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.
Monday, March 3, 2008
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.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Conflict of Interest here in Eau Claire
Folks,
Here is an editorial by Tom Giffey about the recent news that WEAU and Sacred Heart Hospital were collaborating about "exclusive" coverage of healthcare issues. This stuff is NOT HEALTHY for our community and we have our own version of it on the ECASD BOE. As the second to the last paragraph indicates, this was furthered by the fact that the WEAU general manager is married to the director of communications at Sacred Heart.
Maria
Business deals shouldn't shape news coverage
The issue: WEAU-TV's news director Glen Mabie resigns over a station plan to give special consideration to Sacred Heart Hospital in its news coverage.
Our view: Mabie did the right thing. Interference by commercial interests in news decisions compromises journalists' integrity.
Like the United States itself, the American media have long recognized the separation of church and state.
In the media's case the phrase is figurative: The "church" is the newsroom, with its mission of objectively reporting the truth free from outside interference; the "state" is the business side of the media, selling ads to bring in the money that keeps the outlet operating.
Traditionally, putting a wall of separation between news and advertising has served the media well. The "church" doesn't tell the "state" who to sell ads to, and the "state" doesn't tell the "church" which stories to cover. Newsrooms maintain their objectivity - and their credibility with the public - by avoiding the appearance they are beholden to advertisers. In turn, media outlets benefit financially because advertising representatives can offer space in reputable publications or broadcasts.
In the political arena, some view church-state separation as misguided, pointing out the phrase doesn't appear in the U.S. Constitution. Likewise, business interests sometimes try to break down the newsroom wall for financial gain. Those who own and manage media outlets may seek the favor - and advertising dollars - of businesses by giving them fawning, unbalanced news coverage. When disclosed, such ethical breaches receive the well-deserved condemnation of journalists.
Sadly, it appears just such a breach was contemplated - if not perpetrated - in Eau Claire. Executives at WEAU-TV (Channel 13) apparently negotiated a deal with Sacred Heart Hospital in which the station "would run medical stories featuring personnel from that hospital and its affiliates but not employees of other Chippewa Valley hospitals or clinics," reporter Julian Emerson wrote in Tuesday's Leader-Telegram.
Such an arrangement would knock a sizable hole in the "church-state" wall and taint the newsroom's objectivity. The situation troubled news director Glen Mabie so much that he quit his job at the NBC affiliate.
"My problem with this is it was going to dictate newsroom content," Mabie said. "I told myself that I could not with a clear conscience go into that newsroom and tell the staff that this was a good thing."
David Gordon, a professor emeritus of journalism at UW-Eau Claire, said he hadn't previously heard of such blatant commercial interference in TV news.
The appearance of undue influence on news judgment "just destroys the credibility of the newsroom," Gordon said in an interview.
"It's a question of who calls the shots, and if you have an agreement that you can't report on other hospitals in the area ... (then health coverage is) not news; that's advertising being passed off as news," he said.
Terry McHugh, the station's vice president and general manager, wouldn't comment on the proposed agreement, while a Sacred Heart Hospital representative said she knew nothing of a deal with WEAU. Their silence leaves many questions unanswered: Would the station be compensated for its exclusive coverage of the hospital? Did the fact that McHugh's wife, Jennifer Block, is Sacred Heart Hospital's communications manager have any bearing on the proposed quid pro quo?
Unless station or hospital officials reveal information that vindicates them, it appears they've been plotting to compromise WEAU's journalistic integrity in a deal that ultimately would have tainted both institutions' public images. Mabie did the honorable thing in resigning to protest this commercial interference. We hope his sacrifice - and the publicity surrounding it - will encourage WEAU and other media outlets locally and nationwide to maintain respect for the wall between the newsroom and the business office.
- Tom Giffey, editorial page editor
Here is an editorial by Tom Giffey about the recent news that WEAU and Sacred Heart Hospital were collaborating about "exclusive" coverage of healthcare issues. This stuff is NOT HEALTHY for our community and we have our own version of it on the ECASD BOE. As the second to the last paragraph indicates, this was furthered by the fact that the WEAU general manager is married to the director of communications at Sacred Heart.
Maria
Business deals shouldn't shape news coverage
The issue: WEAU-TV's news director Glen Mabie resigns over a station plan to give special consideration to Sacred Heart Hospital in its news coverage.
Our view: Mabie did the right thing. Interference by commercial interests in news decisions compromises journalists' integrity.
Like the United States itself, the American media have long recognized the separation of church and state.
In the media's case the phrase is figurative: The "church" is the newsroom, with its mission of objectively reporting the truth free from outside interference; the "state" is the business side of the media, selling ads to bring in the money that keeps the outlet operating.
Traditionally, putting a wall of separation between news and advertising has served the media well. The "church" doesn't tell the "state" who to sell ads to, and the "state" doesn't tell the "church" which stories to cover. Newsrooms maintain their objectivity - and their credibility with the public - by avoiding the appearance they are beholden to advertisers. In turn, media outlets benefit financially because advertising representatives can offer space in reputable publications or broadcasts.
In the political arena, some view church-state separation as misguided, pointing out the phrase doesn't appear in the U.S. Constitution. Likewise, business interests sometimes try to break down the newsroom wall for financial gain. Those who own and manage media outlets may seek the favor - and advertising dollars - of businesses by giving them fawning, unbalanced news coverage. When disclosed, such ethical breaches receive the well-deserved condemnation of journalists.
Sadly, it appears just such a breach was contemplated - if not perpetrated - in Eau Claire. Executives at WEAU-TV (Channel 13) apparently negotiated a deal with Sacred Heart Hospital in which the station "would run medical stories featuring personnel from that hospital and its affiliates but not employees of other Chippewa Valley hospitals or clinics," reporter Julian Emerson wrote in Tuesday's Leader-Telegram.
Such an arrangement would knock a sizable hole in the "church-state" wall and taint the newsroom's objectivity. The situation troubled news director Glen Mabie so much that he quit his job at the NBC affiliate.
"My problem with this is it was going to dictate newsroom content," Mabie said. "I told myself that I could not with a clear conscience go into that newsroom and tell the staff that this was a good thing."
David Gordon, a professor emeritus of journalism at UW-Eau Claire, said he hadn't previously heard of such blatant commercial interference in TV news.
The appearance of undue influence on news judgment "just destroys the credibility of the newsroom," Gordon said in an interview.
"It's a question of who calls the shots, and if you have an agreement that you can't report on other hospitals in the area ... (then health coverage is) not news; that's advertising being passed off as news," he said.
Terry McHugh, the station's vice president and general manager, wouldn't comment on the proposed agreement, while a Sacred Heart Hospital representative said she knew nothing of a deal with WEAU. Their silence leaves many questions unanswered: Would the station be compensated for its exclusive coverage of the hospital? Did the fact that McHugh's wife, Jennifer Block, is Sacred Heart Hospital's communications manager have any bearing on the proposed quid pro quo?
Unless station or hospital officials reveal information that vindicates them, it appears they've been plotting to compromise WEAU's journalistic integrity in a deal that ultimately would have tainted both institutions' public images. Mabie did the honorable thing in resigning to protest this commercial interference. We hope his sacrifice - and the publicity surrounding it - will encourage WEAU and other media outlets locally and nationwide to maintain respect for the wall between the newsroom and the business office.
- Tom Giffey, editorial page editor
Everybody is hurt by Conflict Of Interest
Here is an excellent analysis of the outrageous news that WEAU and Sacred Heart Hospital were "in cahoots" for a collaboration in news reporting which is a scary local example of Conflict of Interest and the harm it can cause. Apparently the general manager of WEAU is married to the Director of Communications for Sacred Heart Hospital. This is not only bad for the station's credibility, it damages the integrity of Sacred Heart Hospital and the confidence in our community that news will be unbiased. Here in the ECASD many of us have been equally concerned about the same issues and the potential conflict of interest for elected officials who also have monetary interests via spouses and employers.
Maria
Updated: 1/18/2008 5:22:02 PM
Deal bad for station's credibility
By John Ganahl
As the former station manager of WQOW-TV and recently former director of communications and public outreach for Sacred Heart Hospital, I was uniquely curious about the departure of WEAU-TV News Director Glen Mabie over that station's alleged partnership with Sacred Heart Hospital.
I can't shed any light on the specifics of the alleged relationship. Prior to leaving Sacred Heart Nov. 24, I was not included in nor aware of any such discussions. That said, I offer these perspectives and questions based solely on the information supplied in Tuesday's Leader-Telegram.
First. I applaud Mabie's ethical fortitude. I spent 35 years in the broadcast television industry. The one tenet observed above all others was the wall between journalistic content and influences from other sources in the building. Most specifically, sales. To me, this proposed "partnership" with Sacred Heart is troublesome.
But why should anyone care? Let me pose this cascading scenario: Imagine a controversy arises from practices (medical or administrative) at Sacred Heart.
1. How does WEAU cover this?
2. Given the exclusive relationship with this news entity, how do other media in the area treat the story if they are allowed to cover it at all in a timely manner?
3. What kind of response or cooperation does Sacred Heart provide to other media in a timely and open manner?
4. As a patient at Sacred Heart, what critical information am I potentially not getting because one news organization has a relationship with the hospital and others are locked out?
Now, imagine a similar scenario: A controversy arises from practices (medical or administrative) at Luther Midelfort.
1. How does WEAU cover this?
2. Given the exclusive relationship with Sacred Heart, how cooperative with WEAU is Luther Midelfort likely to be?
Do you see how a news organization crossing the journalistic line creates a ripple of potential problems that not only challenges their objectivity, but also chills the willingness of those being covered to cooperate? On the other hand, the potential to "hide" controversial information as a result of such a partnership can potentially hurt patient care and most certainly damage public trust.
One last observation from my television experience. If I enter into an exclusive relationship with one business, how willing is its competitor to do business with me? In other words, does a decision like this say to Luther Midelfort, "We're not as interested in your business?" Maybe not. But if I'm Luther Midelfort, I've got to ask the question.
I have an enormous amount of respect for WEAU General Manager Terry McHugh. He's an excellent businessman and - from my personal experience - a man with high ethics. So my suspicion is there is more to this story than alluded to in the article. The broadcast industry has changed since my day, but this change is not one I could endorse. It has the potential to benefit Sacred Heart but damage WEAU's credibility.
Ganahl lives in Eau Claire.
Maria
Updated: 1/18/2008 5:22:02 PM
Deal bad for station's credibility
By John Ganahl
As the former station manager of WQOW-TV and recently former director of communications and public outreach for Sacred Heart Hospital, I was uniquely curious about the departure of WEAU-TV News Director Glen Mabie over that station's alleged partnership with Sacred Heart Hospital.
I can't shed any light on the specifics of the alleged relationship. Prior to leaving Sacred Heart Nov. 24, I was not included in nor aware of any such discussions. That said, I offer these perspectives and questions based solely on the information supplied in Tuesday's Leader-Telegram.
First. I applaud Mabie's ethical fortitude. I spent 35 years in the broadcast television industry. The one tenet observed above all others was the wall between journalistic content and influences from other sources in the building. Most specifically, sales. To me, this proposed "partnership" with Sacred Heart is troublesome.
But why should anyone care? Let me pose this cascading scenario: Imagine a controversy arises from practices (medical or administrative) at Sacred Heart.
1. How does WEAU cover this?
2. Given the exclusive relationship with this news entity, how do other media in the area treat the story if they are allowed to cover it at all in a timely manner?
3. What kind of response or cooperation does Sacred Heart provide to other media in a timely and open manner?
4. As a patient at Sacred Heart, what critical information am I potentially not getting because one news organization has a relationship with the hospital and others are locked out?
Now, imagine a similar scenario: A controversy arises from practices (medical or administrative) at Luther Midelfort.
1. How does WEAU cover this?
2. Given the exclusive relationship with Sacred Heart, how cooperative with WEAU is Luther Midelfort likely to be?
Do you see how a news organization crossing the journalistic line creates a ripple of potential problems that not only challenges their objectivity, but also chills the willingness of those being covered to cooperate? On the other hand, the potential to "hide" controversial information as a result of such a partnership can potentially hurt patient care and most certainly damage public trust.
One last observation from my television experience. If I enter into an exclusive relationship with one business, how willing is its competitor to do business with me? In other words, does a decision like this say to Luther Midelfort, "We're not as interested in your business?" Maybe not. But if I'm Luther Midelfort, I've got to ask the question.
I have an enormous amount of respect for WEAU General Manager Terry McHugh. He's an excellent businessman and - from my personal experience - a man with high ethics. So my suspicion is there is more to this story than alluded to in the article. The broadcast industry has changed since my day, but this change is not one I could endorse. It has the potential to benefit Sacred Heart but damage WEAU's credibility.
Ganahl lives in Eau Claire.
It's Officially the end for Little Red....
Updated: 1/21/2008 11:22:01 PM
The final bell?
One step remains before Little Red School would be closed
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077 or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
Little Red School is expected to stand empty when students return for the 2008-09 school year.
The Eau Claire school board voted 6-1 Monday to accept recommendations - which included closing the town of Brunswick elementary school - from a committee appointed last year to study how to best use the school.
In addition to closing Little Red, the recommendations accepted by the board call for preserving the building and surrounding land for future district use; appointing a standing committee to provide annual recommendations to the board regarding boundary issues, capacity updates, demographic trends and other relevant data; and directing administrators to develop a plan to move the Montessori Charter School from its present site at the former Lincoln School, a three-section building by May 2008.
Before those actions become final, the board must act on the recommendations one more time at its next regular session, scheduled for Feb. 4.
If Little Red were closed, its 122 students would be moved to Putnam Heights School, a move district officials will begin addressing before the end of the current school year, said Gregg Butler, interim deputy superintendent.
Before the board took action Monday, several people, including former school board member Robert G. Janke, asked the board to leave the rural elementary school open.
"We put a lot of money into it, and I think it's worth saving," said Janke, one of four candidates seeking a seat on the board in the April 1 election.
Over the past seven years, the district has invested about $1.5 million in the one-section school - a school with one section per grade. (In its proposal, the committee recommended that all single-section schools be held to the same standards for fiscal accountability as multiple-section schools.)
Less than a year ago, the school board voted to close Little Red as a cost-saving measure because of a budget shortfall. The board reversed its decision and appointed the committee to determine whether the school should remain open past the 2007-08 school year.
"Fiscal issues have to be considered," said Mike O'Brien, board president and one of three members to serve on the study committee. He added that he hoped the building will be used again in the future.
Before making a decision on closing a school and moving the Montessori program, board member Trish Cummins, who voted against accepting the committee's recommendations, said those decisions need to be part of something bigger. Her comments drew applause from the audience that packed the board room.
Closing Little Red is estimated to save about $500,000 a year, according to district officials who are projecting a $2.8 million budget deficit for 2008-09.
Janke encouraged the board to explore options to save on health insurance premiums and to be transparent in their efforts.
Tanya Miller, a Little Red parent, had hoped to raise $500,000 to keep the school open for another year. To date, she has raised only $219, she told the board Monday, but she hopes to raise more funds before Feb. 4.
"Little Red is an exemplary school," she said. "If it is closed for a year, (my fear is) it will not reopen."
In its recommendation to close Little Red, the committee did not suggest closing the school permanently, said board member Carol Craig, who also served on the committee.
"I'm hedging my bet on the fact that (the district) will need a two- or three-section school down where Little Red is located" at some point, as the south and west segments of the district continue to grow, she said.
In addition, she said she believes the committee's findings and the board's decision to close the school "will be the catalyst to push us into ... long-range planning."
The final bell?
One step remains before Little Red School would be closed
By Christena T. O'Brien
Leader-Telegram staff O'Brien can be reached at 830-5838, 800-236-7077 or christena.obrien@ecpc.com.
Little Red School is expected to stand empty when students return for the 2008-09 school year.
The Eau Claire school board voted 6-1 Monday to accept recommendations - which included closing the town of Brunswick elementary school - from a committee appointed last year to study how to best use the school.
In addition to closing Little Red, the recommendations accepted by the board call for preserving the building and surrounding land for future district use; appointing a standing committee to provide annual recommendations to the board regarding boundary issues, capacity updates, demographic trends and other relevant data; and directing administrators to develop a plan to move the Montessori Charter School from its present site at the former Lincoln School, a three-section building by May 2008.
Before those actions become final, the board must act on the recommendations one more time at its next regular session, scheduled for Feb. 4.
If Little Red were closed, its 122 students would be moved to Putnam Heights School, a move district officials will begin addressing before the end of the current school year, said Gregg Butler, interim deputy superintendent.
Before the board took action Monday, several people, including former school board member Robert G. Janke, asked the board to leave the rural elementary school open.
"We put a lot of money into it, and I think it's worth saving," said Janke, one of four candidates seeking a seat on the board in the April 1 election.
Over the past seven years, the district has invested about $1.5 million in the one-section school - a school with one section per grade. (In its proposal, the committee recommended that all single-section schools be held to the same standards for fiscal accountability as multiple-section schools.)
Less than a year ago, the school board voted to close Little Red as a cost-saving measure because of a budget shortfall. The board reversed its decision and appointed the committee to determine whether the school should remain open past the 2007-08 school year.
"Fiscal issues have to be considered," said Mike O'Brien, board president and one of three members to serve on the study committee. He added that he hoped the building will be used again in the future.
Before making a decision on closing a school and moving the Montessori program, board member Trish Cummins, who voted against accepting the committee's recommendations, said those decisions need to be part of something bigger. Her comments drew applause from the audience that packed the board room.
Closing Little Red is estimated to save about $500,000 a year, according to district officials who are projecting a $2.8 million budget deficit for 2008-09.
Janke encouraged the board to explore options to save on health insurance premiums and to be transparent in their efforts.
Tanya Miller, a Little Red parent, had hoped to raise $500,000 to keep the school open for another year. To date, she has raised only $219, she told the board Monday, but she hopes to raise more funds before Feb. 4.
"Little Red is an exemplary school," she said. "If it is closed for a year, (my fear is) it will not reopen."
In its recommendation to close Little Red, the committee did not suggest closing the school permanently, said board member Carol Craig, who also served on the committee.
"I'm hedging my bet on the fact that (the district) will need a two- or three-section school down where Little Red is located" at some point, as the south and west segments of the district continue to grow, she said.
In addition, she said she believes the committee's findings and the board's decision to close the school "will be the catalyst to push us into ... long-range planning."
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