Mailbag: 5/30

Ashamed of some board members

I attended the Baraboo School Board meeting on Tuesday. I am ashamed to have several of them on our school board.

The board approved the 4K program contracts with four providers for the 2009-2010 school year. I would also like to expand on what was said at the meeting and give some insight as to what went on at the 4K planning meetings which Ed Mortimer and Doug Mering were also a part of.

The 4K meetings I attended faithfully, as a community member and candidate, up until February when the 4K planning committee did not schedule a March meeting until the school board approved or disapproved the implementation of the 4K. I have not been notified by Jim Ruder, coordinator, of any other meetings, so I was surprised that Jim had informed the board that the committee had been meeting bi-weekly at the May 11 school board meeting.

I am ashamed to have Kevin Vodak, Judd Maxwell, Gary Cummings and Sean McNevin on the board when they also had a week to scrutinize these contracts and come up with appropriate questions to ask the district administrator and Jim Ruder.

I applaud Ed for his dedication to this district that took the time to read each contract and scrutinize each of the five contracts for errors and inconsistencies; he took the time also over his holiday weekend. He is looking out for the best interest of the school district. Ed had 32 questions. Doug had a few and Raymond Borkenhagen asked questions that night.

What I find disturbing, Ed had asked the district administrator if legal council had looked at these contracts and she said "yes." Our legal council did not catch that a provider's name had been entered into a contract of another provider. Did these providers have a chance to actually read their proposed contracts before they came to the board? They should have caught the mistakes. Did these providers show their legal council the contracts? Remember contracts are legal and binding, so wording should have been very important to both parties.

Back in January, the board was presented the outline for the 4K, the board was told that each site would have to furnish the consumable products, that each site would be paid $800 per student unless the provider had a DPI licensed instructor, along with some other information. So the board approved 4K in February based on the information that was given to them in January. At no time the words "renting space" from the providers may have to be an option.

Jim Long, May 11 board meeting, presented an updated cost estimate, in which rent was included and Sean McNevin questioned the possible 60 percent differences between renting and paying the per student.

So, what was pre-approved in February, now actually is not true. Ed had valid complaints when he read the contracts. The old saying goes "You are on a need to know basis"; this administrative staff continues to leave this board in the dark until after the fact.

Phyllis Power,

Baraboo

Money needed for dictionaries

Very soon we will have a new batch of third-grade students when school starts again this fall.

For the last two years, the citizens of Sauk County have been generous and we have been able to present students dictionaries to each third-grade student in Sauk County. (Nine hundred students last year).

We want to be able to continue the program for a third year. The appreciation from the teachers: quote from Sister Melita, Sacred Heart School, Reedsburg, "I have been amazed at their enthusiasm each time they discover something they want to share with the class." Quote from third-grade teachers of South School, "These third-graders will use these books throughout their elementary years, middle school years, their high school years and hopefully into college."

The thank yous from the students is just overwhelming.

Each and every dollar goes directly into the program. There are no administrative costs. Everything goes to buy dictionaries. We have been paying $40.80 for a case of 24. Many people choose to buy a case. This is always the tough part — asking for money. But this is something that goes directly to our children. Not some far-off place.

I do not accept cash. It would be too easy for cash to slip into someone's pocket.

Donation checks should be made out to: Baraboo Elks Lodge 688 Dictionary Fund and mailed to: Baraboo Elks Lodge 688, Box 103, Baraboo, WI 53913. Attention: J Merle Alt. Make your check out today so you don't forget, and again I thank you for your generosity.

J Merle Alt, Dictionary Project chairman

In support of Dr. Plooster

I am a retired professional in central Wisconsin, well acquainted with Dr. (Michael) Plooster. During my career, I conducted many investigations.

It is my opinion that many facts involving Dr. Plooster's charges have been unreported and some information inaccuarately reported.

Dr. Plooster is an outstanding surgeon. He has given much to this community. Dr. Plooster has worked very hard to establish his reputation and deserves a fair chance to refute the allegations against him.

I believe Dr. Plooster will be vindicated of these erroneous charges.

My husband and I have been well-cared for by Dr. Plooster for over 20 years. We travel 124 miles round-trip for treatment and will continue to do so.

Sharlene and Tom Stanley,

Nekoosa