Mavericks, Tacos, Bombs, and Houston Do I Have a Problem?

An Alverno College Professor of Communication thinks I do in some respects.  In the past few weeks she has labeled me as a maverick and as having attacking and dominating behaviors (although acknowledging I was one of the only Board members who was contributing), along with having good leadership qualities.  She said I "drop bombs" that just hang there.  She doesn't really know the history of our Board though and why I rarely have had support.  She suggests that if I change my "tone" I may get more support.  Yet Wednesday I presented myself in two different manners and it didn't seem to make a bit of difference.  If I change regarding everything will I gain support?  It doesn't seem to work for Alderman Kristen Wilhelm. 

At the beginning of every Regular Board of Education meeting, the Board approves the Consent Agenda, which includes expenses.  I review the check register prior to the meeting and sometimes ask the Business Manger for more in depth explanations of expenses.  One that caught my eye for this past month was an $849.40 expense for a caterer.  Upon asking what the expense was for, I was informed it was for "tacos" for approximately 100 teachers for dinner during a Summer Academy meeting that occurred during the dinner hour.  Now I'm not saying educators and teachers don't deserve to be acknowledged for how well they do.  That's a fact in Franklin.  We have fantastic educators.  Part of working in the public sector is realizing you don't get bonuses and perks like those in the private sector might get. I was informed the money was from "federal grant money."  I made it clear that I realize how hard it is to secure grant money.  The thing is...federal grant money is still tax dollars.  And I believe tax dollars secured from a grant, even if allowed to be used for food expenses, would be better targeted for use in the classroom. 

At one of my past jobs the $1500 check at Christmas sure was nice, and the turkey and ham during the holidays was great.   I don't get those working in the school system.  I don't think the taxpayers would go for that. I wasn't given meals at my past jobs...not even when I was a waitress a very long time ago.  I had to pay half price for those.   Yes, there are some private companies that do provide meals, but that's their option. How can I as a School Board member ask you, the taxpayer to give more money to the school district in order that we don't have to cut programs or staff when we are paying for meals for teachers?  Call me a maverick, but don't ask for a free lunch - thats like flushing money down the - well, you get the picture.

Other scenario?  Time to schedule the Annual Meeting of the Elector's for next year.  The recommendation? Once again, a Wednesday night in August at 6:00 p.m.  I heard some of the comments from this past summer - the meeting may be too early for some citizens - and Wednesday may be too busy.  Also I have reviewed the Wisconsin state statues and the meeting should be on Monday night at 8:00 p.m.  unless changed by the elector's.  Ours had been changed in the past and have continued to stay on Monday's.  I calmly brought up the suggestion regarding Monday night and how it may benefit the people.  It didn't much matter to anyone else.

I  had two lone "No" votes at the Board meeting Wednesday night.  I"m willing to listen to the other opinions from Board members.  Perhaps they will sway my vote.  I realize I get passionate about taxes at times...I don't mean to offend anyone.  But I suppose I'm just a little amazed when I have to explain that a government grant is tax dollars - my money...your money. 

So if the suggestion that I bring it down a notch will make my colleagues and the administration save tax dollars  - I'll give it a try.  I can't wait!  I hope someone passes this technique on to our state legislators and all the way up to Washington.

_________________________________________________

*******Update (I neglected to add this to my post as I normally do, which is why I have responded to some comments)

Note regarding commenting on this post:

Your comments are welcomed on topics presented in this post in order to generate citizen debate, but I ask that you do not direct comments to me for a personal response via the blog.

As a Board member, I encourage you to contact me any time via District email so there is a public record, by phone call, by mail, or in person before or after any meeting.  You may reach me or any other Board member through this link.

I look forward to hearing from you.