On Janesville School Board holds meeting on closing school
Posted on September 18 at 12:10 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I disagree with Mr. Sodemann about the teacher pay and benefits being the main reason JSD is in the fix they are in. The numbers were crunched at the time the contract was negotiated, raises and all.I would hope if everything from the state had stayed the same, the budget would have balanced. The STATE NUMBERS CHANGING is a big reason we have a deficit. Could the teacher's help? Yes, but so could tax payers (which include many teachers). Could more cuts be made? Sure. Will closing a school help? Maybe. It will probably take a combination of solutions to solve the problem. Since the contracts are locked for now, the school board should concentrate on changes they can make. Maybe next yr, the JEA will help some. They won't have to, but maybe they will choose to.
On Do you agree with the JEA's decision not to reopen its contract?
Posted on September 3 at 8:23 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The time to negotiate was before the contract was signed. Maybe even while Walker was contemplating his bill. The unions said they would contribute more if collective bargaining was left alone. No one called them on that then. That would be negotiating, I give more money. You leave collective bargaining alone. Granted, the JSD did not have a crystal ball to see the cuts the governors budget was going to do, but he did hint. If I were a teacher, I would want to hear from the school board that perhaps THEY too bear some of the burden for the financial mess they are in and not that it is all the unions fault. Then I would be more willing to talk.
On Janesville schools recognized for work with low-income students
Posted on September 3 at 8:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The challenges low income students face means to teach them, the entire staff must work together and be innovative. To have so many schools achieve or exceed state standards says a lot about the staff,curriculum, and district support. My children attended Wilson and I was very involved with the parent group. I know staff members at both Jackson and TAGOS. They truly have a caring, dedicated, well trained, and talented staff. Great work to Lincoln, Madison, Adams, and TAGOS!
On Janesville school closure still big ‘if’
Posted on July 3 at 11:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I like Curious5 idea too. Mr. Ardrey, please take Curious suggestion to your next meeting.
On State Senators call for appointing top judges
Posted on July 3 at 11:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This proposal is trying to eliminate/reduce the influence of "3rd party special interest" in judicial elections by eliminating elections. What I get is the senators think as voters we are not capable of making decisions so they will do it for us. I agree with RAF that it would not change the "contentiousness of the judiciary". As jvl93 said, it would slow the process down and potentially leave a seat unfilled as in many circuit courts now as the congress likes to deny any President their appointees. I see no reason WI legislature would be any different. My choice may not win an election, but I would much prefer leaving some decisions in the hands of those who will take the time to vote. We won't have any more fraud so elections will be best. I think the legislature and Governor have plenty of items to make decisions about. Let's not add to their already full "to do list".
On Company to close state plant
Posted on July 3 at 11:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Some interesting comments on here today. Sigma, I agree that buying American made would probably help keep jobs, but many items made in USA are higher priced. With paychecks lower or non-existent, consumers have to buy what can be paid for. I agree with JVL4200 that radical changes done quickly without seeing if they have the desired affect is a bit of a gamble. On paper or in theory, many ideas work great. In practice, not as many.
On Wis. Dems say plan will thwart GOP manipulation
Posted on June 12 at 4:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I agree with wortnik. ALL members of the Wis congress need to grow up, stop playing games and get things done. Each senator and rep need to know what is in each bill, what they feel their constituents want and vote accordingly. Don't worry about what the other person will do. It should not matter. All this posturing and strategy is a waste of time and money.
On New law erects new barriers to voting
Posted on June 6 at 12:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Showing ID is not an unreasonable request. The only issue I have is concern for those who live in rural areas, who don't drive or have access to transportation. Elderly and disabled. Not everyone has a family member close by to assist in getting ID, absentee ballots. I think Sen Jauch said some areas of the state have to drive 60 miles (1 way) to get to a DMV that is only open 8 hrs a month. Also with the shortened time to vote absentee, no one who wants to vote should plan on a 2 week vacation during election time. I don't know the percentage of people who now will not be voting, but when less than 50% of the eligible voters vote now, even a small percentage seems like something we should avoid. It amazes me that it really only takes 20-25% of votes to elect President, Governor,Senators, or any other elected official.
On Feingold sets deadline for Senate decision
Posted on June 2 at 2:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think Mr. Feingold would be great as a senator or governor. He was NOT a solid party line vote. You had to earn it. He was able to give sound reasons why he did or did not vote for something, not just the party leader rhetoric. I did not always agree with him, but he was very professional and well versed. He visits every county in WI to listen to constituents. That takes a lot of time and effort not every senator takes. When he lost the election, most "experts" on TV were surprised. Most have a great deal of respect for Feingold and do not consider him an embarrassment to WI.
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On Efforts are under way to improve a Janesville school’s energy efficiency
Posted on September 26 at 9:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I would guess the problem went on a long time due to energy costs being lumped together for all schools. The problem also may have been noticed, but like many large businesses, the right person needs to notice and say something to the right person before action is taken. The past can't be changed. Hopefully the district has learned and will look at more metrics on a school by school basis.