong. I am partly wrong but mostly right.

Bottom line: GM stayed around because of the city's commitment to providing the best education as possible. While that won't help us now with GM it will help us retain and bring in other companies that utilize Janesville's incredible workforce and just as amazing potential.

It's best not to feed the trolls.

"let's remember that when Janesville High School (former Marshall middle school, now Marshall apts) was built no expense was spared and that was a MAJOR contributing factor to GM coming to town."
.
MrPerfect....(You may want to reconsider that name)...short history lesson..("I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the tremendous teachers I had in school")
.
The Janesville High School was built in 1923 and used as a school until December 1996. It was then sold to Stone House Development. Inside the school is filled with carved wood, prairie-style glass and ornate plaster work. It now houses the Janesville Performing Arts Center and the Marshall Apartments.
.
In 1918 General Motors (which had been founded in 1908) decided to branch out into farm vehicles by buying the Samson Tractor Co. in Janesville. After enlarging the factory, the first GM tractor rolled off the line on May 1, 1919, and within 12 months production had picked up to nearly 150 tractors a day. Chevrolet cars began to be produced in 1923.

Don't forget that you also have "logic and great insight"

Mr. Perfect, thanks for the history lesson. But these are different times and I hate to say it but, everything in town is not perfect.
I am a realist yet also an optimist.

How does the quote go... "Those that don't remember the past are doomed to repeat it." ?? Something like that?? I guess I didn't pay enough attention to the tremendous teachers I had in school, but I sure wish I had. Anyhow, let's remember that when Janesville High School (former Marshall middle school, now Marshall apts) was built no expense was spared and that was a MAJOR contributing factor to GM coming to town. Speak to any large employer and they will tell you how important local schools are to them when deciding on a new location.
I LOVE Janesville! Born, raised, got a college degree and came back. Is it perfect? NO. But, we will survive.

westside, what do you have to say? I have spoken logic and great insight. Either speak up now or forever hold your peace.

anymore from the peanut gallery??? (joker)

If it was donated, who cares if it was needed. Life go's on joker. I realize taxes are going to go up. That just comes with the times. I voted yes for the school referendum so I'm well aware of the trade off. Doesn't change the fact that I feel it was worth it. Done with this conversation.

Spark, not my problem you bought 3 chevy trucks. I do appreciate art and the fact that Janesville Brick and Tile donated the work. But was this really needed for the school?

The only crying you will be doing is when you see your property bill in the next few years.

Back at ya. I guess the last three brand new Chevy trucks I bought put GM in a bad place. Good luck and I hope you never try out for the debate team. You're not very good at it. I'm going to be admiring the murals while you sit at home crying about it.

Spark, you are more than welcome. I work hard for Janesville. And thank you for taking responsibility for GM leaving. About time someone did!

Well thank God we have people like you in the community! What would we do without you joker? Yes, please blame me for GM and the trouble Janesville is going to have because of this. I had everything to do with that. You're beyond ignorant.

Jnsvlteacher, spark and happy 2 be, it is the shallow thinking and greed of people like you that has gotten Janesville into it's current trouble. I care deeply for this city. Teachers are underpaid and this is where any resources should go. Not for language classes, sports, band,etc.

Looks like most of you on this blog do not work. (Go figure!) Well I do work and I am going back to it. I will continue to work to make Janesville overcome its problems. You others should give it a try.

Now look who’s being contradictory.
.
Joker at 12:20p.m.: “Spark, do not question my right to speak my mind.”
.
Joker at 2:08 p.m.: “Janesville teacher, you are way too biased to even comment.”
.
So, are we held at a double standard that you can comment, and I, who have actually been in the classroom, cannot?
.
I’m hoping that you will believe me when I say that I was not in favor of the referendum because of my own personal gains, but rather for the children’s gains (shocking!). Before you start spouting off that this is cannot be true, let me give you some background about my “personal gains.” Currently, I am assigned a decent sized room with outside windows. After I move, my classroom will become smaller (due to the subject I teach and the layout of the new section) and I will have an inside room with no windows. How is that “self-servicing to me?” But I still am happy the referendum passed because, for the students, it is much better.

Joker - THIS STORY IS NOT ABOUT CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS, POOLS, BIKE TUNNELS, LANGUAGES, BAND UNIFORMS. IT'S ABOUT THE SCHOOLS AND SOME MURALS. Ya a teacher is biased. You are unbelievable! I guarantee you the teacher knows more than you will ever comprehend about what the school needs. I suppose you're going to say teachers are overpaid too. "If we don't stop and think about how we can make things better here?" What do you think renovating the schools is doing! You make absolutely no sense. Keep digging because eventually you will find the bottom of the hole. Almighty one.

PEOPLE! Why are you responding to Joker? I teach my kids to ignore these types of people - it's a little like getting into a p***ing match with a skunk. The story is about a beautiful gift from a company who is giving back to their community to enhance a two-high-school improvement and renovation project that was supported by more than 50% of the voters. This community will overcome troubling economic times BECAUSE we have the commitment and the will - but please...to engage in arguments/debate with people who just want to take away from a positive contribution to our community. Thanks Janesville Brick and Tile! They're AWESOME!!!!

First, I wish some people would learn to spell on this blog. Looks like the Janesville education is not as good as it used to be. Janesville teacher, you are way too biased to even comment. Of course you think it is needed. You are in favor because it is self serving to you and the other teachers.

Hate to say it, but Janesville may become a ghost town if we do not stop and think about how we can make things better here. Throwing money around foolishly is not the way to do it. Like a bike tunnel, childrens museum, more pools.

Joker-
Janesville = Ghost town???
GM leaving = Ghost town???
This is what I see you are saying...go ahead deny it...I suspect that everyone else (reading your post) are getting from your comments..
How long has it been since you had Children in any of the schools? They were in need of some drastic changes to keep up with the times, Sure it cost money, but doesn't everything?? this was put to the People before GM EVER decided to close.. yeah (if memory is correct the school referendum was in spring or fall of 2006, and the GM announcement was in 2008)... Changes needed to be made Did you vote....for the renovation??? I am betting--- NOT !!! Are you planning on Staying in Janesville , You seem to hate it enough, Are you or will you ever be on a ticket for alderman, congressmen, or senator??? I betting ---NOT ,, You say you want change, why not do something about it.. It starts with ONE VOICE, not one Gripe..If stuff is donated to the school (which this story was intended to be about), WHY COMPLAIN ??? it is not costing you any money (unless you have a Beef with JVL Brick and Tile and JP Cullin workers)...Just Let it go,,, Wait for the next "Feel good story" to pipe in and ruin it for the others that read these stories... Remember "62" days til Christmas!!! ;)

Joker/Janesville Hero is attacking ME on not having anything good to say about Janesville?

He is dilusional.

Wow. I am really at a loss for words when I read Joker’s posts. I have been in a school nearly every day since I started teaching and I do believe I am qualified to make this comment. The renovation was NEEDED (as spark put it and as the majority of voters said based on their vote).
.
Do you realize that physical education classes were being taught in hallways and the commons? Do you realize that there are many teachers in every department that do not have their own classroom? Do you realize that this year (in a year when enrollment is actually down), there is extremely limited classrooms where finding classrooms to teach classes was actually a problem? Do you realize that children are the future of the nation and must be properly educated for us to continue being such a strong country (even given the current financial crisis)?
.
I am proud of Janesville for passing the referendum because the new schools will attract residents (taxpayers), and businesses to Janesville. Do the research, some people move to towns that value education and move away from towns that do not.
.
If you respond, please do not respond to my character or my background, but rather to the points addressed. Thank you.

Joker - so are they suppose to stop the renovations that have been in progress long before GM announced their plans? Is everything suppose to stop because of this? This is essentially what you're talking about and everyone else has been talking about. I'm not going to get into a big battle with you on this. I'm simply saying, bettering our schools for our children is money well spent. The businesses that are working on these projects are going to be the ones that help this community survive in the future. I'm not talking about band uniforms and languages. That has absolutely nothing to do with this story and neither does GM. I also don't appreciate you saying that I don't speak with logic and insight. Your posts on this subject are about you. About how you feel like you're getting the shaft and you're the only one paying for this. You have every right to say what you want. I can respect that, but for you to sit here and say everyone else is wrong is a little narrow minded.

Spark, do not question my right to speak my mind. I, unlike you, speak with logic and insight. Yes, I have had kids in the school system and they got through just fine. We do not need to offer different languages, new band uniforms,etc if we cannot afford them. Also, we do not need to expand. This was pushed by people with special selfish interests who only care about their own kids benefit and then like to leave hardworking people like myself holding the bag.

NOW, we really do not need the new renovations. Like everyone else, schools need to tighten their belts. But no, they play the "kids need things" card. Where have they cut back? I am still looking for it.

Spark, of course people have not left town yet. The announcement is only a few weeks old. Come on, please try to use your head and not your heart.

Joker - are you kidding me? When was the last time you had something good to say about this city? You criticize the attempts to better the city. Where is this mass flight of residents you're talking about? You think everyone is just going to move? You think the only company in this town is GM? Again, you obviously have never been in a school lately so your argument is mute. Do you have children that attend school?

Tj, do you ever anything good to say about our city? Sounds like you just want to attack people.

Spark, I really had to laugh with your statement-the space is NEEDED. WHAT?!! How is the space needed? With the job loss and mass flight of our residents, how will the space is needed? It was doubtful last year and for now, it is really not needed. I do not know how to make this any clearer for you. I am sorry you cannot understand a common sense point.

"did I ever say a high school would be closing? The answer is no. Please pay attention for once. It will do you some good. Janesville will soon have one high school due to population shifts. Mark my word." TheJoker/Janesvillehero.

This from Mr. Never Wrong. Must be the new math.

You don't know what I'm talking about or anybody else is talking about below joker. That is the problem. Putting money into schools for space that is NEEDED is not a waste of money. This is why we vote on things. Majority rules. You made a comment that you're not negative. Your first post on this story was negative.

Spark, I have no idea what you are talking about. Please talk about something that is at least half way intelligent or has some valid point. Sounds like you have no problem with wasting taxpayer money on school space we do not need.

Read your first post again. Not negative?

You guys are just jealous. And will be eating crow in the upcoming months. I feel I am one of the more intelligent bloggers on this board and am not negative. I am honest.

Joker- you lost this battle.

Thejoker = janesvillehero?????

why has my company seen sales increases over the last year if the economy is so bad??? Please tell me

The joker is just that, A JOKE. he has nothing. ignore him and every comment he makes. Ignorant person he is. All he has is negativity.

Coppertop, I must admit the silly banter some of you people are writing on this board amazes me. My sources are solid and I am on the inside of what is important. Foolishly, you spout numbers from years ago but also do not give any supporting numbers of what the population of Janesville was, where the workers lived in those years, etc. Also, the number of supply companies were also not around back then either. Finally, many people in this city the past few years lived WAY beyond their means, have tons of debt and houses and toys they cannot afford. This goes for many people in Janesville, not just GM workers. And the banks got greedy and made many bad loans.

Look, please do not attack the messenger. The truth hurts, but it is the truth.

Joker... Your screen name fits you nicely. Do tell us, is your source coming from a crystal ball?
*
Let me quote you: "The rate we are going in terms of jobs, we will only need one high school."
*
Course, the closing of GM may have economic impact in city of Janesville but remember, not everybody that worked there lived in Janesville. Employment peaked at 7,100 in 1978; layoffs occured in 1974, 1980, 1981, 1998, and 2008, and strikes in 1969 and 2007.
*
BUT, I don't see changes in population so drastic to lessen the amount of schools in the city of Janesville.
*
So please tell us... how do you come up with such figures and or predictions? All of us has become even more dumber reading your posts.

Stacey and Simon, you must believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy. You were also the same people that thought GM would never close and the sky is the limit when it comes to spending for you and your selfish needs. Then once you do not need it anymore you will move to Madison or retire somewhere warm. Then good hardworking and highly educated people like myself will be left holding the bag. It is this clueless mentality that let GM and many other good companies leave our fair city.

Stacey, I doubt you know what you are talking about or that you have talked to anyone in authority. Janesville is in serious trouble. But you and others think everything is fine and that we should just throw money at everything. Please remember that your so called sources are the same people who said GM would not leave ever and everything is fine. School board?! Please! They are the biggest joke in the city. My information has always been correct. I would appreciate if you give me some respect and credit for telling the truth.

*Joker** "I have every right to question those who do not have the courage to face tough decisions".
All right then, Face them and not complain about them ,, share your "Sources" to show some validity to your comments.. Unless you are under some Gov't Protection..
I know some people in the chambers office and city council, (along with the school board) and NONE of them even mentioned Closing or down sizing of stores moving away, except the ones we all know about..
And to use a Paraphrased a quote.. "My sources inform me", they are some businesses that are relocating or closing due to "POOR Management practices.." sure some of the issues are due to the Economic Down Turn of our community, but the decision is coming from the corporate level (again due to the Primarily Mis-Management) ... so Show /reveal your Sources.. I did mine !!!

It's nice to see the tunnel construction begin on Milwaukee st.

Joker -- you are just that a JOKE! You make yourself sound so old, small, and pithy! Well, since my husband and I have a high school education, a college education we paid for ourselves, worked since we were each in high school, and are paying for our childrens' educations, I guess you could say we see value in education and are willing to pay a little extra in taxes for the students of Janesville to have a facility in which they can receive a quality education. The high school renovations are not excessive by any means. I have been to high schools that have been show places and the renovations in Janesville are what I consider a necessity.

Mo cash flo, the state of the country is just an excuse and a cop out. You act like your family built Janesville. Spare me your arrogance. I doubt your family had little to do with building anything around here. The same few companies build everything around here and "wink, wink" seem to get all of the jobs.
I have every right to question those who do not have the courage to face tough decsions. I assure you I know what I talking about. Again, I have to question the validity of your story and your connections to the power brokers in Janesville.

Just to confirm, and as we noted on today's front page as well as in a previous story, the brick sculptures were donated by Janesville Brick & Tile and J.P. Cullen & Sons. --Gazette reporter Frank Schultz

Back to the original subject---- Thank You Duke Kelly. The murals look great and the guys working on them have done a great job. As for all the contractors involved, they worked very hard to make these schools ready for the new school year and to keep everything on schedule- and in some cases ahead of schedule. All the students and teachers should be proud of their schools.

I would like to come back here someday and do something with my degree but country is going down hill right now and finding a job isnt exactly easy. I do know people, my family's company did lots of work for the high schools, bypass, pine tree plaza and many other buildings an roads. Dont question me either.

Mo cash flo, quit telling me to leave the city. Unlike you, I stayed in this city. You have given up and moved elsewhere. I doubt you or your family know anything about what is going on here. You act like you have some connection to what is opening and closing around here. Well you do not but I do. So please go back to studying, earn your masters and then come back here to Janesville to put your educated body to work.

Since I've been old enough to really appreciate what well educated young adults can mean to a city, all I have seen around here is uneducated adults pissing and moaning about the schools. I have heard parents tell teachers that it is THEIR job to teach discipline, crabbing about improvements to schools and on and on. Well educated students are the life blood of our country. Next thing is to teach a new work ethic to them before they elect to lay around. It is like pulling teeth to get some young adults to WANT to learn a trade or show up for a full 8 hours. Then they wonder why their check is low, no raise, no bonus or even, "why did you fire me?"

Then don't complain about what happens in the city you live in, your free to leave anytime. I am young but I know people through my parents that are on the school and city board. My family owns a construction company in town so if anything is being built, closed or taken down I know. Nothing about the mall. I don't live in Janesville anymore, I graduated from parker in 2004 and now have a business degree from UW-Milwaukee and am going for my masters next fall. I do know the schools needed help and I did GM summer help and a lot of those people work very hard. Obviously you never worked there, probably just looked in. Just cause you hear the bad about GM doesn't mean everyone is like that. A lot of my family have made or still are making a living there.

I agree about Beloit, I worked there and was on several boards there. They are ahead of Janesville in many regards.

"Janesville will soon have one high school due to population shifts. Mark my word. " Where Am I missing the part where 2 high schools becoming one doesn't mean one will close?

TJ-did I ever say a high school would be closing? The answer is no. Please pay attention for once. It will do you some good. Janesville will soon have one high school due to population shifts. Mark my word. The Janesville Mall will follow the same pattern of the Beloit Mall. Speaking of Beloit, looks like they are finally doing some things right down there. They have new jobs and development everywhere right now. I think we can learn quite a bit from Beloit.

OK Joker-Which High school are they closing, Craig or Parker? Is a Bed Bath and Beyond moving into them or is Aurora Health buying them?

Of course stores will leave the mall, maybe Sears even, but the chance of it "closing" is minute. Just because Beloit's Mall closed doesn't mean Janesvilles will. We are in for hard times I agree but saying they are closing a school is just ignorant.

Mocha, please do not question my sources or insult me. I am dead on with my information. No, I will not leave town. Unlike you, I am not afraid to speak up and make things better. You sound like the gutless people who do not do anything and then wonder why things are bad. I have been in GM and was not impressed. Too many workers taking advantage of the system and ruining it for others. Greed got to them.

Excuse me, One of those people; not once.

TheJoker is a joke himself. Once of those people that thinks they know it all. If you have to rip on GM and our schools all the time why dont you leave town too. Obviously you never set foot inside GM within the last few years. As far as your sources, who might those imaginary people be?

rustytrombone,
God forbid we have art in our schools! Come on. It gives character and uniqueness to the school. Craig is filled with artwork, sculptures, and other items that make it unique. They are just keeping tradition. Or would you prefer everything be clinical white? Talking about putting the students to sleep.

Pepper, TJ and Janesvillian, I am sorry but you are fools to think everything is fine and dandy. This is a crisis and yes, people are already moving out. Mark my words about the Janesville Mall. Look first for some smaller stores to leave. Sears will also be the first to announce.

Simon, seems like you just want to spend and spend. Who cares about paying for it. Please wake up!

Warm- so we're all fools because we believe in putting back into the community and bettering our schools so our children have something important? Let me ask both you and joker something. Do you have children? It's pretty ignorant to sit here and say that spending money on schools is a waste. I guess I'm a little confused on what you think is important and where priorities are. I think calling us fools is pretty pathetic. Ya see, there's always going to someone that sits here and complains about everything that happens, yet never has solutions or gives back. It would be easier if those people just left and went to a community they would be happier with. Although I'm sure they would find something wrong with that location too. Must be tough always being so miserable.

If my memory of Gazette articles is correct, Janesville Brick & Tile donated the brick murals. Thank you to them for doing that. Sure they may have been the middleman for all the brick and block (???)put into the schools but they sure didn't have to donate anything to the schools. Thank you for giving back to your community.

zippy- you're correct. They did an article back in July on that, but don't mention it in this particular article. Janesville Brick and Tile and J.P. Cullen and Sons paid for the murals.

What most don't know is that the brick for these murals was donated and the Gazette should have recognized the man and his company for his generosity. It's funny how some complain and have no idea what they are talking about.

I had literally been thinking about calling J.P. Cullen, but I guess this is just as good: I often am by Parker H.S. either dropping off or picking up kids. I just wanted to commend the construction workers there for their great work ethic. I always see the workers moving, staying busy, doing their jobs. I have never seen anyone just sitting around, leaning on a shovel or doing anything other than staying busy. Whether JP Cullen has instructed their workers to exemplify this behavior or whether they have simply hired good workers, I'm glad that our kids can see what it's like to be industrious and so productive that they may even finish some things ahead of schedule. Good job JP Cullen staff!

I agree with Peppermeister: good schools, civic pride, reinvestment in our downtown, cultural offerings...these are things that attract families and businesses to a community. I like Janesville; I want to stay here...so I support improvements that add to the quality of life in "my town".

Bitch, bitch, bitch! I swear that's what it seems half of the posters on these pages get up each day to do! Have you people been on other newspapers' similar pages? They don't have near the amounts of complaints and negativity that these pages seem to have.

I for one will be happy when students have the opportunity to learn in bigger, better high schools. To the chronic complainers -- have you even stepped in a high school in the past few years? Some of you people really need to learn to lighten up -- you are the ones who give Janesville a bad name -- all your negativity is just sickening.

The murals we're actually donated. You may want to get your facts before you post.

Come on Rusty, they are a nice touch and in the $70 million scope a "deck chair off the Queen Mary"

Janesville has a diverse economy and is as well positioned as it could be for the loss of GM. There may be stagnant growth for the next few years and the recession will be felt deeply here but the city is not going to empty out by any means.

We're not one of them.

The referendum that's paying for these additions was put to a vote and approved well before GM announced that they were ceasing production at the Janesville plant. The construction was started before the announcement was made. Just because a major employer is laying off it's employees, that doesn't mean that the workers are all leaving. My husband works at the plant. Of all of the people that he knows at work, we know of 3 people who are planning to transfer.

Something else to think about. These types of renovation projects, etc. are keeping other businesses in this town going. These are the businesses that we're going to rely on when things get rough in the future. Take away the work from them, then we really have problems.

The doom and gloom in this town is out of control. I realize times are tough and it's going to effect everyone, but quite honestly, I can't take it anymore. I'm not going to sit here and act like the world is coming to an end, because it's not. Everything is based on GM and while this is going to have a large impact, we all move on. If every penny the city spends to improve things is going to be criticized because of what's happening, this town is never going to get back on it's feet and is never going to attract outside sources of employment, etc. It's time to think about a new future.

Remember, the Joker is the one who assured us the Janesville Mall will be closing soon. Oh, and don't question his sources!

Joker- The current schools are overcrowded and outdated. Have you been in one lately? Space won't be used? How do you figure? Not everybody in this town works at GM. Life is not over. We need one high school? That is impossible. Money spent on schools and education is by no means a waste.

I am glad they wasted all of this money for schools and space that won't even be used. The rate we are going in terms of jobs, we will only need one high school. This is money not well spent. Perhaps we should build a children's museum, more pools and an underground tunnel for bikes. Oh, forgot, this is already being planned.

Those murals look very cool.

The students deserve this. I'm happy for them.