Generational Christmas Tradition....

My grandmother (full German) made Christmas stollen each year as a special treat, and my mother learned the skill from her.  Each year my mother carried on the tradition of making the rich dough, full of egg yolks, sugar and REAL butter, kneading in the candied fruit (we only use red and green candied cherries - no citron) and raisins.  She would top them off with a homemade butter-cream frosting, more fruit, and slivered almonds.  I continued the tradition when she no longer could manage it, having watched and learned from the best.  I would hand-deliver these sweet German breads to my grandparents, mother and father, and my brothers every Christmas Eve, when we gathered together to celebrate.  My grandparents and parents are now gone, but the old German tradition continues.  My daughters are both avid yeast-bread bakers, and I fulfilled the tradition this year with my eldest daughter, taking turns kneading and shaping, slathering with melted butter and delivering.  It's one of my favorite memories.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" ~ Luke 2:11-14

This Christmas, give your daughter, daughter-in-law, niece, girlfriend a gift certificate for an...abortion?

Picture this:

The family is gathered around the Christmas Tree.  Wrapping paper is flying, children are squealing, adults are hugging.  Everyone is warm and fuzzy, except for Baby CD (Baby Christmas Death).  He/she is just warm and doomed.  Perhaps it's someone's way of giving a hint, or simply generous financial support for a family member not wanted.  

This offering by Planned Parenthood does not speak of "joy" to the world, and is everything short of "merry."

This holiday season Indiana's Planned Parenthood is offering gift certificates 

that can be used at 35 clinics across the state for services ranging from 

contraceptives to abortion.

This holiday season, Indiana's Planned Parenthood is offering an unusual stocking stuffer: gift certificates redeemable for health services at clinics throughout the state.

In these tough economic times, the organization says it made the move toward gift certificates because it is worried that more and more people will forgo basic health care.

.....

Planned Parenthood provides contraception, pap smears and other routine health services for women, as well as abortions.

The Government Can.... Tim Hawkins

It Ain't Easy Being......GREEN

STEVEN CROWDER VISITS MEXICO

Victory for the Next Generation of Children - They get to LIVE

EXCELLENT.

Plans to offer second trimester abortions in downtown Madison have been scrapped. Nearly two years ago UW Hospital, the UW Medical Foundation, and Meriter Hospital approved plans to provide the controversial abortions at the Madison Surgery Center.

Pro-Life Wisconsin was among those who held protested, aired public service announcements and petitioned in opposition to the plans. The group applauds the decision to cancel the clinic.

“This really shows that pro-life grassroots activism works,” says Communications Director Virginia Zignego.

Shopping Crowd Taken By Surprise at Mall....

Imagine yourself shopping at the local mall, stopping for a break and a bite of lunch in the food court, when suddenly.....

Students held hostage at Marinette High School

A little prayer, please.

MARINETTE -- There is an armed student holding a classroom hostage at Marinette High School.

There are 23 students plus the teacher in the room, according to the city's police chief.

Marinette County received the 911 call from a high school administrator at 3:48 p.m. Monday.


More HERE


UPDATE:  Hostages released safely.  Armed student taken into custody.

Thanksgiving Proclamation ~ Abraham Lincoln

Washington, D.C. October 3, 1863
This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders similar to this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving.
...

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State

Charter School Rejected in West Bend

I live-blogged the West Bend School Board meeting last night.  See prior posts.


Here is some eye-opening video that cuts to the heart of the matter.  Not really about the kids after all, is it?  Nah, didn't think so.


Bruce Dunford explains the survey he spent his own money out to get a feel for community interest.  He prefaces his explanation with a reminder that the survey is not scientific.  





School Board member, Kris Beaver says things are going too fast, and Supt. Pat Herdrich says admin. will not recommend charter.




Here you'll see School Board President Joe Carlson trying to shame and bully Board Member Randy Marquart.  Carlson did a lot of this last night....raising eyebrows in question, throwing hands up, nodding, posturing.  It was quite a performance.





I'm including this video for it's sheer lack of intelligent thought and coercive undertones.  Liberal board member Kris Beaver calls the proposed charter school as probably "the most expensive charter school" in the state of Wisconsin, yet Dunford has not even been allowed to go into negotiations to determine what is acceptable and workable with the District.  Could that be because the District doesn't want to work with Dunford?





Here is some disappointing video of local Catholic Schools (Cabrini, Holy Angels, St. Mary's and St. John's) all afraid of........losing their kids to the charter school?  They are worried about attendance dropping and losing money.  They voice no concern whatsoever to those who may want a choice other than the public school currently offered and cannot afford a private school.  I expected more, but got wayyyyyyyyy less.  Here is the so-called Christian leadership accusing a Christian of having Christianity in a school!  OMY!  Though untrue, it seems a bit skewed, does it not?


Dave Kellerman, Principal at St. John's Lutheran  School, afraid of another school that might teach...Christianity?  Afraid of the school "stealing" their kids.



Pastor Jim Dorth of St. John's Lutheran Church setting the tone for Christian leadership that is fearful of a public school option that will "steal kids" from the local parochial schools.  Wait a minute, don't parents choose where they want their kids to attend?  This is sounding more and more like the Target Olive Garden issue that was rejected in West Bend.



The next two I simply must separate out for some specific commentary.


Here is the principal from Holy Angels.  Now, in talking with quite a few former Holy Angel's parents, seems they had some, er, issues shall we say that concluded with a severe drop in enrollment recently.  Again, it's not really about the kids, is it?  





And then there's Jeff Haines.  The Reverend from Cabrini.  Good old Jeff.  Common Grounds Jeff.  Jeff, shouldn't you be robbing from the rich and giving to the poor?  Isn't that your philosophy?  Share with those who have not?  Yet you're bemoaning a nonexistent financial loss to your school.  The one that people can't afford, especially in these rough economic circumstances.  Are your Common Ground principles only convenient when you can pull in the proverbial collection plate dollar for your own agenda?  You don't have us fooled, Jeff.  You really don't.





Moving on to uber-liberal West Bend Public Schools Foundation chairman Mark Maley.  He calls the charter school proposal a "conspiracy."  LOL!  Sorry - I can't help myself.  LOLOLOL!  As a West Bend school district employee and one who is known for his adamant support of taxing to the MAX, I'm surprised and...confused??....by this new thought process from Mark.  It seems that garnering moolah from the taxpayers is only a good thing when it's something you approve of.  Now the table is turned and, well, you can watch for yourself.



I'll end with a couple of pro-charter school thoughts:



and 

Pastor from Sheboygan: We come together on decency, love and code. Divisive spirit in this room. This is not a catholic, lutheran, baptist issue.

Nancy Harris: separation of church and state...blah, blah...lawsuit...blah...blahhhhh

Bill Stonecipher: newly elected school board members have a hidden agenda?

WBCC ran out of tape. Oops... You might be missing a portion of the meeting if you get it on DVD.

St john's lutheran pastor and principal reject academy.
St. Marys representative criticized moral teaching. Rejects charter. Worried about negati ve publicity.

Taking video right now. Will post later on tonight.

Speaker: don't be afraid of what is new
speaker: can't afford it

Speaker joy schroeter: will pass on commentary

speaker Kathy Meindl: threatened lawsuit

Speaker: shift away from christian issues. Dunford has already said he will comply. Room in wb for choice.

Kathy V an Eerden: giving all her credentials. Proposal flawed. Disservice. Renew call to action. Review code of ethics. Vote no..then get on with the work of school boards.

Speaker...Mary Weigand..historical roots of civilization. Parents want choice. Lends competition. Get contract moving. Get more charter schools up and running

Speaker: parodied the idea of the charter school. Likened it to a muslim school.
Speaker: from Holy Angels... Seemed to feel HA fit the qualifications of a charter school. Accused the school of being narrow minded

Recognitions over. Bleachers emptied.. Public participation. 34 people signed up to speak.

Starting with recognitions... Girls golf team, West football/all conference, West cross country, West volleyball. Kudos!

School board meeting starting. Seats and bleachers nearly filled. Only a handful of seats remain.

Short 10-minute break... Probably over 200 now here. Will probably be standing room only. Hope we don't break fire code tonight.

Beaver is saying ghe district will not see a payback. Dunford gives results of survey. Sent out 7000 to community. Results showed 50/50 enrollment figures. Half from current schools..half not currently attending.

Ted neitzke is criticizing charter in Sheboygan as desperate.

Weigand disagrees with Herdrich that this is the most expensive charter school in the state. Said that negotiations have not even taken place yet.

Neitzke is going thru financial power point.

Randy Marquardt told ted Neitzke that he is criticizing a curriculum that dunford has already admitted is unrefined. Implying that neitzke is being unfair.

Beaver stated he fails to see anything innovative about the charter school. Carlson criticizing Christian background of model curriculum.

Sitting in on West Bend school board meeting. About 75 in attendance. Joe Carlson and Kris Beaver are pounding Bruce Dunford like a criminal. Shameful.

Public Hearing on CHARTER SCHOOL in West Bend - MONDAY

A Board of Education work session to discuss the Crossroads Academy Charter School proposal is scheduled for Monday, November 22, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. at McLane Elementary School, 833 Chestnut Street, West Bend.

Board of Education members will listen to public comments during the regular Board of Education meeting at 7 p.m., immediately following the work session. 


This is your opportunity to lend support to a public school CHOICE.  


Crossroads Academy information can be accessed HERE.


A recent column appearing in the West Bend News concerning the charter school proposal can be viewed HERE.

Libraries Dangerous for Children - Craigslist Contributes to Sexual Deviance in Restrooms

The American Library Association creed is "all materials for all ages."  The dangers of computer free-for-all in the public library is revealed HERE.  The use of Craigslist for sexual networking has increased the number of public library incidences of "bathroom sex."  Gone are the days of a clean and wholesome public library image.

"Via Trench Reynolds’ CraigsCrimeList we find 46-year-old James Michael Stewart (pictured above) who used the Internet crime facilitation network Craigslist to advertise for anonymous people to meet him in the Easley public library branch (the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library) bathroom for an anonymous rendezvous .

A library patron, who happened to be perusing the section of Craigslist where men seek anonymous gay sex, alerted the library director to Stewart’s ad. The patron apparently had already made contact with Stewart and arranged for the restroom Romeo to show up before telling director Allison Anderson."

The Library Director in Wenatchee, WA is facing the problem head on sans fear of the ALA or the ACLU.

Unfortunately, the West Bend Community Memorial Library cozies up to the same low standards of the ALA, as our library board continues to uphold:

1.  NO PORN FILTERS on ANY computers.  None.  If your kids have one of those "computer stickers" on their library card because you signed a consent form, keep in mind this means they are using computers that have NO SAFETY  NETS.  I have found that parents are often caught unaware by this information and had assumed libraries took appropriate precautions for their patrons, many of which include minor children.  Not so!  PARENTS ARE STRONGLY CAUTIONED when allowing their minor children to access the internet.  No filtering software is in place.  Guard your children's eyes and minds when considering the use of library computers.  They'll be getting a whole lot more than homework information....

2.  Library books for "young adults" that INCLUDE PORNOGRAPHIC SEX ACTS.  Read more HERE.

Looking for more information? 

Click HERE to read the full timeline of events that shows West Bend Libary Director, Michael Tyree, Young Adult librarian Kristin Pekoll, and the West Bend Library Board "stick it" to the parents of West Bend's children after they asked for assistance in identifying sexually explicit young adult materials and the placement of such materials in the adult section of the library.

Click HERE to read about other libraries who have been successful in providing the services requested by their local community, and how you can take back local control of your community library.

Click HERE to read the transcripts of an earlier Mark Belling talk radio show that lends explanation to what really happened in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Like I said in a previous post, "While the ALA continues to combat local communities, and local librarians follow in hypnotized fashion, public computers remain open and accessible to......porn.  P-O-R-N.  What better place to get your sick fantasy fix than your local public library?  It's FREE.  Since the library refuses to use filtering software for the protection of even children, the ability of the average patron to utilize the facilities (ahem!) for their "perverted personal pleasure" is a slam dunk!  Remember, though.....if you get caught, Wisconsin says that viewing child pornography online is also possession."

American Flag Ousted by California School District

Believe it.

DENAIR, Calif., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Officials in a California school district said a middle school student was told to take a U.S. flag off his bike to avoid "racial tension."

Denair Unified School District Superintendent Edward Parraz said Cody Alicea, 13, was told not to fly the U.S. flag from his bike while at Denair Middle School after complaints from other students, KCRA-TV, Sacramento, Calif., reported.

........

Alicea's parents said he flies the flag from his bike as a tribute to veterans in his family.
"He's got that flag on his bike because he's proud of where he comes from," Alicea's father, Robert Kisner, said.
Alicea folds up the flag and keeps it in his backpack while attend class, the TV station said.

Veterans Day: Remember

Wisconsin Teens Buying Fewer Illegal Tobacco Products

Good.

  MADISON (AP) — Illegal tobacco sales to minors in Wisconsin have dropped again. 

    A report released Wednesday by Gov. Jim Doyle shows that only 4.7 percent of retail outlets illegally sold to minors in 2010. That’s down from 5.7 percent the previous year. 

    The numbers are based on random statewide compliance checks. The federal target rate for noncompliance is 20 percent. 

    Wisconsin has come in under that rate for the past eight years. 

    Failing to meet that goal would put about $10 million of federal block grant money to be used for substance abuse prevention and treatment into jeopardy. 

    It is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under age 18. 

Grothman Elected As Senate Assistant Majority Leader

Grothman Elected As Senate Assistant Majority Leader

Wisconsin is Now Open for Business and Jobs

Madison:  Today, Senator Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) was unanimously elected to the post of Assistant Majority Leader of the Senate Republican Caucus.  Grothman previously held the post of Assistant Minority Leader when the Senate Republicans were a 15 to 18 minority in the State Senate.  After winning four seats in Tuesday’s election, the Republicans will have a 19 to 14 majority.

As the Assistant Majority Leader, Grothman will have the responsibility to assist the Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) in developing the party’s agenda, communicating it to the public, and helping run the party’s 2012 elections. 

“I was honored to serve as Assistant Minority Leader for the past two years and participating in a campaign in which we defeated four incumbent Democrat Senators for the first time in 70 years was rewarding,” said Grothman.  “As Assistant Majority Leader, I look forward to improving Wisconsin’s business climate and restoring faith in our government.”

Grothman was nominated by Senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) and Senator-Elect Terry Moulton (R-Eau Claire). 

Irate, Tireless Minority: Raising Our Voices

Irate, Tireless Minority: Raising Our Voices

Raising Our Voices

A Call to Mobilize the American Blogosphere in Support of Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff


We, the undersigned — consisting of four European blogs, one Canadian blog, and one American blog — have written this post jointly as a public call for our American colleagues to take up the cause of the Austrian feminist and anti-jihad activist Elisabeth Sabaditsch-Wolff.


Geert Wilders is well-known to most American conservative and libertarian bloggers, but Elisabeth’s case is not so prominent. Like Mr. Wilders, she faces trial for reporting factual information about Islam. Her “crime” was to conduct public seminars in which she described Islamic doctrine, quoted from the Koran, and explained to her listeners what she considers the dangers of Islam.


Like Mr. Wilders, Elisabeth has been charged with “hate speech” for her words......


READ MORE HERE

Steven Crowder on Jon Stewart Rally to Restore....Sanity?

ABC Calls Walker Winner

As I already predicted....


Scott Walker will be the next Governor of Wisconsin.


Rebecca Kleefisch will take over as Lt. Governor.


Well done!


Looks like Ron Johnson will be giving Russ Feingold the boot, as well.
10 p.m.:  54%/45%


ABC just called it as I wrote that.  Ron Johnson has ousted Russ Feingold! 


This is, indeed, a very good day for Republicans/Conservatives.

VOTE TODAY - POLLS ARE OPEN NOW

TODAY is ELECTION DAY.

If you don't know where to vote?  CHECK HERE
Need info on the candidates?  CLICK HERE

Cedarburg Allows Parents to CHOOSE

Way to go, Cedarburg.....

Go Cedarburg!

476 Wisconsin School Districts have spent the last 6 months trying to comply with the state's Healthy Youth Act. The law mandates topics to be included IF the district plans to offer Human Growth and Development. All are related to sex education with only an "age appropriate" nod to growth and development.

The law passed because it did protect local school district control and parents rights (opt-out clause). Willing to accept their victory, the bill's proponents are now getting a lesson in what "local control" means. They either didn't do their homework or believed their interpreatation of the law, the "intent", was more legal than the actual words.

Charter School Gets Community Support

Excellent column by Owen today:

Charter school worth exploring in West Bend


    There is a proposal before the West Bend School Board to create a charter school in the district. It’s a proposal worthy of serious consideration.

    Charter schools are not new to Wisconsin. There are over 220 charter schools in the state. Charter schools are simply schools that are chartered – i.e. contracted – by a chartering authority to provide education with taxpayer dollars but are absolved of having to comply to many of the regulations that burden traditional public schools.

    Charter schools also, because they are not shackled by as many stringent state regulations, offer school districts the opportunity to be innovative. Charter schools in Wisconsin specialize in technology, arts, the environment, math, science, at-risk, direct instruction, virtual and any number of other specializations while still offering the core curriculum required for all public school kids. 


.....


Second, the financials of a charter school may prove to be a net benefit to the district. The way school funding works, the money follows the student. For each student that enters the district, the district receives about $9,100 of funding. The proposed charter school is estimating a cost of about $8,000 to educate each student. In other words, for each net new student added to the district, the district would receive a net “profit” of about $1,100 to be added to the general budget


.....


Crossroads Academy seems to offer everything for which the district is striving. Educational flexibility. Relief from state mandates. Freedom from the confines of a unionized work force. Financial security. There are a few more details to gather, but all signs are that the School Board would provide an excellent service to the citizens of the district by exploring this opportunity. 

West Bend Library celebrates....GAY HISTORY MONTH?

Now, generally the West Bend Community Memorial Library runs nice little pieces in the West Bend Daily News showcasing book recommendations and activities.  I must have missed the article on GLBTQ Month.  Oh, wait.  I don't think our library publicized that.  But it is certainly there for all your kids to see.  Book after book of homosexual YA selections.  Books with sexually explicit materials right there, enticing your child.  My, we have gotten bold, haven't we?  I know that the "A" word is a bit harsh, but I have to say it.  It appears our library is doing what we thought all along. Advocating.  

Here we have something more than just literature.  We have advertising (another "A" word) for the Trevor Helpline for GLBTQ youth/minors.  (For those who don't know the code, GLBTQ stands for gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender/questioning.)

Here's a YA (young adult) homosexual book being encouraged to minors in the Gay History Month display:

These are all Young Adult homosexual books for minors.  Do I sense another "A" word coming on?  

Could it be........agenda?

This Facebook info states the primary mission of the group is to "promote" GLBTQ information.  Indeed.  And our library just happens to facilitate!

Let's toss in homosexual materials for the little children, too.  You know, the ones that can't even read yet.

How about exposing those bullied celebrities, too.  Really get our point across.  Nice display, YA Zone!

So here you have it....many of the sexually explicit books not only in your YA Zone, but promoted by your very own library.  

Parents, please accompany your children and know what is being shoved in their faces.  Realize that your library is NOT A SAFE PLACE.  Children are being exploited every day, and not just on the streets, in the inner cities, or on school playgrounds.  It's right in your own public library.  BE FOREWARNED.


Naturally, the "H" word and "B" word will be slung my way shortly.  (homophobe and bigot)  Not so, dear ones.  I just have an aversion to pornographic sex acts being shotgunned out to minor children.  You know, like most of the nation.  The ones that actually use ratings to alert parents to impending inappropriate materials.  But we wouldn't want to step on a minors "right" to free speech, now, would we?  ;-)

School Board Continues Discussion on Charter School - Taking it to DPI

What was supposed to be a one-hour discussion on the proposed Crossroads Academy charter school with a vote to pursue, or not to pursue, turned into a three-hour debate over numbers.


Both Joe Carlson and Kris Beaver insisted the Charter School must have success GUARANTEED in two years; otherwise, they would not approve. 


Lest they forget:


Living Word Lutheran (Jackson) opened in 2001 with 39 students, 2002 -2003 = 81 students, 2003-2004 = 102, 2004-2005=131, 2005-2006=153, 2006-2007=157, 2007-2008=162, 08-09 = 166, 09-10= 145 and then in the midst of a recession Living Word bounces back 2010-2011 = 194.

And Kettle Moraine Lutheran, who opened with 9th & 10th grades only in 1974 with 35 students; in 1980 = 230, 1994 = 315, 199=390, and 2010=400.



*Proof that West Bend parents do, indeed, want a CHOICE.
Ted Neitzke had spelling and math mistakes in his presentation (several mistakes).. NO MISTAKES by Pastor Dunford and his reps.  Just sayin'.



Pat Herdrich stated,  "The challenge of entering a fixed contract with the assumptions (enrollment & state aid, etc) and the actual (numbers) haven't happened the way they were projected from the state."   (Convenient that now state numbers are inaccurate when we're constantly bombarded with unsubstantiated numbers that the district is growing)


Picture this:  Joe Carlson jabbing the pastor for not outing his school location and the perceived accusations that the church will be the site and the pastor will pocket a lot of $$$$.  Pastor denied all accusations and then Joe threw them out there again and appeared to insinuate the pastor was lying.  Shame.

Pat Herdrich, et al, harped on Pastor Dunford to come up with solid numbers, yet they spent one hour listening to Ted Neitzke rattle off ESTIMATES.  How does that work?


The FAB FOUR:  Stepanski, Weigand, Marquardt and Koenig - All kept the conversation going with positives that were being ignored by Carlson, Beaver and Miller.

The gem quote for the night came from Joe Carlson:
" I don't agree with Charter school because it's a short cut with Lutherans & Catholics using taxpayer money. It's private school disguised as a charter school".


The obvious included:
1.  Pat Herdrich attempting to hijack the charter school idea with an instrumentality (district-controlled) school suggestion and.....
2.  Kris Beaver's drama over the curriculum which had been given in outline form to the board by Pastor Dunford when everything else had failed and....
3.  The District's attempts to stall the entire process, refusing to accept financial information from Pastor Dunford's team because they did not get their information from the same DPI personnel  and, therefore, their numbers did not coincide.  As Ted kindly pointed out, this was because there were those that "went to the DPI for answers" as opposed to those who "WORK for the DPI".  Nice way to say that he thinks the charter school team is full of it.


I'll leave you with this to ponder:
Kris Beaver made mention of the "values-based" education references in the Crossroads Academy literature, and demanded to know what the Academy would teach about values that were not already being taught at the existing public schools.  Yeah, he actually did.


Celebrity attendees:  Waring Fincke (who, for some reason, kept hiding behind a pole from my blatantly obvious videotaping session) and Bob/Barb Deters.  Interesting: Barb Deters was knitting something throughout the entire session.  She made pretty good headway, too, from what I could see!


FINAL OUTCOME:  Pat Herdrich insisted that Pastor Dunford's team go along with Ted Neitzke to the DPI and work on numbers....AGAIN.  No vote was taken concerning the charter school.


I'll be adding some video of the meeting shortly.  Check back in a while if you're interested.


UPDATE:  Camera problems.  Sorry 'bout that.  


Someone emailed me a comment as the posts are not working today:  Found it amusing:


Mrs. Deters knitting during the discussion? Sort of like the woman in A Tale of Two Cities knitting while heads were rolling in the French Revolution, or Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

Charter School - Parental Choice: Contact Info

Copy and paste into browser for larger version.

http://activepaper.olivesoftware.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=V0JETi8yMDEwLzEwLzE1I0FkMDAzMDA%3D&Mode=G&Locale=english-skin-custom

New Charter School Garnering Support - MEETING THIS MONDAY - Plan to attend...

This letter is now circulating in the community.  It gives a great explanation of the new Charter School being proposed in the West Bend School District.  Seems some of the Board have ruffled feathers over this (while others are wholeheartedly supporting it).  It is a great idea and a fine opportunity for parents to have a choice.  Visit the Charter School website here:  http://crossroadswb.org/

More information on time and meeting location will be posted as soon as it is available!  PLAN TO ATTEND and LEND YOUR SUPPORT.

**UPDATE:  Meeting time is 5 p.m. at the Board Room in the Education Services Center.  This building is the OLD AMITY BUILDING.  Enter in front, go down the steps to the Board Room.  There are generally signs in the hallway.  The public will not be allowed to speak.  Come and show your support.

_____________________________________________________________

October 13, 2010

Dear Friend

By now you may have heard that I have petitioned the West Bend School District for permission to start a charter school in our community.  Well it is true!  For many years, I have been burdened about the education options available to our children.  While the West Bend School District has many fine teachers and wonderful facilities, they have not been able to maintain the quality and values that are important to many parents.  But there have been few options available. The cost of private education tuition, plus the taxes you are required to pay to fund public education have made private education prohibitive to most families.  For many, the only alternative was home schooling or virtual school.  But this is not an option for everyone. 

We believe that a window of opportunity is open for us to create a privately-managed, publically-funded, charter school that upholds the standards, values and educational quality that are important to us all.  I have petitioned the West Bend School Board for approval to open a non-instrumentality charter school in the fall of 2011.  Our petition will be presented before the full school board on October 18^th and I need your help. 

Please contact your school board and indicate your support of this venture.  I am including their names and contact information below.  Let others know.  Public support is crucial in gaining the approval of our school board.  It is your tax money and you should have the option to educate your child in a manner consistent with your values and concerns. 

The enclosed fact sheet might address the questions or objections some have regarding a charter school.

Your school board members are: ·         Joe Carlson jcarlson@west-bend.k12.wi.us  334-1042  ·         Tim Stepanski  tstepanski@west-bend.k12.wi.us  334-0775 ·         Kris Beaver  kbeaver@west-bend.k12.wi.us  306-2602    ·         Bruce Koenig  bkoenig@west-bend.k12.wi.us  335-2408  ·         Todd Miller tmmiller@west-bend.k12.wi.us 306-2604 ·         Randy Marquardt rmarquardt@west-bend.k12.wi.us  306-2601 ·         Dave Weigand  dweigand@west-bend.k12.wi.us  334-2984

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Bruce Dunford, President

Crossroads Academy Inc.

Questions you may have about a charter school:

What is a charter school?

A charter school is a tuition-free public school created on the basis of a contract or “charter” between the school district and the school.  Charter schools are nonsectarian public schools of choice that operate with freedom from many of the regulations that apply to traditional public schools.   The “charter” establishing such school is a performance contract detailing the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, and methods of assessment.

What is a non-instrumentality charter school?

A non-instrumentality charter school differs from an instrumentality charter school in the manner of administration.  A non-instrumentality school is one that is not administered by the school district.  Its teaching staff are not members of the teacher’s union and are not eligible for the state retirement system and its administration is separate from the administration of the authorizing district.

Where is the accountability of a charter school? 

A non-instrumentality charter school has three levels of accountability:  The local school board reviews the test results of the charter school every year.  If the charter school fails to produce notable results in the education of the students, the school board can refuse to renew the contract.  Additionally, the state DPI reviews the test results and holds the charter school accountable.  But the greatest accountability is to the parent.  If the charter school fails to meet expectations or fails to produce a notable difference in the education of their students, the parent has the option of removing their child from Crossroads and enrolling him/her in the public school of choice.

How is a charter school funded?

A charter school is funded by education tax dollars, the same as any public school. Your school district receives revenues from local property taxes and from the state through the state funding formula. Currently, the West Bend School District receives a total of $10,766.00 per student on average ¹.  In the case of a new student coming into the district, the district receives over $9,100 in new state aid (i.e. no effect on property taxes). This state aid is phased in over three years. In the first year of a new student’s enrollment the district would receive over $3,000.00. This would increase the second year and reach the maximum the third and subsequent years. Conversely, the same is true for a student leaving the West Bend School District.

The charter school negotiates a cost per student rate with the district which then becomes the operating income for the charter school. The difference between what the school district receives ($10,766.00) and the charter school charges (say, $8,000.00) remains with the school district (in this illustration, $2,766.00 per student).

Is there a cost to the school district?

No, and yes, depending on the amount contracted per student and the enrollment status of student enrolling in the charter school.

Let's say a student who is a district resident, but not previously enrolled in a district school (i.e. home schools or private schools), enrolls in a charter school for one year. The district would pay the charter school an average of $8,000, but would receive about $9,100 in new state aid over three years, for a gain to the district of $1,100.

A student who lives outside the district but enrolls in the school would generate $6,498 in revenue for the district, and the charter school would educate the student for $6,498 minus a 2% administrative fee for the district, generating $130 for the district for each student open enrolling in the district. (Currently, West Bend loses $1,102,999.40 in state aid due to students transferring outside the district rather than staying inside the district. Theoretically, if the 194 students who transfer out would enroll in Crossroads Academy, the District would gain $25,220.

A student who is a district resident and previously enrolled in a district school, will not cost the district since the district's enrollment count would not change.

The district may or may not be able reduce their existing staff and facility cost depending on the number and grades of students who enroll in the charter school, so it may be unfair to say that the district actually gains financially by losing students to the charter school. However, as the charter school increases in enrollment the district will realize a decrease in crowding and pressure to build additional schools or classrooms and to add additional teachers resulting in a tremendous savings to the district. 

The long-term financial benefit to the district is tremendous. 

¹ (http://data.dpi.state.wi.us/data/MoneyPage.aspx?GraphFile=BlankPageUrl&S4orALL=1&SRegion=1&SCounty=47&SAthleticC  onf=45&SCESA=05&FULLKEY=06630703````&OrgLevel=di&DN=West+Bend&Qquad=offerings.aspx

New Anti-Abortion Billboard in Marinette Sends a Great Message

Anesthesiologists get Vocal.. "The Laryngospasms"

For your viewing enjoyment!  Truly talented anesthesiologists sing "Waking Up Is Hard To Do"

West Bend School District Annual Meeting - Hot Air

I attended the West Bend School District's Annual Meeting of Electors tonight.  Some observations...


While the district wanted to make things look all legit by separating residents from nonresidents with the seating arrangements, and for voting purposes, no identification was asked for and students/kids were counted in the advisory vote.  Looking around the auditorium that hosted about 500+ people tonight, I saw a very large number of teachers and administration from the school district.  Form your own opinion about that.


An enormously boring presentation that was mostly read off of a Power Point by Kris Beaver and Pat Herdrich.  Just visit the District website to know more about that.  You can find it there.  Links aren't working tonight, so just Google it.  


New District nugget "Bambi" from the /Wonderful World of the DPI (former assistant state superintendent, by the way) gushed with spreadsheets and liberal advice that she said she wasn't going to give.  Bambi stated "I'm not here to plug anything for West Bend" and then went on to say "I think your child and your taxpayers deserve to be treated more fairly..."  By the way, heard the District now employs Bambi to the tune of $150/hr.  Oh yes, they do.  Your tax dollars, at their worst.  


Ted Neitzke gave a rather candid synopsis of school district happenings.  At least he kept everyone awake.


I took a few videos with my "UN"hidden camera.  Sorry about the back shots.  Seating was not conducive to full frontal video.  Carry on.

You can always count on West Bend School District employee Mark Maley to have his hand in your wallet.  
Subtitle:  “I’m clueless about this chap, but he is one handsome devil and a real spellbinder."



Former conservative school board candidate Doug Rakowski voices his opposition to the levy increase.



Local Dad says School District not worthy of levy increase.



Bart Williams, former New Berlin school board member, now West Bend taxpayer, says NO to tax levy increase.



West Bend Citizen adamantly against tax levy increase.