To the negative comments: your ignorance is extremely offensive. I had Dr. Kuehne as my principal for 7 years, and he has been nothing but amazing. For those who said he was not fair to "trouble students"-I know for a FACT that he took extra care of the troubled individuals. He fed them if they were hungry, would give them a place to sleep if they were being abused, and defend them if they were being bullied (tipi16 for you to say that comment is just not true-he is completely against bullying, and he made sure all three of his children knew that). For those who said he was paid too much-you have got to be kidding me. He has three children (all you went to college), housed many of your children when they were in need, donates so much to charities, and an additional amount to his church. On top of that, he works SO HARD. Worried about his image? He was worried about everyone else. When he wasn't running a school, he was volunteering. He helped give homeless haircuts, he delivered food to the hungry with his own vehicle, he attended ALL athletic games-even with a broken down leg. For you to not appreciate all he has done is disheartening. He was responsible for the new Marshall Middle School and for the Craig and Parker renovations. He's got a life outside of work, and it's about time that he got a break. Thank you so much for all you have done, Dr. Kuehne. You will always be the principal we wish we could have back.

yada,
the difference between me being critical of the people ripping Dr. Kuehne and those ripping Dr. Kuehne is...they saw the article about Dr. Kuehne and specifically chose to blog about their negative experience with him.

I read the article and blogs with the intention of learning about someone who chose to be a teacher and principal of one district for an entire career.

I was critical of people because ripping a man on a blog/article about his retirment in IMO, PATHETIC.

I don't see the hypocricy...I didn't look for an article that attempted to celebrate and thank a man for his service...and then chose to take cheap shots at him regarding issues that took place YEARS AGO.

But yes, as I am, you are entitled to your opinion.

I can't believe some people on here. Most of you who are posting negative comments are probably not in education and have no idea what it is like everyday in a school. Janesville is lucky to have an administrator that is so dedicated to the city as well as the students. I am not an educator in Janesville, but just Dr. Kuehne's length of time served in the district says something about him. The next time you drop your student off at school, you should thank your child's teacher or principal. If you don't have kids, you should ask to go sit in a classroom for a day and see what it is REALLY like. We should congratulate him on his retirement and thank him for his service. Good luck and enjoy your time. You deserve it!!!

WHYTHINK - Everyone will not agree with your viewpoint about a retiring individual and "ripping" into them. I do not agree with you. Along with the big bucks of being a principal comes the fact that you are in the public eye and the realization that you will not please everyone. He knows this and understands that along with the big salary comes headaches when dealing with people. I am sure that he has helped many in a very positive way, but I'm also sure that the opposite is true also. It is very hard for many people in life to fogive and forget when they have been wrongly dealt with. I find it rather funny that you are being negative with those that had an unpleasant experience with him. I guess you are pretending to have certain virtues that you hold to be true about being critical of others, but are unable to follow yourself - - I guess the word I'm looking for is hypocrite

Whythink...well said.
Molly49...it's called having manners, or acting in an honorable fashion. Would/did you express your feelings to Dr. Kuehne? If you did...let it go. If you didn't, you missed the opportunity. A public forum is not the place for you to discuss a private matter of your family.

whythink - Perfectly said.

I don't know Dr. Kuehne enough to like or dislike him. I do know this, when there is an article in paper about someone retiring...you look like a loser if you go on a blog to rip the person about something that happened years ago.
.
ANYONE who works in one district for as long as Dr. Kuehne has is gone to tick some people off. If your life is so boring as to use his retirement article to bash him...I feel for you.

You are an inspiration to the students and the
entire community. I'm sad to see you retire,but
undertstand and you are a wonderful person.
Thanks for all you've accomplished.

Because there are people who did not have the same experiences with Dr. Kuehne, does not mean we can not comment! AGAIN I do not understand why the only "WoW" he was awesome, comments are allowed? I'm glad that he was good for you people, it just wasn't the case with some of us! If you read the comments closely they are NOT coming just from parents of troubled children, NO ONE is perfect, that's all I'm saying, and I do wish him luck in what ever he chooses to do from now on. MANNERS: you are hiding behind the internet too...where's your name? How rude.

The School District of Janesville was greatly blessed when Mike Kuehne chose to work in his hometown. He has been an outstanding educational leader. He is by far one of the best principals I ever worked for in my 34-year career in education. He was a field general, invovled with staff and students everyday.
To the negative commentators, you just don't get it. Sorry.
God speed, Dr. Kuehne! Enjoy a well earned retirement!

So the only people who can post on this subject are the ones who seem to think Dr. Kuehne was wonderful? I too had a bad experience with him when he was principal at Marshall, and NO my child was not a problem child! Dr. Kuehne is all about image (his). I wish him luck in the future, but Janesville School District will survive just fine without the "super hero" Kuehne.

You can please some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time...Best of luck and much happiness to you, Dr. Kuehne.

When our neighbors house caught fire the first non fireman in the house was Mike. He made sure the kids had coats to wear.The only parents I have heard complain about him were ones whose kids were brats. My kids loved him at Wilson and Craig.

I had Mr. Kuehne when I was in elementary school in Milton. I still remember him as one of my favorite teachers. He was always so positive and encouraging. What a great person!

When I started teaching, I bounced around to a few districts so I have worked for a dozen or so principals and Mike Kuehne is one of the best I've ever worked with. The entire administration Phillips, Spiegel, and Laue (in order of time at Craig) are simply excellent. The best I've worked with.

Mike's commitment to the students, the staff, and the city of Janesville is inspiring. I tell my students I start every day perfect, then I wake up, and usually screw that up before I leave the house. Do any of you do better?

Mike's door is always open to every student and teacher in the building. Walk in Craig tommorow, turn right and knock on his open door. He will listen to you, and give you his reasons for his decisions. Typically students come first, and how can you argue with that? He doesn't always agree with my thoughts, but that's not his job. He is great at balancing his job outside the building (getting our message out, keeping the heat on etc.) and inspiring the students and staff to be their best.

I will miss his leadership, his friendly manner, and his passion for helping students be the best they can be. I hope he continues to work with youth in some manner, he is a true educator through and through.

Jim Reif
Craig HS Math and Science Teacher of 8 years

well done mick,putnam ave

WILLOW21 - I agree with your comments about the lack of support and also feel that ALWAYSAMOM has raised an excellent point supporting all students.

My son had Dr.Kuehne as a Principle at Marshall the first year at the new school. He was not a problem student or a trouble maker he was a quite kid who got very good grades. The first and last time I had any words with Dr Kuehne was when my son was being Bullied by boys in his class all I wanted was for him to do somthing about it. He chuckled and said was "Boys will be Boys, maybe your son needs to toughen up" I loss all respect for him. Oh yeah his own son was one of the bullies

I knew Dr. Kuehne from when I went to Wilson and he was truly the best administrator. He helped me through a lot of hard times. I wish him the best of luck in his retirement.

You will be missed Dr. Kuehne. For those on here with negative comments...I wonder if your children talk the way you do? It would certainly explain why you had contact with administrators for unpleasant reasons. Even hiding behind the internet doesn't excuse rudeness.

cuthbert, I think you would call it retirement planning. It is easier to do when you make 6 figures, but eight plus years in college tends to lead to a nice paycheck.

I'm sad...I was fotunate to experience the kindness and compassion that Mr. Kuehne showed me through out my years at wilson. Mr. Kuehne took over after Mr. Graper retired and I tell you what...those were GIANT foot steps to follow in. Mr. Kuehne stepped in and he cared about us kids the same way Mr. Graper did. If I have one particular memory and if my memory is serving me correctly I recall a student of minority was kind of lost through the system... and Mr. Kuehne took him in temporarily. I was amazed at how much a stranger could care about another kid. And those of us at Wilson already had a bad wrap by the community as being lost kids, or poor or 4th ward trouble makers etc but he never looked at our 'social status or our parents class' he always looked at what was inside our hearts and felt each child deserved the same respect as he would have given a child who lived in a mansion and who's parents made millions. I ran into Mr. Kuehne about 3 years ago at an event in town and he still remembered me... not for my time of going to school with his son but for my time he served as my principal at wilson. I consider myself lucky and blessed to have known Mike. Thank you for your years of caring and I hope they find someone to fill your giant foot steps as well as you did for Mr. Graper and for Mr. Disrude at Craig. Thank you!

It saddens me to lose such an inspirational administrator. Dr. Kuehne is truly one of a kind and has more heart and soul than those who are deciding to change this positive article into a negative. He will be greatly missed.

I am so glad Mr. Kuehne is retiring. Hopefully the district will find someone who is not out for only a few kids. And also someone who realizes that kids who were once trouble due change.

I completely agree with Willow21. I am friends with numerous teachers and retirees from Craig. It seems that Dr. Kuehne was more concerned about his reputation in the community than doing what was right and helping his teachers. Good riddance.

I had Mike and also Russ in class when they were students in classes for which I substituted in 1969 and 1970. They were good kids who often had "different" views, not necessarily wrong views. They demonstrated leadership ability early in there lives. I am happy to see that they became successful in their later life careers. I've always supported those who are different . That makes a real difference in the way we lead the world. Leaders don't often blend in.

Dr. Kuehn, Thank you for your dedication to our children, your staff and the City. I dropped this news on my junior last night and she immedietly said "NO, he has to stay one more year!". Even the kids realize how fortunate they are to have him.
The good news is, his staff is wonderful, they have seen how managment can work hand and hand with a union and everyone succeeds. Thanks Dr. Kuehn.

Dr. Kuehne, you will be missed! What a career! Your dedication and passion have been a joy to witness. Thank you, thank you, thank you.