Tom Wilson

After an extensive and acrimonious discussion concerning the compensation of an assistant principal whose duties have nearly doubled due to the board’s decision to not replace a resigned administrator, the UASD turned to hiring a new business manager. Following no discussion at all the board approved the current assistant business manager to the open position.

Future military readiness depends on more than weapons and equipment. It requires young people who are ready, willing and able (both physically and mentally) to serve. It is therefore troubling that according to the U.S. Department of Defense, 77 percent of young Americans aged 17 to 24 are currently ineligible for military service, with obesity

Public and corporate boards of directors provide strategic direction, ensure legal compliance and oversee the Chief Executive.  They have no management responsibilities. The Upper Adams School Board has never understood that. At Tuesday’s meeting board member Matt Lustig provided the quintessential example of what boards are not supposed to do.  Presumably because he wasn’t paying

What are educational foundations?  Athletic boosters? PTA/O?  The answer is neither.  Educational foundations are IRS 501(c)3 nonprofits that exist to enhance public school districts’ programs.  Let’s look at Canner Educational Foundation. In the depths of the Great Recession the necessary Upper Adams School District (UASD) budget cuts were affecting the educational experience of students.  A

Madam President, There is a festering decay bordering on corruption eating away at UASD and it started with a disciplinary action over two years ago. Dr. Wesley Doll was the Superintendent when this disciplinary incident happened.  The district hired outside counsel to investigate this incident, which found the district’s actions were validated but within months

Military operations are intended to support national strategic purposes.  In the case of Epic Fury, the administration has not communicated clearly to the nation what that purpose is.  In fact, since the start several purposes have been proffered, resulting in confusion as to why the nation is attacking Iran.  An argument can be made that

Violence is taking place in our streets as citizens protest the actions of masked government agents. We tend to quickly take sides. Some support the agents; some support the protesters. Positions harden. We feel justified becoming more conservative or more liberal. We no longer seek facts and truth. We just know we’re right. The agents

On Nov 4, voters in Upper Adams School District will have the opportunity to elect four candidates for Upper Adams school board.  Here is a sampling, in the order they will appear on ballots, of what five bipartisan candidates supported by bipartisan community members think about school board membership: Kay Hollabaugh – Will provide the

Our society and form of government is based on free speech, be it in writing or orally.  That right is enshrined in the First Amendment along with the rights of free exercise of religion, freedom of the press, and the right of the people to peacefully assemble.  We enjoy the right to speak our mind,

I have written before about the dangers created when Congress abdicates its duties and responsibilities under the Constitution to the executive branch. Article I of the Constitution gives “pride of place” to the structure and authorities of Congress, reflecting what I believe was the Founders’ clear intent to give priority to that branch of government

The US Constitution is revered as an inspired work that not only has endured since New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify in June 1788, but also because serious people over the centuries staked their honor on its words. It should surprise no one that the Constitution’s first article addresses the legislative branch and

If I wanted to spend $1 million ($1M) at the rate of $1 per second, it would take about 13 days; $1 billion ($1B) about 31 years, and $1 trillion ($1T) over 300 centuries.  The difference between 1M, 1B, and 1T is hard to comprehend. That’s just a fun math exercise until you realize the

School boards provide oversight and governance to school districts.  They do so by: (1) supporting the mission and evaluating progress toward goals,(2) providing responsible fiscal oversight, (3) establishing and maintaining district policies, (4) hiring, oversight and evaluating the superintendent and (5) serving as community leaders and advocates.  Boards have no management functions.  None. Jan E.