From the Oshkosh Northwestern newspaper
Heilmann: Departure for Eau Claire schools comes with 'definite mixed emotions'
BY AMANDA M. WIMMER
of The Northwestern
Oshkosh schools Superintendent Ron Heilmann will leave the district to take the top post in the Eau Claire public schools.
Heilmann on Wednesday said he has tentatively accepted the position although a contract has not yet been signed.
“It comes with definite mixed emotions,” said Heilmann. “You don’t spend ten years as part of a community and not become vested in that community. It’s bitter-sweet-type of feeling.”
Michael O’Brien, president of the Eau Claire Area School District Board, said his board saw that Heilmann was fit for the job because of his experience. When Eau Claire school board members did Oshkosh site visits, they were impressed with the programs that Heilmann helped develop with the limited funding available, O’Brien said.
"With his personality and what he has demonstrated in the school district, Heilmann will come to Eau Claire, get the community energized, help us move forward in education and get our community to better recognize that quality education is an important aspect for our community," O’Brien said.
Heilmann was hired in Oshkosh in 1998 after five years as superintendent in Danbury, Texas. He is originally from Milwaukee and was a teacher and coach at Wild Rose High School before moving to Texas in 1981.
Eau Claire’s superintendent position has been vacant since July 2007. Heilmann said he doesn’t anticipate leaving Oshkosh for Eau Claire until mid-summer.
The announcement that Heilmann will take the Eau Claire position comes just one week after the Oshkosh school board approved the first phase of a multi-year facilities plan that will ask taxpayers to approve $26 million in construction and spending referendums in February 2009.
“I think we’ve got the framework for the plan in place,” Heilmann said. “I feel very good about the process so far, the steps we’ve put into place and I really look forward to working for the remainder of the time I’m here to move the process forward.”
Board member Karen Bowen, who is serving her fourth term on the Oshkosh school board and was a member of the board that hired Heilmann, said she feels this is a good move for Heilmann but not a good move for the Oshkosh school district.
“One of the eye openers for me was when the Eau Claire people interviewed us last week. They kept pointing to our (high) test scores and there were amazed with what we have done to bring up test scores with declining enrollment, a dwindling budget and a small number of administrators,” Bowen said.
Representatives of the Eau Claire school board met last week in closed session with the full Oshkosh school board to discuss Heilmann’s performance as Oshkosh superintendent.
Heilmann first notified the Oshkosh school board in mid-February that he was one of two finalists for the position. In early March, he visited the Eau Claire district for a series of interviews and community meetings.
Board members said they learned Wednesday morning that the Eau Claire board had made Heilmann a job offer.
Board president Dennis Kavanaugh said the school board would sit down and organize a search for a new superinten¬dent, which would include a search committee comprising of a broad group of community members. The school board will meet again on April 9.
"We will make every effort to get an organizational process moving as quickly as possible," he said.
Kavanaugh said he wishes Heilmann well.
"He has provided a good service to the community and our schools are staying strong," he said. "I think he has been a real asset to the Oshkosh schools."
Board member Dan Becker said he hasn’t had much time to process what’s happening and thinks the next couple of weeks will be a little rocky. Adding to the uncertainty, he said, is the announcement coming so soon after the board narrowly signed off on holding the February referendums.
“I think the board needs to discuss what impact his departure will have in terms of how we proceed in terms of a referendum and the facilities planning process,” Becker said.
Board member Tom McDermott said he will remember Heilmann for being focused on keeping students first in Oshkosh.
“He’s always been a champion for students at-risk,” McDermott said.
However, McDermott said, change isn’t always a bad thing.
“I think it sometimes provides us with an opportunity for a new perspective. I’m hoping that we can make something positive happen out of this,” he said.
Heilmann said the Eau Claire and Oshkosh communities are more similar than they are different, which is one of the things that made the job so appealing to him.
“I found my skill set matches real well to the needs the Eau Claire community has,” he said. “I do feel very connected to the Oshkosh community. As the process has unfolded it’s been very emotional to look down the road and realize something I’ve invested ten years of my life in is coming to a close.”
Heilmann also serves on the Grand Opera House board, the Oshkosh Public Library board and is a member of the Oshkosh Downtown Rotary Club and Partners in Education.
Showing posts with label New Superintendent Search. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Superintendent Search. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
LT article Supt. Candidate: Dr. Ron Heilmann
Updated: 3/8/2008
Ron Heilmann, superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District, is
one of two finalists for the job in Eau Claire.
Staff photo by Steve Kinderman
Candidate's priority? Establishing dialogue
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077
or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
While he talked to a number of people during his interview Friday, Eau
Claire school superintendent finalist Ron Heilmann plans to keep
talking if selected for the job.
"My first priority, if hired, would be to meet in a more meaningful
way with the administrative team, teachers, parents and community
members and have a deeper discussion," said Heilmann, superintendent
of the Oshkosh Area School District.
Heilmann, one of two finalists for the superintendent's post, spent
Friday in Eau Claire, meeting with the school board, staff and
administrators, touring elementary, middle and high schools and taking
part in a community focus group. The other finalist, Randall Clegg,
superintendent of the Clinton (Iowa) Community School District, went
through the same process Thursday.
During a short break in his daylong interview, Heilmann answered a few
questions.
What strategies would you implement to help local students get a good
education within budget constraints?
I think the first thing you need to develop is a long-term plan ...
that encompasses everything.
The situation with budget constraints and the way that the revenue
caps work, I believe, isn't going away in the near future. If you look
at state and national trends with the downturn in the economy, it's
probably a good bet that we're not going to see a lot more money in
public education, ... so I think we need to develop a long-term
strategy.
That means not only talking to the administrators; you have to have
deep, meaningful conversations with parents, with students to find out
which of the programs and services that we currently offer are valued
and what sort of things are we doing ... that maybe aren't being
delivered with the same power.
(In dealing with budget difficulties,) you have to be cautious that
you don't do two things: Make blanket across-the-board cuts and not
first ask what are the programs and services we need, based on how
student needs have changed.
What is your philosophy on increased reliance on student fees for
families that can afford to pay them?
I believe that's a dangerous and slippery slope.
First of all, you have to ask yourself what is the criterion that is
used for determining whether a family can afford them. School
districts, because it's an easy measure we have at our disposal, often
use the free and reduced lunch rate. Unfortunately, I know a lot of
families that don't qualify for the reduced lunch rate that really
struggle when they have to deal with any sort of fees.
In addition, if you're charging fees in certain areas and not in
others, ... you have to seriously ask whether or not you're going to
affect and impact participation rate.
When I first came to Oshkosh (in 1998), we had no fees in anything.
Then we put in what we called a textbook fee, (a per-student fee with
family caps), which was very minimal. Then the board decided to take
that fee out. We did put in an athletic fee and have since expanded
that into a co-curricular fee for when there are costs that go way
over and above. We control (and monitor) that very closely.
Some people like to say that the K-12 system should focus more on core
subjects and back off on electives and extracurricular activities to
help balance its budget. What is your response to that suggestion?
Wrong step to take.
In educating students, there are times that we need to emphasize
certain things. (For example), students, I believe, in kindergarten
through third grade need to come out at the end of third grade with a
strong basis in literacy and mathematics. If they don't have a solid
foundation in those areas, they're going to struggle later on.
(That said), schools are about a lot more things than the core subjects.
Throughout my career, I have found ... there are these things called
hooks - ways of hooking kids into education to kind of keep them there
a little longer, and many times those are the co-curricular
activities. If you take those away, you now have taken away a hook
that might have been important.
Many people who no longer have children in the school system - many
retired - complain about high property taxes to help support local
schools. What if anything will you do to reach out to that group?
We need to bring those groups into the schools more and more.
In Oshkosh, we have a grandparent adopt-a-student program, which has
worked out really well. We also reach out into the community by having
a lot of our school groups go out into the community, whether it's at
a retirement home or any sort of different venue. We find that to be
very, very valuable.
I think the other thing to do is to pass on information. A lot of
times retired taxpayers are folks who own their homes, and they need
to understand that their home is likely the most significant
investment in their life. If they want to protect that investment, the
best way to do that is to ensure a high quality public school system.
What experience do you have in reaching out to the business community
to help support school programs?
Probably, the single most important one that we've had in Oshkosh, and
it's in other communities, is called Partners in Education. It's a
time we meet about every six weeks, where we sit down with our
business partners and talk about what is it that they expect from our
schools, what is it they want to see in young adults?
Having those deep and meaningful discussions becomes absolutely critical.
Another thing we've done in the Oshkosh school district ... is a
post-graduation employer survey. We ask do you hire OASD graduates? If
that's the case, are these students coming directly to you from high
school, are they students who maybe come directly from high school and
you put into a technical college program ... and then ask them very
specific questions in a number of areas, (such as) skill levels.
Ron Heilmann, superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District, is
one of two finalists for the job in Eau Claire.
Staff photo by Steve Kinderman
Candidate's priority? Establishing dialogue
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077
or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
While he talked to a number of people during his interview Friday, Eau
Claire school superintendent finalist Ron Heilmann plans to keep
talking if selected for the job.
"My first priority, if hired, would be to meet in a more meaningful
way with the administrative team, teachers, parents and community
members and have a deeper discussion," said Heilmann, superintendent
of the Oshkosh Area School District.
Heilmann, one of two finalists for the superintendent's post, spent
Friday in Eau Claire, meeting with the school board, staff and
administrators, touring elementary, middle and high schools and taking
part in a community focus group. The other finalist, Randall Clegg,
superintendent of the Clinton (Iowa) Community School District, went
through the same process Thursday.
During a short break in his daylong interview, Heilmann answered a few
questions.
What strategies would you implement to help local students get a good
education within budget constraints?
I think the first thing you need to develop is a long-term plan ...
that encompasses everything.
The situation with budget constraints and the way that the revenue
caps work, I believe, isn't going away in the near future. If you look
at state and national trends with the downturn in the economy, it's
probably a good bet that we're not going to see a lot more money in
public education, ... so I think we need to develop a long-term
strategy.
That means not only talking to the administrators; you have to have
deep, meaningful conversations with parents, with students to find out
which of the programs and services that we currently offer are valued
and what sort of things are we doing ... that maybe aren't being
delivered with the same power.
(In dealing with budget difficulties,) you have to be cautious that
you don't do two things: Make blanket across-the-board cuts and not
first ask what are the programs and services we need, based on how
student needs have changed.
What is your philosophy on increased reliance on student fees for
families that can afford to pay them?
I believe that's a dangerous and slippery slope.
First of all, you have to ask yourself what is the criterion that is
used for determining whether a family can afford them. School
districts, because it's an easy measure we have at our disposal, often
use the free and reduced lunch rate. Unfortunately, I know a lot of
families that don't qualify for the reduced lunch rate that really
struggle when they have to deal with any sort of fees.
In addition, if you're charging fees in certain areas and not in
others, ... you have to seriously ask whether or not you're going to
affect and impact participation rate.
When I first came to Oshkosh (in 1998), we had no fees in anything.
Then we put in what we called a textbook fee, (a per-student fee with
family caps), which was very minimal. Then the board decided to take
that fee out. We did put in an athletic fee and have since expanded
that into a co-curricular fee for when there are costs that go way
over and above. We control (and monitor) that very closely.
Some people like to say that the K-12 system should focus more on core
subjects and back off on electives and extracurricular activities to
help balance its budget. What is your response to that suggestion?
Wrong step to take.
In educating students, there are times that we need to emphasize
certain things. (For example), students, I believe, in kindergarten
through third grade need to come out at the end of third grade with a
strong basis in literacy and mathematics. If they don't have a solid
foundation in those areas, they're going to struggle later on.
(That said), schools are about a lot more things than the core subjects.
Throughout my career, I have found ... there are these things called
hooks - ways of hooking kids into education to kind of keep them there
a little longer, and many times those are the co-curricular
activities. If you take those away, you now have taken away a hook
that might have been important.
Many people who no longer have children in the school system - many
retired - complain about high property taxes to help support local
schools. What if anything will you do to reach out to that group?
We need to bring those groups into the schools more and more.
In Oshkosh, we have a grandparent adopt-a-student program, which has
worked out really well. We also reach out into the community by having
a lot of our school groups go out into the community, whether it's at
a retirement home or any sort of different venue. We find that to be
very, very valuable.
I think the other thing to do is to pass on information. A lot of
times retired taxpayers are folks who own their homes, and they need
to understand that their home is likely the most significant
investment in their life. If they want to protect that investment, the
best way to do that is to ensure a high quality public school system.
What experience do you have in reaching out to the business community
to help support school programs?
Probably, the single most important one that we've had in Oshkosh, and
it's in other communities, is called Partners in Education. It's a
time we meet about every six weeks, where we sit down with our
business partners and talk about what is it that they expect from our
schools, what is it they want to see in young adults?
Having those deep and meaningful discussions becomes absolutely critical.
Another thing we've done in the Oshkosh school district ... is a
post-graduation employer survey. We ask do you hire OASD graduates? If
that's the case, are these students coming directly to you from high
school, are they students who maybe come directly from high school and
you put into a technical college program ... and then ask them very
specific questions in a number of areas, (such as) skill levels.
Friday, March 7, 2008
CTV Rebroadcast Schedule of Candidates
Folks,
I hope that you take the time in the comfort of your own homes to record and watch the following rebroadcasts. Rebroadcast time for school district superintendent and BOE candidates should be about 1 1/2 hours in total.
Here is the re-broadcast schedule of the Community Forums held for the New Superintendent Candidates and the ECASD School Board candidates. City Council Candidates are the last part of the broadcast (I think).
Playback should be on Channel 12, CTV government channel.
Monday, March 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Monday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 18 at 12:00 noon
Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Maria
I hope that you take the time in the comfort of your own homes to record and watch the following rebroadcasts. Rebroadcast time for school district superintendent and BOE candidates should be about 1 1/2 hours in total.
Here is the re-broadcast schedule of the Community Forums held for the New Superintendent Candidates and the ECASD School Board candidates. City Council Candidates are the last part of the broadcast (I think).
Playback should be on Channel 12, CTV government channel.
Monday, March 10 at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Monday, March 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 18 at 12:00 noon
Sunday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Maria
Supt. Candidate: Dr. Randy Clegg (LT article)
I attended this public forum session and found Dr. Clegg to be extremely articulate and experienced in one of my top concerns for the ECASD: fostering meaningful community participation. My concern about his skills in leading a district twice the size of his current one in Clinton, IA remain. However, new energy, motivation and ideas can always overcome this possible shortcoming. Repeatedly Dr. Clegg referred to involving the community in planning for facilities, prioritizing spending and building consensus for ideas through communication and education about the issues and problems. Comprehensive Community Planning cannot come soon enough for us in the ECASD!
Maria
Updated: 3/7/2008
School candidate questioned
Budget worrisome
By Brad Bryan
Leader-Telegram staff
Eau Claire school district superintendent finalist Randall Clegg was given a public interview of sorts at a forum Thursday at DeLong Middle School.
Oshkosh school district superintendant Ron Heilmann, the other finalist for the position, will take part in a similar forum from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at DeLong.
Those submitting questions seemed most concerned about how Eau Claire's next superintendent would react to continually shrinking budgets.
Clegg - who is superintendent of the Clinton, Iowa, school district - provided answers to a series of written questions before a crowd of about 30.
The first question dealt with curriculum and the budget process in his current district.
Clegg said that when he came to the district he had a directive from the school board to "bring order" to the district's curriculum.
After consulting parents, and through a series of meetings, he identified six big issues around which the curriculum was formed, he said.
Clegg said he then involved 50 of the district's teachers in the process of creating the material. He sequestered them in a hotel for three days and told them, "You can't come out until you get this designed."
Addressing the second part of the question, Clegg said he's spent the last 20 year developing a budgetary process that addresses declining revenues. He said his process identifies functions within the budget and their costs, then determines the benefit of funding or not funding each function. It also allows for public input in the process.
"The reality is, in school systems, the needs will always outstrip the money, and how do you make those decision about what you do you fund?" he said.
Clegg said having a clear plan in place should drive those decisions.
The next question involved deciding which programs to reduce or eliminate in upcoming budgets: athletics, higher education, gifted and talented programs or extracurricular programs such as band and choir.
"It's all about creating balance," Clegg said. "It's not easy to cut or eliminate any one of those."
A cost-benefit analysis and identifying community goals should also play a part in those decisions, he said.
"There shouldn't be sacred cows in deciding what the budgetary priorities are," he said.
To answer a question about his feelings on exceeding revenue caps, Clegg gingerly stated that those types of decision should be made on a community level.
Clegg has been superintendant of the Clinton school district for the past 12 years. Before that he was superintendent of the Saydel Consolidated, Sac City and Dumont school districts, all in Iowa.
The school board is scheduled to meet with Dennis Richards, its search consultant, Monday night in closed session to discuss the selection of a new superintendent.
Bryan can be reached at 800-236-7077, 830-5840 or brad.bryan@ecpc.com.
Maria
Updated: 3/7/2008
School candidate questioned
Budget worrisome
By Brad Bryan
Leader-Telegram staff
Eau Claire school district superintendent finalist Randall Clegg was given a public interview of sorts at a forum Thursday at DeLong Middle School.
Oshkosh school district superintendant Ron Heilmann, the other finalist for the position, will take part in a similar forum from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. today at DeLong.
Those submitting questions seemed most concerned about how Eau Claire's next superintendent would react to continually shrinking budgets.
Clegg - who is superintendent of the Clinton, Iowa, school district - provided answers to a series of written questions before a crowd of about 30.
The first question dealt with curriculum and the budget process in his current district.
Clegg said that when he came to the district he had a directive from the school board to "bring order" to the district's curriculum.
After consulting parents, and through a series of meetings, he identified six big issues around which the curriculum was formed, he said.
Clegg said he then involved 50 of the district's teachers in the process of creating the material. He sequestered them in a hotel for three days and told them, "You can't come out until you get this designed."
Addressing the second part of the question, Clegg said he's spent the last 20 year developing a budgetary process that addresses declining revenues. He said his process identifies functions within the budget and their costs, then determines the benefit of funding or not funding each function. It also allows for public input in the process.
"The reality is, in school systems, the needs will always outstrip the money, and how do you make those decision about what you do you fund?" he said.
Clegg said having a clear plan in place should drive those decisions.
The next question involved deciding which programs to reduce or eliminate in upcoming budgets: athletics, higher education, gifted and talented programs or extracurricular programs such as band and choir.
"It's all about creating balance," Clegg said. "It's not easy to cut or eliminate any one of those."
A cost-benefit analysis and identifying community goals should also play a part in those decisions, he said.
"There shouldn't be sacred cows in deciding what the budgetary priorities are," he said.
To answer a question about his feelings on exceeding revenue caps, Clegg gingerly stated that those types of decision should be made on a community level.
Clegg has been superintendant of the Clinton school district for the past 12 years. Before that he was superintendent of the Saydel Consolidated, Sac City and Dumont school districts, all in Iowa.
The school board is scheduled to meet with Dennis Richards, its search consultant, Monday night in closed session to discuss the selection of a new superintendent.
Bryan can be reached at 800-236-7077, 830-5840 or brad.bryan@ecpc.com.
Monday, March 3, 2008
New Superintendent Search
OK, folks, we are coming to a critical junction and it IS TIME TO PAY ATTENTION!
The ECASD has narrowed their candidate search down to 2 and on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th there will be public community forums to meet and see the 2 new candidates. Both forums will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Delong Middle School Auditorium. Community members are encouraged to arrive anytime after 5:00 p.m. on both nights to submit questions ahead of time to the candidates. Dr. Klegg will be in EC on the 6th and Dr. Heilmann on the 7th.
I have posted several things in other posts about the candidates and articles from their hometown newspapers. The basics are:
1. Dr. Randy Klegg from Clinton, Iowa who has been the superintendent there for 10 years. This is a district about half the size of the ECASD. (5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools with 4,700 students)
The website is: http://www.clinton.k12.ia.us/
Hometown newspaper website is: http://www.clintonherald.com/
My initial opinion which is based only on looking at the website is that this is not a district that is doing anything that we need here in Eau Claire. There does not look to be any strategic planning, meaningful community involvement, and it is much smaller than our district. It appears that 3 of the 7 Board members are either current or former school district employees. I am not sure what the significance of that is but I think it is unusual.
2. Dr. Ron Heilmann of the Oshkosh School District who has been the Superintendent there for 10 years. This district appears to be the same size as EC although they have 16 (!!) elementary schools, 5 (!!) middle schools, 2 high schools and 6 charter schools with 10,500 students.
The website is: http://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/
Hometown newspaper: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
The district website is really comprehensive and it looks like there is a LOT of information about their Strategic Planning efforts and many community members on a significant number of school district committees. It appears that they are trying to do a lot of the things that have been neglected here in EC for the last 10 years.
Additional searches in the newspaper, however, reveal that the Oshkosh School Board has been very divided and contentious over the planning process for a referendum. There is a very critical letter in the newspaper about the "leadership" of the district over many years. So, my search for information is revealing more than one view of how things are going.
Here is a link to a kind of blog that the newspaper runs about the Oshkosh School District planning process. Interesting...
http://forums.thenorthwestern.com/viewtopic.php?t=26400
PLEASE ATTEND THE COMMUNITY FORUMS FOR THESE CANDIDATES! I am probably only able to attend the one on the 7th but I hope many others attend at least one of them and then share their views here or with the ECASD BOE. Remember that the Menomonie district ended up NOT HIRING any candidates and decided to wait another year. NOT ideal. But we must get the right person for our district. You can help by participating.
The ECASD has narrowed their candidate search down to 2 and on Thursday, March 6th and Friday, March 7th there will be public community forums to meet and see the 2 new candidates. Both forums will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Delong Middle School Auditorium. Community members are encouraged to arrive anytime after 5:00 p.m. on both nights to submit questions ahead of time to the candidates. Dr. Klegg will be in EC on the 6th and Dr. Heilmann on the 7th.
I have posted several things in other posts about the candidates and articles from their hometown newspapers. The basics are:
1. Dr. Randy Klegg from Clinton, Iowa who has been the superintendent there for 10 years. This is a district about half the size of the ECASD. (5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools with 4,700 students)
The website is: http://www.clinton.k12.ia.us/
Hometown newspaper website is: http://www.clintonherald.com/
My initial opinion which is based only on looking at the website is that this is not a district that is doing anything that we need here in Eau Claire. There does not look to be any strategic planning, meaningful community involvement, and it is much smaller than our district. It appears that 3 of the 7 Board members are either current or former school district employees. I am not sure what the significance of that is but I think it is unusual.
2. Dr. Ron Heilmann of the Oshkosh School District who has been the Superintendent there for 10 years. This district appears to be the same size as EC although they have 16 (!!) elementary schools, 5 (!!) middle schools, 2 high schools and 6 charter schools with 10,500 students.
The website is: http://www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us/
Hometown newspaper: http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
The district website is really comprehensive and it looks like there is a LOT of information about their Strategic Planning efforts and many community members on a significant number of school district committees. It appears that they are trying to do a lot of the things that have been neglected here in EC for the last 10 years.
Additional searches in the newspaper, however, reveal that the Oshkosh School Board has been very divided and contentious over the planning process for a referendum. There is a very critical letter in the newspaper about the "leadership" of the district over many years. So, my search for information is revealing more than one view of how things are going.
Here is a link to a kind of blog that the newspaper runs about the Oshkosh School District planning process. Interesting...
http://forums.thenorthwestern.com/viewtopic.php?t=26400
PLEASE ATTEND THE COMMUNITY FORUMS FOR THESE CANDIDATES! I am probably only able to attend the one on the 7th but I hope many others attend at least one of them and then share their views here or with the ECASD BOE. Remember that the Menomonie district ended up NOT HIRING any candidates and decided to wait another year. NOT ideal. But we must get the right person for our district. You can help by participating.
News about the Oshkosh District
Posted March 2, 2008
Four elementary schools to close under latest facilities plan
By Amanda M. Wimmer
of The Northwestern
At least four Oshkosh elementary schools will close and one middle school will be converted to an elementary school under the newest version of the Oshkosh school district's10-year facilities.
Under a new plan unveiled by planners at Wednesday's school board meeting, Lincoln, Oaklawn and Smith elementary schools would close. Green Meadow and Lakeside elementary schools are also slated for closure; however, Superintendent Ron Heilmann said it was still being discussed whether one of those buildings might remain open. As part of the new plan, Perry Tipler Middle School would become an elementary school.
It is not yet known at what point any schools would close in the 10-year plan, which is expected to play out over two phases, each funded by its own referendum. The facilities plan, which has been in the planning stages for nearly two years, ultimately aims to close schools, redraw boundary lines, add onto existing schools and create more equity district-wide.
A vote on the first phase, which is expected to cost taxpayers about $40 million, is expected March 19. Before that meeting, facilities planners will work to slim down the cost of renovating and adding onto schools and to prioritize the work that will be done, Heilmann said.
"I think we'll talk about what schools will rise to the top in a multi-phase approach," he said.
Based on the cost estimates done by Bray Associates Architects, Inc., a Sheboygan-based architecture firm, hired last year to evaluate schools, create floor plans and develop renovation and construction budgets, the district would need to spend between $65 and $76 million to update buildings in the district and build a new north side school, which is also part of the current plan.
Bray Associates estimates schools in Oshkosh would cost anywhere from $3 million to more than $9 million each to update, renovate and expand if every single element detailed in the plan is done by the district. The budgets developed by Bray Associates included everything from costs for paint and flooring to equipment updates, fire protection, demolition and heat system upgrades.
Heilmann said he thought it was important to target exactly what schools need to be addressed with dollars that will come from a first referendum, which is scheduled for February 2009.
"As a minimum, do we address security needs as far as putting offices near main entrances in all the buildings? I think we also heard from the board that creating equity among the special education population (is important)," Heilmann said. "We might need to concentrate dollars and resources on addressing equity concerns right out of the chute."
Board member Karen Bowen said she thought the district could take a good first step with a $40 million referendum for the first phase of the 10-year project.
"I think the other thing that was fairly clear (Wednesday) night is that this will be stage one," she said. "That's OK. As long as it is really stage one and we don't stop there because then we will be in the same shape we are now."
The facilities planning process began in 2006 after a Green Bay-based consulting firm—Public Management Partners—identified $10 million in outstanding facilities needs. The report also found that Oshkosh has more elementary and middle schools than comparable school districts and said officials should consider closing several buildings and changing boundary lines to save money and provide equal educational opportunities.
Board member Dan Becker said he thought a $40 million price tag would be more appealing to the Oshkosh community than some of the other numbers thrown out in the past.
"I'm still not happy with $40 million," he said. "But what I believe is inconsequential, because it's what the community will support. At least $40 million gives us a fighting chance—$70 to $80 million, in my opinion would have given us no chance of (passing a referendum)."
Other board members say it isn't about the amount of money spent, but more doing what needs to be done to bring the Oshkosh school district to where it needs to be.
"I think any number is appropriate if you make a case for it," said board member Amy Weinsheim.
Board member Tom McDermott said the facilities planners and the board need to take a close look at what comes with $40 million.
"I think we need to take a hard look at what is included in that and figure out what we need to do in the first phase," he said.
Four elementary schools to close under latest facilities plan
By Amanda M. Wimmer
of The Northwestern
At least four Oshkosh elementary schools will close and one middle school will be converted to an elementary school under the newest version of the Oshkosh school district's10-year facilities.
Under a new plan unveiled by planners at Wednesday's school board meeting, Lincoln, Oaklawn and Smith elementary schools would close. Green Meadow and Lakeside elementary schools are also slated for closure; however, Superintendent Ron Heilmann said it was still being discussed whether one of those buildings might remain open. As part of the new plan, Perry Tipler Middle School would become an elementary school.
It is not yet known at what point any schools would close in the 10-year plan, which is expected to play out over two phases, each funded by its own referendum. The facilities plan, which has been in the planning stages for nearly two years, ultimately aims to close schools, redraw boundary lines, add onto existing schools and create more equity district-wide.
A vote on the first phase, which is expected to cost taxpayers about $40 million, is expected March 19. Before that meeting, facilities planners will work to slim down the cost of renovating and adding onto schools and to prioritize the work that will be done, Heilmann said.
"I think we'll talk about what schools will rise to the top in a multi-phase approach," he said.
Based on the cost estimates done by Bray Associates Architects, Inc., a Sheboygan-based architecture firm, hired last year to evaluate schools, create floor plans and develop renovation and construction budgets, the district would need to spend between $65 and $76 million to update buildings in the district and build a new north side school, which is also part of the current plan.
Bray Associates estimates schools in Oshkosh would cost anywhere from $3 million to more than $9 million each to update, renovate and expand if every single element detailed in the plan is done by the district. The budgets developed by Bray Associates included everything from costs for paint and flooring to equipment updates, fire protection, demolition and heat system upgrades.
Heilmann said he thought it was important to target exactly what schools need to be addressed with dollars that will come from a first referendum, which is scheduled for February 2009.
"As a minimum, do we address security needs as far as putting offices near main entrances in all the buildings? I think we also heard from the board that creating equity among the special education population (is important)," Heilmann said. "We might need to concentrate dollars and resources on addressing equity concerns right out of the chute."
Board member Karen Bowen said she thought the district could take a good first step with a $40 million referendum for the first phase of the 10-year project.
"I think the other thing that was fairly clear (Wednesday) night is that this will be stage one," she said. "That's OK. As long as it is really stage one and we don't stop there because then we will be in the same shape we are now."
The facilities planning process began in 2006 after a Green Bay-based consulting firm—Public Management Partners—identified $10 million in outstanding facilities needs. The report also found that Oshkosh has more elementary and middle schools than comparable school districts and said officials should consider closing several buildings and changing boundary lines to save money and provide equal educational opportunities.
Board member Dan Becker said he thought a $40 million price tag would be more appealing to the Oshkosh community than some of the other numbers thrown out in the past.
"I'm still not happy with $40 million," he said. "But what I believe is inconsequential, because it's what the community will support. At least $40 million gives us a fighting chance—$70 to $80 million, in my opinion would have given us no chance of (passing a referendum)."
Other board members say it isn't about the amount of money spent, but more doing what needs to be done to bring the Oshkosh school district to where it needs to be.
"I think any number is appropriate if you make a case for it," said board member Amy Weinsheim.
Board member Tom McDermott said the facilities planners and the board need to take a close look at what comes with $40 million.
"I think we need to take a hard look at what is included in that and figure out what we need to do in the first phase," he said.
New Superintendent Candidates Info.
From the Leader Telegram
The interview process will continue March 6 and 7. The two candidates
for the Eau Claire school district's superintendent position will be
interviewed by focus groups, school administrators and district staff.
In addition, a community forum will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
both evenings at DeLong Middle School, 2000 Vine St. "I encourage the
public to come and meet (the candidates) personally at the ... forums
on March 6 and 7," said Mike Bollinger, a school board member.
Superintendent search down to two
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077
or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
Superintendents in Clinton, Iowa, and Oshkosh are finalists for the
Eau Claire school district's top job.
Randall Clegg and Ron Heilmann, two of five candidates recently
interviewed by the school board, each has more than 15 years'
experience and were selected unanimously by the board as the top two
picks.
Clegg is superintendent of the Clinton Community School District and
Heilmann is superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District.
"I think either one of these candidates would be great," board member
Brent Wogahn said.
Mike Bollinger, another board member, agreed.
"They each bring a wealth of experience, vision and proven leadership," he said.
Nine people applied for the position.
"Eau Claire has an awesome reputation across the state as a school
district," Heilmann said in a telephone interview Thursday, "and I see
(this position) as a really exciting opportunity."
Clegg likewise is enthusiastic about the possibility of coming to Eau Claire.
"I'm at the point in my career where I'm looking for the next
challenge," he said.
Clegg said he's dealt with declining revenue for 23 years. He added
that in making tough budget decisions he favors transparency and uses
a system to rank priorities and allow the public to decide.
Born in Milwaukee, Heilmann graduated from Muskego High School in
1973, and from UW-Green Bay with a triple major in anthropology,
linguistics and psychology in 1977. He completed his teacher
certification in Broadfield social studies from UW-Madison in 1979 and
received his master's degree in educational administration from the
University of Houston-Clear Lake and doctorate in educational
leadership from the University of Houston-University Park in 1996.
Heilmann was a teacher and coach at Wild Rose High School from 1979 to
1981 before moving to Texas to continue his teaching and
administrative career. He was superintendent of schools of the
Danbury, Texas, independent school district for five years before
returning to Wisconsin to become superintendent in Oshkosh in 1998.
Clegg received his bachelor's degree in elementary and secondary
instrumental music education from UW-Stevens Point in 1977, a master's
degree in secondary educational administration from Winona (Minn.)
State University in 1982, an educational specialist degree in
secondary educational administration, also from Winona State, in 1985,
and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of
Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1989.
Clegg has served as superintendent in the Clinton school district
since 1996. Before that, he was superintendent of the Saydel
Consolidated, Sac City Community and Dumont Community school
districts, all in Iowa.
The interview process will continue March 6 and 7. The two candidates
for the Eau Claire school district's superintendent position will be
interviewed by focus groups, school administrators and district staff.
In addition, a community forum will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
both evenings at DeLong Middle School, 2000 Vine St. "I encourage the
public to come and meet (the candidates) personally at the ... forums
on March 6 and 7," said Mike Bollinger, a school board member.
Superintendent search down to two
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077
or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
Superintendents in Clinton, Iowa, and Oshkosh are finalists for the
Eau Claire school district's top job.
Randall Clegg and Ron Heilmann, two of five candidates recently
interviewed by the school board, each has more than 15 years'
experience and were selected unanimously by the board as the top two
picks.
Clegg is superintendent of the Clinton Community School District and
Heilmann is superintendent of the Oshkosh Area School District.
"I think either one of these candidates would be great," board member
Brent Wogahn said.
Mike Bollinger, another board member, agreed.
"They each bring a wealth of experience, vision and proven leadership," he said.
Nine people applied for the position.
"Eau Claire has an awesome reputation across the state as a school
district," Heilmann said in a telephone interview Thursday, "and I see
(this position) as a really exciting opportunity."
Clegg likewise is enthusiastic about the possibility of coming to Eau Claire.
"I'm at the point in my career where I'm looking for the next
challenge," he said.
Clegg said he's dealt with declining revenue for 23 years. He added
that in making tough budget decisions he favors transparency and uses
a system to rank priorities and allow the public to decide.
Born in Milwaukee, Heilmann graduated from Muskego High School in
1973, and from UW-Green Bay with a triple major in anthropology,
linguistics and psychology in 1977. He completed his teacher
certification in Broadfield social studies from UW-Madison in 1979 and
received his master's degree in educational administration from the
University of Houston-Clear Lake and doctorate in educational
leadership from the University of Houston-University Park in 1996.
Heilmann was a teacher and coach at Wild Rose High School from 1979 to
1981 before moving to Texas to continue his teaching and
administrative career. He was superintendent of schools of the
Danbury, Texas, independent school district for five years before
returning to Wisconsin to become superintendent in Oshkosh in 1998.
Clegg received his bachelor's degree in elementary and secondary
instrumental music education from UW-Stevens Point in 1977, a master's
degree in secondary educational administration from Winona (Minn.)
State University in 1982, an educational specialist degree in
secondary educational administration, also from Winona State, in 1985,
and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of
Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 1989.
Clegg has served as superintendent in the Clinton school district
since 1996. Before that, he was superintendent of the Saydel
Consolidated, Sac City Community and Dumont Community school
districts, all in Iowa.
Clinton Iowa News...
One of the candidates for Superintendent is Dr. Randy Clegg from Clinton, Iowa. Here is a local news article about the budget process in the district he currently works in.
Published: February 28, 2008 09:49 am
School board reviews budget options
By Rebecca Boysen
Herald Staff Writer
CLINTON — The Clinton School Board got a first look at budget options for the coming year at its Committee of the Whole meeting this week.
The potential budget includes the elimination of three teacher positions, one at the elementary level and two at the middle schools, while adding one at Clinton High School.
According to Superintendent Randy Clegg, because the legislature has not increased the amount of money available in the Iowa Early Intervention Program to coincide with increasing teacher salaries, the district will be forced to let go of one of its additional K-2 teachers, which were hired to keep class sizes at that level to a minimum.
Clegg also noted that plans to increase core academic time at the middle school level have prompted the decision to let go of a physical education teacher as well as an industrial technology teacher. One middle school family and consumer science instructor will also be moved to share time at the high school. And with involvement in the foreign language program exceeding 150 students, one part-time teacher is set to be added at the high school.
The tentative budget, which includes a total of just over $38.5 million, and is based on increasing the instructional support levy from 9 percent to 10 percent, is similar to last year’s, with changes including an increase in the co-curricular activities line to allow for a seventh-grade football coach, as well as an increase in the computer systems budget line, making funds available for the first year costs of the district’s new software program. The budget also reflects proposed salary increases. Clegg noted an energy maintenance program has made great improvements in the district’s utility costs, and that simple changes, including using rental vehicles and motor coaches as opposed to school buses for transportation to sporting events, have helped alleviate costs.
Clegg stated that one of the biggest concerns for the coming year is shifting enrollment in the district, and recommended redrawing the attendance boundaries again. He noted that the boundaries were redrawn for the first time in 12 years last year, and that redrawing the lines every three years is normal for a community as fluid as Clinton.
While Clegg also noted concerns over the impending need to replace the outdated equipment in several of the district computer labs, and possible shortfalls in the building maintenance fund, he concluded that the proposed budget is largely feasible. The certified budget, which includes tax rates, must be sent to County Auditor Charlie Sheridan by April 15, but the board has additional time to approve the operating budget.
Published: February 28, 2008 09:49 am
School board reviews budget options
By Rebecca Boysen
Herald Staff Writer
CLINTON — The Clinton School Board got a first look at budget options for the coming year at its Committee of the Whole meeting this week.
The potential budget includes the elimination of three teacher positions, one at the elementary level and two at the middle schools, while adding one at Clinton High School.
According to Superintendent Randy Clegg, because the legislature has not increased the amount of money available in the Iowa Early Intervention Program to coincide with increasing teacher salaries, the district will be forced to let go of one of its additional K-2 teachers, which were hired to keep class sizes at that level to a minimum.
Clegg also noted that plans to increase core academic time at the middle school level have prompted the decision to let go of a physical education teacher as well as an industrial technology teacher. One middle school family and consumer science instructor will also be moved to share time at the high school. And with involvement in the foreign language program exceeding 150 students, one part-time teacher is set to be added at the high school.
The tentative budget, which includes a total of just over $38.5 million, and is based on increasing the instructional support levy from 9 percent to 10 percent, is similar to last year’s, with changes including an increase in the co-curricular activities line to allow for a seventh-grade football coach, as well as an increase in the computer systems budget line, making funds available for the first year costs of the district’s new software program. The budget also reflects proposed salary increases. Clegg noted an energy maintenance program has made great improvements in the district’s utility costs, and that simple changes, including using rental vehicles and motor coaches as opposed to school buses for transportation to sporting events, have helped alleviate costs.
Clegg stated that one of the biggest concerns for the coming year is shifting enrollment in the district, and recommended redrawing the attendance boundaries again. He noted that the boundaries were redrawn for the first time in 12 years last year, and that redrawing the lines every three years is normal for a community as fluid as Clinton.
While Clegg also noted concerns over the impending need to replace the outdated equipment in several of the district computer labs, and possible shortfalls in the building maintenance fund, he concluded that the proposed budget is largely feasible. The certified budget, which includes tax rates, must be sent to County Auditor Charlie Sheridan by April 15, but the board has additional time to approve the operating budget.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Superintendent Search: WASB vs. a Consultant?
Probably more about search than you wanted to know- still it might be
interesting to compare a WASB search with a consultant search.
The current or planned searches at Menomonie, Black River Falls, and Racine
will probably not attract many of the same applicants as this one or ECASD's
Possibly more Minnesota based applicants in RF and for ECASD.
______
Consultant hired for superintendent search
Phil Pfuehler River Falls Journal
Published Thursday, September 13, 2007
In less than a year, school district Superintendent Boyd McLarty will
be retired. Last Thursday night the school board picked an education
consultant to help find his replacement.
In a special meeting the board voted 6-1 to hire Kenneth J. La Croix
of Hastings, Minn., to guide the superintendent search.
The board will pay La Croix an $8,000 fee plus expenses, which are not
expected to exceed $600. The aim is to have a new superintendent named
by spring.
Board member Bob Gustafson called La Croix's presentation to the board
last week "very professional and enthusiastic."
Gustafson said La Croix has carried out more superintendent searches
than two other consulting firms, though none were done in Wisconsin.
"He'll also be close by (in Hastings) to work with," Gustafson said.
La Croix has done search and consulting activities for many Minnesota
school districts, including Red Wing, Farmington, Brooklyn Center,
Mahtomedi and Northfield.
School board members hope to set up a workshop soon with La Croix. At
that time, the level of public involvement in the superintendent
search will be decided.
This could take the form of forums, listening sessions and membership
on a search committee that makes a hiring recommendation to the board.
Two others competed for the superintendent search job: Fox River
Consultants, $5,800, plus expenses; and Wisconsin Association of
School Boards, estimated fee, $4,000-$7,000.
School board member Ned Fagan cast the lone no vote for hiring La Croix.
Fagan said La Croix seems "very competent, a straight-talking guy,"
but thought La Croix's very strong opinions might overwhelm board
members.
interesting to compare a WASB search with a consultant search.
The current or planned searches at Menomonie, Black River Falls, and Racine
will probably not attract many of the same applicants as this one or ECASD's
Possibly more Minnesota based applicants in RF and for ECASD.
______
Consultant hired for superintendent search
Phil Pfuehler River Falls Journal
Published Thursday, September 13, 2007
In less than a year, school district Superintendent Boyd McLarty will
be retired. Last Thursday night the school board picked an education
consultant to help find his replacement.
In a special meeting the board voted 6-1 to hire Kenneth J. La Croix
of Hastings, Minn., to guide the superintendent search.
The board will pay La Croix an $8,000 fee plus expenses, which are not
expected to exceed $600. The aim is to have a new superintendent named
by spring.
Board member Bob Gustafson called La Croix's presentation to the board
last week "very professional and enthusiastic."
Gustafson said La Croix has carried out more superintendent searches
than two other consulting firms, though none were done in Wisconsin.
"He'll also be close by (in Hastings) to work with," Gustafson said.
La Croix has done search and consulting activities for many Minnesota
school districts, including Red Wing, Farmington, Brooklyn Center,
Mahtomedi and Northfield.
School board members hope to set up a workshop soon with La Croix. At
that time, the level of public involvement in the superintendent
search will be decided.
This could take the form of forums, listening sessions and membership
on a search committee that makes a hiring recommendation to the board.
Two others competed for the superintendent search job: Fox River
Consultants, $5,800, plus expenses; and Wisconsin Association of
School Boards, estimated fee, $4,000-$7,000.
School board member Ned Fagan cast the lone no vote for hiring La Croix.
Fagan said La Croix seems "very competent, a straight-talking guy,"
but thought La Croix's very strong opinions might overwhelm board
members.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Menomonie Superintendent Hiring Process
Folks, This is an article from the Menomonie newspaper and offers a preview of what we can probably expect from the WASB assisted search for our new Superintendent. The final paragraph about the goals for the Interim Supt.'s year are amazingly similar to issues in the ECASD: Trust, citizen participation in the budgeting process, updating and improving district policies, and getting the sub-committees of the board to "operate in daylight."
Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. Maria
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2007
Superintendent hiring starts with focus group sessions
By LeAnn R. Ralph, Reporter
The process for selecting a new superintendent to serve the School
District of the Menomonie Area will begin with focus groups in
October.
Pam Rewey and Dennis Richards, consultants with the Wisconsin
Association of School Boards (WASB), addressed the Menomonie Board of
Education about the process Monday evening.
Rewey informed board members that she was planning to retire at the
end of September, but that Richards was taking her place. Richards,
the recently-retired superintendent of the Black River Falls school
district, said he was happy to be working with WASB.
"I am confident I can do a good job (for Menomonie). I know Western
Wisconsin, and I know the qualities that will be needed for a district
administrator," he said.
The first step in the process involves selecting the type of focus
groups that will be used and getting them set up. Richards said the
school board will need to decide on the number of groups and the
number of participants within each group.
Examples of focus groups include teachers, administrators, students,
food service workers and members of the community. Each group will
have approximately 12 people who will be asked nine questions, and
each session will last about an hour.
"We're looking for commonalities … it's very important to get input
from everyone," Rewey said.
Richards noted that he will be recording the responses from the groups
and looking for trends in the responses.
Public forum
School board president Chris Smith said he would like one of the focus
groups to be an open forum for the public.
Richards said he would leave one time slot for an open forum, during
which members of the community could comment as long as they kept
their comments within the boundaries of the nine questions that would
be asked of all groups.
Dick Best, board member, suggested that ideas for focus groups be
given to Smith and Jack Lewis, interim superintendent, so they could
put together a list.
The tentative application deadline for the district administrator
position will be the last week in December or the first week in
January.
Focus groups will be scheduled Oct. 9 and 10; more information will be
available later about the time and place for the public forum.
Goals for the interim
In addition to helping the Menomonie school district through the
hiring process for a new superintendent, Lewis said he had identified
several other goals he would like to accomplish during his time as
interim district administrator.
The second goal would be to resolve the financial issues for 2008-2009
and 2009-2010 so that the budget would have some direction already
established for the new superintendent.
If the district can move in the direction of solving its financial
problems, "the new person can jump on a moving train," Lewis said.
The community, school district staff and school board need to discuss
options on ways to deal with a $1.2 million deficit.
"You will be excising good flesh and not just fat reduction — and it
will be painful," he said.
Trust
Lewis also said that in the several weeks he has been working in the
school district, he has noticed a "trust issue."
"We need to deal with the trust issue so the wound can heal itself," he said.
Tammy Schneider, board member, noted that the school district is
lacking certain policies or has policies that need to be updated.
Lewis said in the time he has been in the district, he has looked
twice for policies to fit a particular situation, but could not find
anything that applied directly. For example, the school district needs
a policy on medically-fragile children.
"If policies are in place, they provide a good road map," Lewis said.
Committees
Board member Jay Fahl noted that the school board structure and
committee structure should be examined.
The school district has a total of 19 committees, Lewis said.
"I'm not used to seeing that many … the more committees there are, the
bigger the perception there is that the committees are working behind
closed doors," he said.
Lewis noted that his four goals for his tenure as interim
superintendent include: budget issues and forming a citizen's advisory
group for the budget as well as working on negotiations; trust issues;
examining the committee structure so the school board "will be
operating in the daylight;" and new, current and updated policies.
Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun. Maria
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2007
Superintendent hiring starts with focus group sessions
By LeAnn R. Ralph, Reporter
The process for selecting a new superintendent to serve the School
District of the Menomonie Area will begin with focus groups in
October.
Pam Rewey and Dennis Richards, consultants with the Wisconsin
Association of School Boards (WASB), addressed the Menomonie Board of
Education about the process Monday evening.
Rewey informed board members that she was planning to retire at the
end of September, but that Richards was taking her place. Richards,
the recently-retired superintendent of the Black River Falls school
district, said he was happy to be working with WASB.
"I am confident I can do a good job (for Menomonie). I know Western
Wisconsin, and I know the qualities that will be needed for a district
administrator," he said.
The first step in the process involves selecting the type of focus
groups that will be used and getting them set up. Richards said the
school board will need to decide on the number of groups and the
number of participants within each group.
Examples of focus groups include teachers, administrators, students,
food service workers and members of the community. Each group will
have approximately 12 people who will be asked nine questions, and
each session will last about an hour.
"We're looking for commonalities … it's very important to get input
from everyone," Rewey said.
Richards noted that he will be recording the responses from the groups
and looking for trends in the responses.
Public forum
School board president Chris Smith said he would like one of the focus
groups to be an open forum for the public.
Richards said he would leave one time slot for an open forum, during
which members of the community could comment as long as they kept
their comments within the boundaries of the nine questions that would
be asked of all groups.
Dick Best, board member, suggested that ideas for focus groups be
given to Smith and Jack Lewis, interim superintendent, so they could
put together a list.
The tentative application deadline for the district administrator
position will be the last week in December or the first week in
January.
Focus groups will be scheduled Oct. 9 and 10; more information will be
available later about the time and place for the public forum.
Goals for the interim
In addition to helping the Menomonie school district through the
hiring process for a new superintendent, Lewis said he had identified
several other goals he would like to accomplish during his time as
interim district administrator.
The second goal would be to resolve the financial issues for 2008-2009
and 2009-2010 so that the budget would have some direction already
established for the new superintendent.
If the district can move in the direction of solving its financial
problems, "the new person can jump on a moving train," Lewis said.
The community, school district staff and school board need to discuss
options on ways to deal with a $1.2 million deficit.
"You will be excising good flesh and not just fat reduction — and it
will be painful," he said.
Trust
Lewis also said that in the several weeks he has been working in the
school district, he has noticed a "trust issue."
"We need to deal with the trust issue so the wound can heal itself," he said.
Tammy Schneider, board member, noted that the school district is
lacking certain policies or has policies that need to be updated.
Lewis said in the time he has been in the district, he has looked
twice for policies to fit a particular situation, but could not find
anything that applied directly. For example, the school district needs
a policy on medically-fragile children.
"If policies are in place, they provide a good road map," Lewis said.
Committees
Board member Jay Fahl noted that the school board structure and
committee structure should be examined.
The school district has a total of 19 committees, Lewis said.
"I'm not used to seeing that many … the more committees there are, the
bigger the perception there is that the committees are working behind
closed doors," he said.
Lewis noted that his four goals for his tenure as interim
superintendent include: budget issues and forming a citizen's advisory
group for the budget as well as working on negotiations; trust issues;
examining the committee structure so the school board "will be
operating in the daylight;" and new, current and updated policies.
LT Editorial re: CVTC President search debacle
Folks,
Here is an editorial from the LT about the end of the massive national search to find a new president for CVTC which may result in having nobody but a local candidate in the end. This is similar to what occurred in the City of EC when they hired a new City Manager; a huge effort to bring in an outside candidate which resulted in an internal hire. PLEASE NOTE: I am not saying that Mike Huggins or Bruce Barker are not qualified, it is just that the search process has many purposes for both candidates and employers that can lead to very few finalists.
I will publish more info. on this topic in other posts as well. Maria
9/11/2007
'Do-over' is logical option for CVTC president search
The issue: The search for the next Chippewa Valley Technical College president may have netted only one finalist.
Our view: A job of such importance should require a more stringent comparison of several qualified applicants.
Bruce Barker, who hopes to become the next president of Chippewa Valley Technical College, laid out his vision during public appearances Monday in River Falls and Eau Claire.
The only problem is that - as of this writing - it's unclear whether the CVTC board members who will make the hiring decision will have anyone else to compare Barker with before giving him the job. They certainly should.
The search for CVTC President Bill Ihlenfeldt's successor took a bizarre turn over the weekend when it was learned the other finalist, Tim Wynes, told an Iowa newspaper reporter he wasn't going to pursue the CVTC opening. Wynes is chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa. Strangely, Wynes would neither confirm nor deny the newspaper report when contacted Saturday and again Monday by the Leader-Telegram. CVTC officials believed Wynes was set to interview until they saw the Iowa newspaper story, and as of Monday afternoon they assumed he still is a candidate.
Wynes' behavior is troubling. The last thing we need is someone unsure if he wants to make a total commitment to the job. If there is any doubt about that, everyone is better off if Wynes stays put.
If that's the case, the CVTC board should start the search process anew and do as much as possible to find other candidates with the desired qualifications to compare with those of Barker, who is now CVTC's vice president of operations.
When this exercise is done, Barker may be the consensus choice for the job. But the board owes it to itself, CVTC's students and staff, and district taxpayers to interview at least several candidates to evaluate their qualifications, vision, leadership abilities, public personas, etc., and contact references to get more information before making a decision.
The search process began with a 23-member committee that conducted a nationwide search and collected a pool of some 40 applicants. As only the names of the finalists who agree to be interviewed are released to the public, there's no way to know how many others in the pool may be viable candidates in light of recent developments. A third finalist dropped out before his name was made public.
All of this must be frustrating for Barker, but to simply award him the job because he's the only one who didn't turn it down doesn't seem like a way to run an organization that operates nine centers, has a $79 million annual budget, employs hundreds and prepares thousands annually for a variety of careers.
This is a crucial time for CVTC. A new liberal arts transfer degree program in being implemented. Collaboration with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout to create regional nanotechnology courses is ongoing, as are efforts to recruit more businesses to CVTC's new $5 million NanoRite center. The new leader also must ensure the relatively new Health Education Center meets the growing and vital need for health care professionals.
Ihlenfeldt, CVTC's leader for the past 13 years, has agreed to stay on until his successor is in place, so it's not as if the ship has no rudder.
The search process obviously has hit a snag. The CVTC board should take a deep breath, advertise the position again to find other qualified people out there who really want the job, then compare them and hire the best candidate.
- Don Huebscher, editor
Here is an editorial from the LT about the end of the massive national search to find a new president for CVTC which may result in having nobody but a local candidate in the end. This is similar to what occurred in the City of EC when they hired a new City Manager; a huge effort to bring in an outside candidate which resulted in an internal hire. PLEASE NOTE: I am not saying that Mike Huggins or Bruce Barker are not qualified, it is just that the search process has many purposes for both candidates and employers that can lead to very few finalists.
I will publish more info. on this topic in other posts as well. Maria
9/11/2007
'Do-over' is logical option for CVTC president search
The issue: The search for the next Chippewa Valley Technical College president may have netted only one finalist.
Our view: A job of such importance should require a more stringent comparison of several qualified applicants.
Bruce Barker, who hopes to become the next president of Chippewa Valley Technical College, laid out his vision during public appearances Monday in River Falls and Eau Claire.
The only problem is that - as of this writing - it's unclear whether the CVTC board members who will make the hiring decision will have anyone else to compare Barker with before giving him the job. They certainly should.
The search for CVTC President Bill Ihlenfeldt's successor took a bizarre turn over the weekend when it was learned the other finalist, Tim Wynes, told an Iowa newspaper reporter he wasn't going to pursue the CVTC opening. Wynes is chancellor of Iowa Valley Community College in Marshalltown, Iowa. Strangely, Wynes would neither confirm nor deny the newspaper report when contacted Saturday and again Monday by the Leader-Telegram. CVTC officials believed Wynes was set to interview until they saw the Iowa newspaper story, and as of Monday afternoon they assumed he still is a candidate.
Wynes' behavior is troubling. The last thing we need is someone unsure if he wants to make a total commitment to the job. If there is any doubt about that, everyone is better off if Wynes stays put.
If that's the case, the CVTC board should start the search process anew and do as much as possible to find other candidates with the desired qualifications to compare with those of Barker, who is now CVTC's vice president of operations.
When this exercise is done, Barker may be the consensus choice for the job. But the board owes it to itself, CVTC's students and staff, and district taxpayers to interview at least several candidates to evaluate their qualifications, vision, leadership abilities, public personas, etc., and contact references to get more information before making a decision.
The search process began with a 23-member committee that conducted a nationwide search and collected a pool of some 40 applicants. As only the names of the finalists who agree to be interviewed are released to the public, there's no way to know how many others in the pool may be viable candidates in light of recent developments. A third finalist dropped out before his name was made public.
All of this must be frustrating for Barker, but to simply award him the job because he's the only one who didn't turn it down doesn't seem like a way to run an organization that operates nine centers, has a $79 million annual budget, employs hundreds and prepares thousands annually for a variety of careers.
This is a crucial time for CVTC. A new liberal arts transfer degree program in being implemented. Collaboration with UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout to create regional nanotechnology courses is ongoing, as are efforts to recruit more businesses to CVTC's new $5 million NanoRite center. The new leader also must ensure the relatively new Health Education Center meets the growing and vital need for health care professionals.
Ihlenfeldt, CVTC's leader for the past 13 years, has agreed to stay on until his successor is in place, so it's not as if the ship has no rudder.
The search process obviously has hit a snag. The CVTC board should take a deep breath, advertise the position again to find other qualified people out there who really want the job, then compare them and hire the best candidate.
- Don Huebscher, editor
WASB Info. about EC for the Supt. Search
The ECASD has contracted with WASB (Wisconsin Association of School Boards) to help us hire a new Superintendent. Here is the information that WASB has posted that describes EC for the New Superintendent Search.
My comments: I am glad to see our Vision and Mission Statements! They are nowhere to be found on our website. Maria
Vision Statement:
To become a recognized model of educational
excellence in all that we do.
Mission Statement
To educate our children in partnership
with the family and the community to live
responsible, creative, and fulfilling lives in
a rapidly changing world.
Statistics
District Grades: ......................... Prek-12
Enrollment ................................. 10,800
Administrators.................................. 33
Teachers.........................................800
Classified Staff.................................447
Buildings
Elementary Schools........................... 13
Middle Schools.................................... 3
Charter Schools .................................. 3
High Schools ...................................... 2
About Eau Claire
Eau Claire is ideally located where the Eau
Claire River flows into the Chippewa River. It
is located 80 miles east of Minneapolis/St.
Paul and 180 miles northeast of Madison
The population of Eau Claire is 61,912 with
the county population of 96,214. Eau Claire
is the eighth largest school district in
Wisconsin. It is also home to the University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (with an enrollment
of more than 10,000 students) and Chippewa
Valley Technical College (with an enrollment
of 6,000 students). The city enjoys a history
of lumbering and now prides itself on its
health care, education, and business. There
are many wonderful parks throughout the city
and those are highlighted by Carson Park, a
beautiful 134 acre community park in the
center of town, which offers many
recreational activities. Eau Claire also has a
wealth of quality health care available.
Sports lovers will also be impressed with the
many opportunities available. Visitors and
residents can shop, dine and lodge at many
fine establishments in Eau Claire and the
beautiful surrounding area.
Eau Claire was
selected as 1 of the 100 Best Communities for
Young People.
About the Eau Claire School
District
A national independent study of
parents and employers found that the
ECASD ranked in the top 15 percent
of school districts in the U.S. Many of
the students have achieved above
state and national average academic
test results and reading levels. The
district features many great
programs including:
Gifted and talented
Special needs
Charter schools
Business Youth
Apprenticeships
Project Lead the Way
Lighted Schoolhouse
A Green and Healthy School
It boasts an excellent extra-curricular
program. The North High Technology
Education Department was named
the WTEA Program of the Year in
2006 and the ITEA Program of the
Year in 2007.
My comments: I am glad to see our Vision and Mission Statements! They are nowhere to be found on our website. Maria
Vision Statement:
To become a recognized model of educational
excellence in all that we do.
Mission Statement
To educate our children in partnership
with the family and the community to live
responsible, creative, and fulfilling lives in
a rapidly changing world.
Statistics
District Grades: ......................... Prek-12
Enrollment ................................. 10,800
Administrators.................................. 33
Teachers.........................................800
Classified Staff.................................447
Buildings
Elementary Schools........................... 13
Middle Schools.................................... 3
Charter Schools .................................. 3
High Schools ...................................... 2
About Eau Claire
Eau Claire is ideally located where the Eau
Claire River flows into the Chippewa River. It
is located 80 miles east of Minneapolis/St.
Paul and 180 miles northeast of Madison
The population of Eau Claire is 61,912 with
the county population of 96,214. Eau Claire
is the eighth largest school district in
Wisconsin. It is also home to the University
of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (with an enrollment
of more than 10,000 students) and Chippewa
Valley Technical College (with an enrollment
of 6,000 students). The city enjoys a history
of lumbering and now prides itself on its
health care, education, and business. There
are many wonderful parks throughout the city
and those are highlighted by Carson Park, a
beautiful 134 acre community park in the
center of town, which offers many
recreational activities. Eau Claire also has a
wealth of quality health care available.
Sports lovers will also be impressed with the
many opportunities available. Visitors and
residents can shop, dine and lodge at many
fine establishments in Eau Claire and the
beautiful surrounding area.
Eau Claire was
selected as 1 of the 100 Best Communities for
Young People.
About the Eau Claire School
District
A national independent study of
parents and employers found that the
ECASD ranked in the top 15 percent
of school districts in the U.S. Many of
the students have achieved above
state and national average academic
test results and reading levels. The
district features many great
programs including:
Gifted and talented
Special needs
Charter schools
Business Youth
Apprenticeships
Project Lead the Way
Lighted Schoolhouse
A Green and Healthy School
It boasts an excellent extra-curricular
program. The North High Technology
Education Department was named
the WTEA Program of the Year in
2006 and the ITEA Program of the
Year in 2007.
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