On Janesville school aid estimate drops

Posted on September 16 at 7:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I am disgusted by our board. You can't play "musical chairs" with the tax levy. The question is not about raising taxes, it's about the funding level that is needed in the district. The state is taking a haitus on their obligation to fund us, so we're going to double cut and refuse to raise taxes? Screw you school board. You have no idea what you're doing.

On School district could gain from state budget--if board raises taxes

Posted on July 12 at 7:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

It's about time a board member realized how damaging it has been to underlevy all these years (Hesselbacher). Sodemann is woefully out of touch with everyone but his ego. Our district is going to crumble under this state budget unless we reassert local control and utilize our taxing authority responsibly.

As far as the aid projection being so far off, I'm surprised the district isn't more conservative in the aid estimates considering how dangerously close we are to the Tertiary Aid tipping threshold. That's rather irresponsible to be that far off for the INITIAL estimate for the 2011-2012 school year.

On Janesville School Board votes to cut teachers

Posted on April 8 at 12:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

"Ross...a rather unfair statement seeing as how the repair bill is stalled in the courts."

Yes...? And...? Do you know WHY schools are already preparing their cuts? Because DPI has already released the revenue limit calculation worksheets to school districts with the budget bill changes incorporated (~$615 less per pupil - 5.5%). The districts aren't working under the assumption that the budget hasn't been approved yet because they already have their marching orders from the state. The budget cycle requires districts to meet certain deadlines in order to secure staffing and funding for the subsequent year. The budget may not have passed yet, but by the time we DO have one, the damage will already have hit school districts because we'll have already cut positions and services.

The next logical statement is... "well all those positions could be recalled if the budget isn't approved!"

...and you would be correct. However, have you ever DONE a layoff-recall? It's not as simple as calling someone and telling them, "Oh, whoops! We DO need you to come back to work next fall! How's Monday at 8AM sound for you?" Sometimes people get other jobs, lose trust after going through it, or simply don't want to come back. It affects the kiddos too to watch their teachers go through it. I've seen it. It's not pretty.

On Janesville School Board votes to cut teachers

Posted on April 8 at 7:34 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Using Fund Balance would be a mistake. It's one time money that will be a larger sum the year after.

This is going to be a rough year, but cutting 130 FTE makes me nauseous. Yeah, loving those "tools" Walker...

On Janesville School Board approves tax hike, budget cuts

Posted on July 29 at 7:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

The idea of furloughs is laughable. When are teachers going to take them? The district can't cut student contact days, so that means professional development or teacher work days are going to be cut. Are these supposed to be mandatory vacation days where subs are hired? Gee, that's great for education. Did anyone think this through?
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Here's something else to chew on... everyone's work will still be there when they come back from furlough. School districts do not work on a productivity model, therefore the same level of work will still need to be completed. State reports, accounting, grading, testing, etc. doesn't stop if there is a snow day... and those already screw up the school calendar pretty bad in Wisconsin. Why is this any different? God our board is stupid...

On Lane work causes traffic snarls on I-39/90

Posted on June 11 at 7:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Funny, I would never have complimented Illinois for being in perpetual road work mode. Even now, it's impossible to get anywhere southbound past Elgin without bringing along a DVD.
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That being said, the backups on I90 Eastbound have been annoying, for sure. However, if it fixes the buckling problem that has affected that area for the last few years running, I'll endure a few days of frustration on my commute.

On Janesville police seek help in identifying woman

Posted on June 8 at 11:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

The shooting was a block away from where this woman was found. Seriously, I live right there. The neighborhood is far from creepy, these events are really out of place!

On Janesville police seek help in identifying woman

Posted on June 8 at 10:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

I live in the 300 block... I had no idea this even happened.

On Janesville School Board mulls tough choices

Posted on June 7 at 11:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Backwards, backwards, backwards.
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Cutting the tax levy is really working isn't it school board?! If you need to cut expenses, CUT EXPENSES. But you can't mess with your revenue stream then point out how screwed you are. You lose all your leverage in bargaining and your credibility with taxpayers. Grow a spine and stop burning the budget on both ends!

On Kevin Nakielski hoists up his niece and God daughter Alana Cosgrove at the UW-Whitewater Commencemen

Posted on May 17 at 9:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

This picture is amazing!