Wake Up! Waukesha

“The times – they are a’changin’…”

That title from Bob Dylan’s 1964 album rang through my head this weekend as the Town of Brookfield (TOB) initiated its’ 2007 Park & Recreation Summer program enrollment. Reflecting back to the early ‘90’s when Sheila, Roger, Mike, Art and I were re-inventing the TOB recreational opportunities, I was struck by both the changes and similarities between then and now.

Parents, mostly moms, used to line-up and flood the “Early Bird” Saturday registration to ensure their kids were guaranteed a spot alongside their buddies on specific baseball team rosters. “First-Come/First Serve” was the order of the day. Kids trailing along were anxiously speculating on how their team would do back in the days of the Waukesha County Land’O’Lakes league. There was an abundance of volunteer coaches and everyone looked ahead to a Waukesha Summer battling the bruisers from Vernon, Mukwonago, Eagle, Genesee, Wales and North Prairie.

Schedules by age and gender were set, and refs hired by the County. The “Puddles, Dewdrops, and Raindrops” teams criss-crossed the County playing a modest (by today’s standards) number of baseball and soccer games, 1-2 per week. Kids of all abilities were encouraged to join in the fun of recreational, inter-Community sports. Standings were kept by the County and trophies presented at the end of each season. Many the slow-to-develop “last kid picked” were found to eventually mature into future high school all-stars. Their early interest was kept alive by the County’s rules which insisted all kids played regardless of ability. Hundreds of kids from Brookfield were the beneficiaries of these programs.

Today, opportunities for children’s’ participation still exists in instructional and T-Ball as well as the Land’O’Leagues (LOL) framework. Similar to the old, now disbanded (for budget reasons) Land’O’Lakes league, the new LOL still maintains that “recreational” feel to it. Unfortunately the local enrollment numbers are down as more parents now direct their kids to “select teams”. These are teams where the caliber of play and instruction are at a higher competitive level and where the youth athletes play 80 or more games in a season. Don’t get me wrong - These “Select Teams” exist, and are indeed flourishing, because of demand. Parents and students want and receive more in the way of instruction, competition, and practice. The student athletes become better at an earlier age.

Maybe it’s sentimentality. Maybe it’s the desire to turn the clock back. And maybe it’s the unsettling feeling that today’s “Select Team” kids will be adults in just a few short years. And maybe it’s because we know they will be competing at a high plane for the rest of their professional careers. One could argue “Select Teams” prepare the children for the competitiveness of the “Real World”. But is it wrong to suggest that they are kids once, and for a very short time at that? “Select” obviously works for many, but the old Land’O’Lakes seemed to strike a balance which offered more time for other child-like experiences.

Today’s young parents want the best for their kids just like we did 10-15 years ago. These kids will make it through just like we did many years ago. And who knows, maybe this hyper-competitive model will provide benefits far beyond anything I can foresee right now. After all, “The times are a’changin…”, and the TOB Park and Recreation Program will continue to evolve with the changes.

…But a large part of me longs for what now seems to be a kinder, gentler of times…

A recent March 11’th JS guest editorial/Community column by an MPS teacher ends with ”The parents of children in Waukesha are already likely to put up a fight when it comes to the education of their children. The focus should be on Milwaukee, where children have few advocates.”

To quote a popular TV commercial – “BRILLIANT!!”

The article is filled with hyperbole including his perspective that he would rate Waukesha at “about #148,203 on the list of districts in financial crisis.” The writer goes on about the dismal state of MPS facilities; the missing trophies in MPS schools from many “already-gone” sports; filthy bathrooms; and more. And he writes this because ” it is imperative that we fund public education to meet a basic minimum standard. But to start this fight among a population that is already very fortunate (Waukesha) is wrong.”

Again – “BRILLIANT!!”

(As an aside, I share some philosophical agreement with the writer that many of today’s students need advocates. I also agree that MPS is in deep trouble on many fronts.)

Ultimately, the writer, an MPS educator, states that MPS’s needs should come ahead of Waukesha’s. Obviously frustrated by MPS’s issues, he would have us believe cuts are “OK” out here because Waukesha has “well-lit halls and beautiful athletic facilities.” Wow…we should let Waukesha continue its’ losing battle against the QEO/Revenue Cap because the plight in Milwaukee is worse, much worse...

What a flawed perspective!

Waukesha is desperately fighting an apparently losing battle yearly for funding to maintain the status quo. There are many, many Waukesha constituents who chose this area for its’ high standards of public education. And we should now not complain and diligently fight to preserve this Waukesha tradition because Milwaukee is in worse shape? How sad, and how desperate…

The blueprint for basic education needs overhauling – immediately – at the State and Federal level. Our local Waukesha representatives have proven, time and again, their unwillingness to engage or even offer a mild solution for this incredibly pressing local issue. They have proven they are not, unlike years past, “statesmen and stateswomen”. They are solely concerned with the ever-electable “cutting taxes” issue (or Senior Bingo at Southridge…). Please remember, I don’t propose raising the tax rate; rather, it is strongly suggested the present funding formula and education model is truly broken and needs fixing. And if this crop of elected officials is not going to engage for the future of their own Community, it will be time for a change. In the “real” business world, when the boss (the constituents) demands an action plan, you, the employee (or elected official), attack the problem and provide an action plan! …Or you simply move on…

MPS teacher and editorialist – Work on positive solutions within your Community. You telling us “how good we have it out here” doesn’t sit real well right now as 62 more Waukesha educational positions were cut last week

Something has to change…

Education is in the news! And none of it is good news!

Depending on your perspective, it’s now obvious that “The schools will fail unless they get more funding”…or, “The schools get enough money – let them make do!”

The facts:
* Over 41% of the State’s money goes to education. That’s quite a bit.
*Local and State taxes are high and show signs of rising, albeit slowly.
*Critics will say teachers are overpaid and don’t pay enough for their benefits.
*Others will ignore current State laws, ignore facts, and ignore the plight of education today and preach from an uninformed position.
*Many, too many, will fence-sit and wait for others to deal with it.

Let’s all, for once, reflect & respect the other “side’s” position, take a moderate position and accept “they” might have a point! Moving forward, “together,” what’s the answer that we would accept in this new-found spirit of solidarity?

First: Is there a way to reduce the expense of education while still maintaining a quality product? Yes! The State would have to rewrite laws re: requirements for graduation. Students would be tested and targeted between freshman and sophomore years according to their strengths; math, the arts, sciences, etc.. Students would be moved into accelerated programs with a reduced load of “Gen-Eds”. Graduation from high school could be accomplished in 3-3 ½ years. School sizes would be reduced. And what would honestly be lost? Ask any post-high school student and ask if they, in reflection, could even name all the courses they took junior year much less what they got out of them.
(Writer’s Note: My kids have just come through this time. Ages 22, 20, 17)

Second: Why do people only attack "local" school districts while letting the State University and Technical System escape our review? They shouldn't! The same principle is applied where the first (2) years of “Gen-Eds” are reduced to (1) year. The intense programming related to one’s chosen major starts a year earlier and the students are now eligible for graduation that much sooner. Again - smaller schools. And that’s just the start…When did the “TA” abbreviation become synonymous for “Professor Totally Absent?” Make the professors, similar to the non-academic world, work a 40 hour workweek! (3) professors working 40 hour weeks would replace (4) working 30!

Third: Are there outside partnerships available to assist in this “Brave New World?” Absolutely! The private sector has been begging the schools for relevant workforce development. Jobs are going unfilled and countless dollars are spent “re-educating graduates”, high school and college. Dangle the potential of a more-focused, better trained student to business and business will come running. The potential here is unlimited – businesses will partner with education in a very big way if they can be assured they will get a “return on investment.” Unfortunately, current WI laws governing education requirements are not necessarily business friendly.

OK – It’s a simplistic concept and start. And it neglects the social aspects of education.

However - reduced requirements for “Gen-eds” results in smaller school sizes which means less staffing. Students studying courses they are actually interested in guarantees motivated students with a higher level of retained education after the course is over. In addition, professors and university administrators are long past-due to join the rest of us “plebeians” in (12) month employment with a high degree of accountability to your employer. A full workweek would immediately cut university staffing dramatically State-wide….And to you professors that don’t like this – “Quit” and then find your next 20-30 hour workweek/8-9 month job!
Business dollars will now join public funding for education. Most businesses will invest where they can maximize their returns. Programs for students that truly help businesses will be have infusions of capital and brainpower from the private sector. The earning cycle for our students will start that much earlier – and at a higher level!

Let’s try a unified, common sense, business approach to the ever-looming crisis for education-funding in Wisconsin. Engage business people to "fix" education - the local and State legislators have proven they certainly don't have the answers. We have ample warning that there is not enough money in coming years to sustain the current education model. If we start tomorrow, it will still take years to develop a model tailored for the needs present and funding available. Taxes are high, referendums bruise communities, and there is a finite amount of State dollars which will be available in the future.

Can we all, at least for a short while, agree and respect each other long enough to acknowledge that both sides truly do have valid points as well as valid criticisms?

Does "sticker shock" occasionally keep you from selecting that premium steak place? Are you impacted by the pace set by the restaurant's reservation book and the conversations of the too-close next table? Do the ala carte prices affect what kind and how much wine you have? And after a great meal out, does the dinner check typically average about $150.00 - 200.00/couple?

Here's an option that took the chill out of one of our recent winter whiteouts - Dinner in!

Six of us got together to celebrate the wives' birthdays. The men decided it would be our turn to wait on these fine examples of pulchritude in the manner they are so deserving of - "Hand and Foot." We planned the menu, we shopped the stores, we reconnoitered, we compared notes and, finally, we were ready for our turn to really turn on the charm.

The evening started with a 3-litre bottle of a South African Shiraz, cheeses (3 - Gouda, Swiss, and Cheddar w/cranberries), crackers, and guarded looks on the women's faces. After an unhurried time, the ladies were seated as Jim and Paul fired-up the grill. Fresh flowers and candles added to the mood. A fresh relish tray (w/cracked ice on top) consisting of radishes, black olives, celery and carrot sticks, and green onions was passed as the freshly-tossed salads were served. Again, conversations were somewhat reflective of Colleen's, JoAnn's, and Sue's concerns that maybe things were going "too well." Salads were completed and the main course was served!

Filet mignon for the ladies while the gents had bone-out ribeyes. Seared and grilled by Paul perfectly, the steaks were accompanied by asparagus in Hollandaise sauce; 3 lbs. of mushrooms flash sautéed; and baked potatoes (covered in extra-virgin olive oil and hand-rubbed by Jim with sea salt before baking) averaging over 1lb. each! Rolls and Italian bread filled available spots on the table. Birthdays and friendship were toasted, and the blizzard outside went unnoticed.

As the entrees were finished to the best of everyone's ability (there were doggie bags), the women were finally relaxing, and a zesty sorbet was presented which cleansed the palates. NOTE: No one makes desserts like my wife Colleen. When she found out the men were planning dinner, she promptly "whipped-up" a cheesecake and strawberry schaum tortes from scratch. Needless to say, we men are weak...and we accepted her offer.

Desserts were ultimately served balanced by fresh-ground Colombian coffee topped with a little of the whipped cream from the schaum tortes. And the wine was finally finished! The guys cleaned the table, Jim cleaned the kitchen, and we rejoined the conversations.

WHY!?... YOU SAY WHY DID WE DO IT? Because Jim, Paul, and I knew we could! Because we really wanted to do something unique and special for the ladies! Because the planning without our wives' input made it that much more special for us! Because we really wanted to have a throwback meal where we conversed and ate at our pace, not the dining establishment's.

Costs for dinner were literally less then a third of dining out. Sure we shopped, prepped, cooked, and cleaned-up, but it was truly worth it. And it was heartwarming for me to observe women who often exhibit "control freak" behavior around their kitchens finally relax and marvel that their husbands could actually plan and then pull a culinary feast off!

Chef's hats off to Jim, Paul, and myself! And ladies, that Saturday dinner was just a gentle reminder "nudge" of the many reasons you married us so long ago...