Special Meeting - Open Session - February 26, 2008

Madison Metropolitan School District Madison, Wisconsin Art Rainwater, Superintendent
BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes for Special Meeting - Open Session February 26, 2008		Doyle Administration Building 545 West Dayton Street, Auditorium Madison, Wisconsin

Special Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Arlene Silveira at 7:01 p.m.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Carstensen, Lucy Mathiak, Beth Moss, Arlene Silveira

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT: Joe Carlsmith

MEMBERS ABSENT: Maya Cole, Lawrie Kobza, Johnny Winston, Jr.

STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Standiford, Ken Syke, Ann Wilson-Recording Secretary

1. Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Name Recommendations for the New Elementary School

Arlene Silveira provided a brief review of the process and policy for naming the new elementary school and noted the four names suggested by the Citizens Naming Committee: John Erlanger, Paul Olson, Howard Temin and Ilda Thomas. She noted the Board of Education is seeking and encourages the public to comment until March 24 when the Board will vote on the name of the new school.

Comments are recorded by topic but are numbered according to the order of the speakers.

Support for James Erlanger Elementary School:

4) Sue Berthouex - Extremely positive spirit. Children love heroes, and all are not "action" heroes, or old people. He found what he could do, using words and ideas. Improved people's lives. His own life is an example of heroism. Relationship with Mr. Rogers - he was a hero to Mr. Rogers.

5) Dee Boyd - Enrolled at age three in Madison public schools, graduated from Memorial, attended Edgewood College. Lived a life of community service, advocacy. Gave back to Madison community in too many ways to mention. Set the standard for a role model and was an inspiration. His philosophy fits all children - it is not what you can't do, but what you can do.

6) Rose Messina - (Was Occupational Therapist at Lapham) - Jeff was at Gov. Lucey's side when the Governor first signed legislation integrating children into regular education classrooms. At age ten, appeared on Mr. Rogers. Graduated from Madison public schools; gave so much to this community. Would be an honor to him and a tribute to staff who support children with special needs every day. Prove Madison is a progressive community.

7) Linda Bresser - (Was personal assistant) - Showed how to live a life without boundaries, how to be a leader. Knew how to maintain friendship in spite of their differences. Was respectful of those with opposing viewpoints. Had many friends, even with those who seemed to be enemies. Was a role model.

8) Dale Kaufman - (Was school social worker) - Many students do not see themselves in the heroes portrayed in the media. Naming the school for a wonderful man with significant disabilities is an inspiration for all, whatever their capabilities. His voice will continue to be heard.

9) Karen Foxgrover - Community Living Alliance presented award to Jeff this year. Madison is mecca for people with disabilities. Pride ourselves for access; proud of citizens who are role models. Testament to Madison and its progressiveness. Put that acknowledgement forward in the name of this school.

10) Rita Applebaum - (Showed short video) - Graduate of MMSD. Madison has all types of students. Can offer to all elementary students a positive, hopeful outlook for themselves and what they can accomplish.

11) Lisa Jameson - Attended kindergarten at Lindbergh together, then went to Jefferson, Memorial. Inspired children his whole life. True inspiration.

12) Herman Goldstein - Commended naming committee for work that is superb example of a detailed, transparent process that will allow the Board of Education to make this important decision. Use opportunity as a teaching moment. Jeff Erlanger developed drive to make the most of his strengths, a powerful lesson for all students. What he accomplished was in the same general environment as all other students.

16) Nancy Shiners - (Was Occupational Therapist at Lindbergh) - Learned more from him and his parents than he learned from me. Continues to be inspired by his love of learning, positive can-do attitude, toleration of his therapy. He was blessed to have great education from MMSD and staff blessed to have him in the school and community. He is an MMSD home-grown success story, but he deserves the credit.

19) Asifa Ouraishi - UW Law School faculty, parent of disabled child - See impact on all children, not just those with special needs. School name will positively contribute to children's awareness of all ranges of personal challenges.

24) Peggy Nred - All candidates are outstanding, but speaking in support of Jeff Erlanger. Having a child with special needs changes people. The influence people with special needs can have is amazing. Jeff's "can do" policy can spread across all people. No finer message for elementary age students.

26) Francie Smith Saposnik - Finest learner teachers ever met. Still hear from former students about his inspiration. Avid curiosity, joy of living and giving back. Unique ability to be both "one of the gang" and the leader, gave soaring lesson on how to live a life that matters. Would be a school name to make everyone proud. Model for living an ethical life. Don't have a single school named after a person with disabilities.

27) Leora Saposnik - Takes people to repair the world. His heart was the driver. Had the qualities to name a school after - good student. Confined to, but not by a wheelchair. Brought people together; never let differences be a barrier.

30) Sandy Bierman - Champion of many causes. Champion for organ transplants - received his kidney. My personal hero. Gave so much of himself. Give back what he gave to us.

33) Carin Clauss - (Neighbor) - Shared passion for political action. He stood up for us; want to stand up for him. Was a student, devoted his short life to giving back to the community. Students can easily relate to him. Do not need position and power to effectuate great change. Naming a school is a fitting tribute. It is from such schools that future generations will come.

34) Howard Erlanger (Father) - He and his wife are deeply honored; very proud of what their son accomplished. He was much more of an inspiration to us than we were to him. Deep strength of spirit, incredible sense of humor, great love for sports, terrific role model.

35) Diane Greenley - (Discovery Rights Wisconsin) - Naming a school sends a positive message for the community at large. People with disabilities can have a large impact and live incredible lies. Message to parents of children with disabilities. Message that children can have a full, rich, wonderful life in spite of disabilities.

39) Bettine Lipman - Personifies all that an elementary school student should attempt to become: an individual who is caring to others, sensitive and accepting of differences, expressing a sense of humor when challenges are many, and having a significant impact on enhancing the quality of lives of those in their community.

41) Patricia Lipton - Read a letter from friend, Ledell Zellers. Contributed broadly and civically to Capitol Neighborhoods Association and the City of Madison. Death was a loss to the community. Showed ongoing energy in the face of obstacles. Accomplished much for others and the City of Madison.

42) Peter Lipton - How great it would feel to announce the name of the school if it were named after Jeff Erlanger. Very proud moment for Madison. His examples would be wonderful tools to organize children's activities - his ideas of civic behavior and activism. Afford the opportunity to inspire at the child level. Exciting idea.

46) Laurie Searing - Intellectually curious, everyone he met respected him, never spoke ill of anyone, brought his political agenda to attention, fostered independence and dignity. Life story provides an outstanding role model.

49) Seth Newman (Physical Therapist, UW Hospital) - Jeff Erlanger was successful, but didn't get there alone. His parents are role models for other parents. His lesson of resilience will last forever - when faced with people who are different than yourself, put on a wry smile and work constructively with them. The Board cannot go wrong with any of the four names they pick.

50) Paula Gorman (Neighbor) - Grew up with Jeff Erlanger; was always fun to play with. Midvale School should be renamed in honor of Paul Olson.

52) Shelley Peterman Schwarz (Substitute Teacher when Jeff Erlanger was three years old) - Met him at a time when students were neither integrated nor mainstreamed. Later became disabled herself and Jeff became her mentor and inspiration. Helped her to re-invent herself. MMSD is a remarkable school district for people with special needs. He inspired people to add to the common good so that everyone benefits.

53) Diane Harlowe - Jeff Erlanger spoke in her classes. He had a spirit that filled the room, a heart that connected with all. His level of inspiration for all is not easy to communicate. The strength of his spirit will inspire all students.

54) Aimee Dechter (UW faculty) - Jeff Erlanger has been an ambassador for the MMSD from an early age. Naming a school after him makes the point that the school district is not about uniformity, but accessibility and all students can contribute in various dimensions. Madison leaves no children behind and provides services so that all children can be successful. He is an inspiration to all students, bridges all communities. Shows pride in our diversity and that he worked for all. Thanks to him, more students can go to school and live independent lives.

There were 41 written registrations in support of naming the new elementary school in honor of Jeff Erlanger.

Support for Paul Olson Elementary School:

13) John Matthews - Complimented committee; criteria are outstanding and beyond reproach. Paul Olson had many roles - labor leader, principal, nature conservancy leader. Stood out in areas that reflect the essence of Madison. Strong advocate for quality education. Advocated for teachers, the environment and guardians of the environment. Actions provided excellence for all in the mid-west. Example of stewardship for education and the environment.

14) Karen Sullivan (Daughter) - Use his teachings in her Janesville classroom every day. Lessons go across the curriculum. Legacy in ecology speaks for itself.

20) Tim Eisele - Wisconsin native, passionate about education for children, conservationist, my principal. Wanted children to have a good, sound, local education. Hired the best teachers for Midvale School. Overcame the adversity of polio, organized purchase of the School Forest, passion for natural resources. Local boy who made good.

22) John McKenna - Impacted four generations of his family. Positive impact on his daughter, a teacher at La Follette. Helped begin the School Forest.

25) Fern Lawrence - (former Midvale teacher) - Paul Olson lived in this area, whole professional life spent with MMSD. Teacher, conservationist, suffered from afflictions. Heard about, intrigued about wonderful school at Midvale and asked to teach for him (who was principal). Inspiration to children, teachers and parents. Very creative.

28) Bill Lawrence - Taught at Van Hise, met Paul Olson at orientation. Paul introduced him to the Dane County Conservation League and he changed his field to adult education. Recalled the beginning of the Trees for Tomorrow program and the ripple effect that Paul had on people he met.

29) Jim Olson (son) - Paul Olson proudly served the school district, left great legacy. Began new school (Midvale) in a new community. Loved education, gave tools to compete, overcame disability, excel, loved outdoors. Look forward to his portrait, bio hanging in the foyer of the new school. Read his words written in 1951 message to the new Midvale community - embody the mission of schools. Will be an inspiration to students, parents and the community.

32) Eric Liljequist - Remarkable educator, leader of first teacher union, principal, school board member. Supported the importance of education in civic life. Environmentalist - founder of School Forest, restored the prairie chicken to Wisconsin. New school will be LEED certified, green, energy efficient. Reflective of his leadership.

36) Lisa Pierobon Mays - Lucky Mom because her children are going to a new school. Like her friends and neighbors, has a vested interest in the name. Reviewed report; found it strike that no school is named after a person with disabilities. Have two possibilities. Paul Olson meets all criteria. Life dedicated to the community. Thanked Board for reaching out to the community. Will work to educate community about the school namesake.

40) Pauline Langsdorf - Was involved in the Midvale neighborhood before Midvale was built. Worked for recreation programs for children in the neighborhood. Vibrant community emerged under his charismatic leadership.

47) JoAnn Walker - Was his student, gave counsel, mentored, fostered her interest in competitive target archery. Coached and led to success at the state level. Was influential in deciding her career as a teacher. Olson family took her into their home.

There were seven written registrations in support of naming the new elementary school in honor of Paul Olson.

Support for Ilda Thomas Elementary School:

1) Ella Villagarcia (student) - would like the new school named after Ilda Thomas.

15) Sonya Thomas Worner (daughter) - Commended selection process. Ilda Thomas received Proclamation from Mayor Soglin for her work through Centro Hispano, was recognized by Governor Thompson, recognized for the advancement of the disabled and for work for racial justice. Spoke of her desire to build bridges. Believed in education. Was a role model for integrity and character.

17) Ricardo Gonzalez - Led Centro Hispano at a difficult time; many refugees and immigrants coming to Madison. Community was stressed. Helped found Centro Hispano. Truly a local hero, brought different people together, committed to struggle for human rights for all people. Founded Fiesta Hispano. Developed long term relationship with University of Wisconsin and City of Madison. Focused on education as key to advancement. Made education a number 1 priority of the community. Recognize one of our own heroes.

18) Maria Thomas (wife of former Board member Wilbur Thomas) - Very good friends, "sisters at heart". Supported naming the school in her honor.

21) Berta Armacanqui - Had a vision, mission and objectives to found an institution for all Hispanics. Gave her life, very kind, generous, good role model for Latinos, established the bridges to work with many groups. Brought the community together as a whole.

23) Elia Armacanqui - Congratulated committee. Made a great impact internationally, as well as locally. Worked with people in groups, kind, charismatic, inclusive, gave guidance and advice, donated herself to helping others. Because of her have Centro Hispano and Fiesta Hispano.

31) Luis Castillo - Was concerned, had a love for people and wanted to help with their problems. Happy to have known her and to work with her. Worked for people and their needs. His organization helped her when she was beginning Centro Hispano. Worked together in Hispanic ministry. Gave her heart to her people.

37) Liz Fabiola Reateaui - Stood for opportunity for all, education, social justice. Would be the most desirable name; her legacy.

43) Pedro Albiter - Left a heritage of shared community work for migrant children and families. Need more Latino role models to inspire future leaders.

44) Peter Munoz - (Leader of Centro Hispano) Every day live in the shadow of her great work. Has great presence in schools; follow her vision of building bridges. Committed to building an environment that supports children. Latino children are under attack. School would be more than a symbol; would be a support system.

45) Andre's Thomas Conteris - (Son) - Honor that our mother is a finalist in this process. Board made the process participatory, which is what Ilda Thomas stood for. She would passionately speak for other candidates. Was a voice for the voiceless. Would have spoken for Howard Temin because there are no supporters here this evening. Perfect timing for naming a school for someone who spent her life building bridges. Focus on needing to be reconciled with communities that are voiceless.

48) Ken Engelman - Known locally, nationally, internationally. First met her in Green Bay Territory as part of the Native American community. She worked with all organizations, made sure children had experience, always there for people. Would be great to adorn the new school with the name of an Hispanic American woman who could meet all needs with authority and action.

51) Richard Hildner - Name of a school is important because it is a record of history. It should provide an inspiration to future generations, note contributions to the local community and note contributions to the national conscience. Ilda Thomas covers all these criteria.

There were six written registrations in support of naming the new elementary school in honor of Ilda Thomas.

Other - Miscellaneous:

2) Jonathan Gramling - Ironic that no Black person's name was forwarded during Black History Month. Committee should have considered the names of schools by ethnicity compared with the student population. Twenty-three percent of the student body is African-American, but only 8% of schools are named after an African-American. Committee should not have set criteria after the submitted names were known. Supported naming the school Betty Franklin-Hammonds.

3) Heidi Pascual - Shocked that Betty Franklin-Hammonds was not included. She should have stood out based on any criteria. Read list of names of people who supported her nomination.

2. Adjournment

It was moved by Carol Carstensen and seconded by Beth Moss to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. Student representative advisory vote - aye. Motion unanimously carried by those present.

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