Received this from one of the 100+ West Bend "leaders" who got this memo from Supt. Pat Herdrich. This is her damage control and message pleading for help from district leadership.
These are Pat's talking points:
Topic regarding the arborist:
You asked Dave Ross why a local arborist was not selected. Dave went back to his records after his conversation with you to check previous email regarding the topic. Below is the response.
Dave located this in an email to the construction team. He did not remember the rationale for selection at the time he was on the phone with you. Here is the answer though.
Badger Woods Tree Identification and Evaluation
a. At the request of Bob Vajgrt, I am in the process of obtaining a proposal for the necessary services to evaluate the group of mature trees identified as the “Badger Woods” located at the northwest corner of the school property. I contacted the City of West Bend Forestry Department and they do not provide this type of service for trees on the private property so they recommended that we use Wachtel Tree Science & Service. They used this consultant to evaluate and document all the street trees in the entire City. I should have a proposal detailing the services in my possession by the end of next week.
Let's see. I believe I remember something being said that we were going to keep the tax dollars within the district by hiring out local. We don't have a local arborist who can identify trees? Ya hear that local business owners? You obviously are not viewed as qualified in your profession. Oh, that's right. The Forestry Dept. made you do it. Quit shelling our money outside of the district.
Topic regarding salaries:
Attached are the administrative salaries. As was already reported by the West Bend Daily News, we are not making any salary adjustments at this time. We are waiting to see where the full enrollment count comes in before we complete that portion of the planning. I am sure you understand with the legislative changes in requiring arbitration that benchmarking for salaries will be key. We remain below benchmarks already. That is where the story rests. We by the arbitrators will be viewed as the 4th most affluent county in the state of Wisconsin, large district, low spending. We will not fair well in arbitration.
It would take some really serious testosterone to ask for pay raises while the economy is down and families are hurting. THINK ABOUT IT.
Topic regarding the cost of the Board/Leaderhship Dinner at Timmers:
One time a year we pull the board and leadership team together for a dinner.
In 2008 it was held at the Clairemont cost per head was $26.00 a person for a total of $1066
In 2009 it was held at Timmer’s cost per head was $21.00 a person for a total of $743.00
We focus on supporting our local restaurants with the limited number of gatherings we include within our board/leadership team meetings and celebrations.
NOTICE! "West Bend School Board Gravy Train Project" FOOD DRIVE FOR WEST BEND SCHOOL BOARD WILL BE TAKING PLACE MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MEETING! THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NEEDED TO PROVIDE SUSTENANCE AND SAVE TAX $$$$:
HOMEMADE, HOMEGROWN, LOCALLY PURCHASED ITEMS!
Keep it lean, low on fat, and within the budget.
ALERT! Not only do 40% of the school children get free lunch, so does the school board! Wow! Our tax dollars stretch further than we could have ever imagined!!!
Topic regarding the cost of the staff recognition:
The cost of the staff recognition is $5,515.37.
We charge a portion of that in tickets to every one this offsets $2,025.
The association picks up $1745.19.
The district pays $1745.19 for the last year’s recognition dinner.
This is the one event per year where we recognize years of service, Rolfs Award winners, Employee of the Year, those retiring, and retirees are invited to join us. We are fortunate to have over 200 people attend each year.
Pats on the back don't cost anything. Thank you cards can be purchased at the Dollar Store. A kind word is free. Letters to the Editor go a long way. Savings to the taxpayers....PRICELESS.
Topic of Staff Inservice:
Each year we host the opening inservice for all staff. This is certified and non certified and represents about a 900 people who attend. We have also invited the EDC members, Chamber Board, our legislators, city leaders etc… to participate in the opening meeting. The luncheon is held in the cafeteria and our food service staff prepares this for us.
The cost last year was $1987.93
The association typically donates $300 to this event.
POT LUCK, I TELL YA. What's up with the catered events?
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