Missing from this saga is any repercussions from the Board's accepting the AVID proposal without what seems like any type of discussion and without any other bids. This was $170,00 of taxpayer money. Then, the over $100,00 payout to the person with the conflict of interest. Who says, crime doesn't pay? Then the dissension within the Board with Mr. Meier. Do we really need this drama? From other information you've provided, it doesn't seem like this Board, when it raises valid issues or asks for clarification of issues, the same gets lost in the shuffle. Not a very effective body. Don't have an answer, to what can be done to remedy that. Perhaps more qualified people don't have the time or interest to run for School Board. What is needed to change this, I wonder.
After reading the Fox News piece concerning the Waukesha school board threats included in this post, I wonder why would anyone except those with a specific agenda run for a school board position. A cursory internet search for similar incidents across the country seems to indicate that they are growing, If someone where to ask me if they should run for a school board position, I would hesitate to encourage them to do so.
Since the disagreements in Wauwatosa have existed for almost one year, I am not confident that there will be a quick or positive solution for the school district.
"Note: I promise I will stop talking about the school board eventually…]"
The good news is the lawsuit will resolve this particular issue. It's unfortunate it came to that, but no matter the outcome it should be a wake-up call that the concept of open government in Wisconsin is a real and persistent principle. From the DOJ's Wisconsin Open Meetings Compliance Guide:
"It is imperative that we recognize that transparency is the cornerstone of democracy and that citizens cannot hold elected officials accountable in a representative government unless government is performed in the open."
"The Wisconsin’s open government laws promote democracy by ensuring that all state, regional and local governments conduct their business with transparency. Wisconsin citizens have a right to know how their government is spending their tax dollars and exercising the powers granted by the people."
Missing from this saga is any repercussions from the Board's accepting the AVID proposal without what seems like any type of discussion and without any other bids. This was $170,00 of taxpayer money. Then, the over $100,00 payout to the person with the conflict of interest. Who says, crime doesn't pay? Then the dissension within the Board with Mr. Meier. Do we really need this drama? From other information you've provided, it doesn't seem like this Board, when it raises valid issues or asks for clarification of issues, the same gets lost in the shuffle. Not a very effective body. Don't have an answer, to what can be done to remedy that. Perhaps more qualified people don't have the time or interest to run for School Board. What is needed to change this, I wonder.
After reading the Fox News piece concerning the Waukesha school board threats included in this post, I wonder why would anyone except those with a specific agenda run for a school board position. A cursory internet search for similar incidents across the country seems to indicate that they are growing, If someone where to ask me if they should run for a school board position, I would hesitate to encourage them to do so.
Since the disagreements in Wauwatosa have existed for almost one year, I am not confident that there will be a quick or positive solution for the school district.
"Note: I promise I will stop talking about the school board eventually…]"
The good news is the lawsuit will resolve this particular issue. It's unfortunate it came to that, but no matter the outcome it should be a wake-up call that the concept of open government in Wisconsin is a real and persistent principle. From the DOJ's Wisconsin Open Meetings Compliance Guide:
"It is imperative that we recognize that transparency is the cornerstone of democracy and that citizens cannot hold elected officials accountable in a representative government unless government is performed in the open."
"The Wisconsin’s open government laws promote democracy by ensuring that all state, regional and local governments conduct their business with transparency. Wisconsin citizens have a right to know how their government is spending their tax dollars and exercising the powers granted by the people."