The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 39, Milford, Kosciusko County, 24 September 1986 — Page 5

Superintendent's statement

At last Thursday's meeting — Dr. Kenneth Webster's accounting of Indiana certification delay

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is the complete text of remarks made by Wawasee School Corporation Superintendent Kenneth E. Webster before the public meeting held by the school board at the high school auditorium last Thursday night. The sole item on the agenda for discussion was a review of Superintendent Webster’s contract status. A full article appears on page 1.) President Little, Members of the Board. Ladies and Gentlemen: As your superintendent I have been called upon to give many speeches throughout the community and schools. I find this one tonight to be the most difficult of all. During the past twenty-one months I have attempted to provide the necessary leadership that was in line with the Board of School Trustees direction for this corporation. It has been my opinion that the Board was pleased with the direction, programs and results. Certainly we faced some tough issues: overcrowded classroom schools, boundary line changes, curriculum reform, building renovations, contract negotiations and much, much more. We faced them together and knew that in every decision we tried to do what was best for the children in our care & this school corp. Now to the issue at hand. On August 29, 1984, I applied for a superintendent’s license in Indiana, several months prior to even applying for this position. (I had previously received my Illinois Superintendent’s license in 1968 and my Florida Superintendent’s license in 1979.) Had I applied for Indiana certification at either of these dates, it would have been granted. Indiana law changed dramatically in 1982 and it is virtually impossible to receive certification without attending an Indiana university. I have a bachelor’s degree, two masters and a doctorate with over 300 hours of college credit. The Indiana Department of Education, Division of Certification informed me that I would receive a reciprocal license from the state for one year but would need to make up some deficiencies as anyone coming from out of state would also face. This process of granting such a license extended until eventual approval by the State School Board on July 11, 1985. The certification extended through July 31, 1986. Such a license can be renewed four times. The state can only issue the license one year at a time, but noted in your report it would take 1* 2 years.

From the Syracuse Police log — Vehicle squealing tires at WHS

The following information was obtained from the log of the Syracuse Police and Fire Departments : SEPTEMBER 17 4:04 a m. — Subject advised of a prowler at Dewart Lake 5 9.40 a m. — Street Department employees called and requested an officer meet with them at Lake and Washington Streets 2:28 p.m. — Subject reported a truck blocking the road at North Harrison 6:32 p.m. — Party on Parkway called reference a breaking and entering 10:15 p m. — Party advised someone is putting things in a car at Miller’s Merry Manor SEPTEMBER 18 4:30 a m. — Elkhart County and Kosciusko County advised of a vehicle in the ditch at US 6 and SR 13, possible intoxicated driver 7:46 a m. — Subject on station to speak to an officer 10:30 a.m. — Subject reported a vehicle sitting at Harrison Street 2:19 p.m. — Subject called for an officer 7:21 p.m. — Party called reference a dog ,8:17 p.m. — Party called for an officer at South Harrison 8:18 p.m. — Party advisecPan accident by the post office 8:51 p.m. — Milford Police advised they had a 1972 light green LTD stolen SEPTEMBER 19 10:56 a m. — Subject called for an-officer 2:25 p.m. — Kosciusko Com-

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I immediately set out to make up these deficiencies through Ball State University under the advisement of Dr. Philip Ballou. During the past year I earned 30 hours of credit, some courses that were repeats of courses taken elsewhere. (My personal cost was nearly $2,000.00). Two courses I have signed up for were dropped due to insufficient enrollment. On June 27, 1986, Ball State University informed the state certification office of my progress and recommended continued certification. The state office responded on August 7,1986, that they would approve such certification based on Ball State’s recommendation. (Note 5 week delay.) Ball State was closed until September 7, 1986, when they began processing the necessary application and transcript to the state office (another 4 week delay). The material was mailed on September 12 and received on September 15. The state office acted immediately due to my prodding and agreed to present their recommendation for certification at the next State School Board Meeting on October 2, 1986. I received a certified letter verifying this action on September 17, 1986. All of these items can be verified by documentation on file in my office. As perhaps you can well imagine, with my educational background, this whole process is an embarrassment to me. I assumed that as long as I followed the directions & B.S.U. and the State Department of Certification that it would all work out, and has based on their time lines over which I have no control. Presuming that I had done all in my power to complete this certification process, I did not feel it necessary to apprise the Board. This, as it has turned put, was a tactical error on my part for which I apologize publicly to the Board. We have had a good open communication process prior to this incident and I deeply regret any problems this has created for the Board. They are all dedicated people trying to do a good job for this corporation. Due to several Board members feeling apprehensive regarding the legal implications of this matter I have considered the possibility of resigning as Superintendent. While I realize the Board members’ concerns in this matter, I do not find such an action to be in the best interests of this corporation or me as a professional educator. Therefore, it is not my intent to resign, but would ask my attorney Steve Snyder to address the issue he feels should be considered at this point.

munity Hospital called and asked if we could transport a patient to Fort Wayne 5:27 p.m. — Woman advised her daughter is driving on a beginner’s permit 11:39 p.m. — Report of a vehicle in the ditch by Auto Pro 11:43 p.m. — Report of a vehicle parking in the street, in front of a house SEPTEMBER 20 12:32 a.m. — Officer requested dispatcher contact a subject about picking up girls at Wawasee High School 5:11 a m. — Subject advised of a vehicle squealing tires in Wawasee High School parking lot 11:26 a.m. — Subject reported someone is messing around a house 3:01 p.m. — Man advised someone just took his keys from his trunk SEPTEMBER 21 12:46 a m. — Report of vehicles racing on Milford-Syracuse Road 1:36 a.m. — Personal injury accident reported on SR 13 south 10:15 a.m. — Subject on station to report a suspicious person on Pickwick Road 1:44 p.m. — Subject reported a license plate possibly stolen 3:47 p.m. — Party on station advised of an accident at SR 13 and US 6 4:47 p.m. — Party complained about a dog with no food or water or shelter 7:19 p.m. — Party advised there are two men on the roof at Miller’s Merry Manor

SEPTEMBER 22 6:27 am. Subject reported a theft on Waco Drive 7:54 p.m. — Subject reported he locked the keys in the car at the high school 8:01 a m. — Subject advised of a car improperly parked at the Huntington Building 8:11 a.m. — Subject requested information on burning in town 10:45 a.m. — Subject for information on theft 6:35 p.m. — Party advised of a domestic problem on Brooklyn Street 9:06 p.m. — Party advised there is a car parked at Kinder and Wildwood SEPTEMBER 23 1:07 a m. — Officer requested backup at Boston and Main 5:07 a.m. — Officer advised of a large limb for the street department to pick up on West Boston 7:36 a.m. — Subject requested the exact time 1:38 p.m. — Kosciusko County requested the location of Werker Brothers 3:28 p.m. — Subject reported kids fighting at Third and Boston 4:10 p.m. — Subject on station with a subject that ran away 5:34 p.m. — Had a report of a property damage accident at the Pacer Station 7:24 p.m. — Subject reported a fight at Griffith’s Wawasee Marina 11:47 p.m. — Officer advised of a stop sign at Palm Dr., and the access road needs replacing

Letters to the editor

Organization to protect rights of non-smokers Dear Editor: For years as I traveled around the country on business, I read letters to the editors of various papers seeking the name of an organization that works to protect the rights of non-smokers. The Society of People Opposed to Smoking, “The United Voice of Non-Smokers” is a national nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Indiana. The society was formed to protect the rights of non-smokers and educate young people about the dangers of smoking. We have recently undertaken a program to encourage nontobacco related companies to sponsor sporting events and are# developing a dangers of smoking phamplet for distribution to elementary school students free of charge. Members receive membership identification, decal and periodic newsletters and questionnaires. Questionnaires can be completed at the member’s option. The questionnaire permits each member to have an input from which the society can guide its future plans and actions. Membership information can be obtained by writing to: Society of People Opposed to Smoking, 4755 Kingsway Drive, Suite 300, Indianapolis, Ind. 46205. Kenneth J. Cruger SOS Executive Director Backs Webster Dear Editor, It appears that the job of Superintendent Kenneth Webster, of the Wawasee School System, is in jeopardy. I’m somewhat ashamed of our school system and board that would allow this embarrassment to a man of obvious credentials and experience as Dr. Webster. In addition, I’m ashamed of our State Board of Education, who for the sake of monitoring credentials, makes qualified men from other states submit to some of the indignities that Dr. Webster has en : dured. With the leadership of Dr. Webster, Dr. Howard Hull, and Mr. Ned Speichenjn our system I have felt it seconcrto none. Last night at least three of our board members took what I feel was a cowardly action in tabling the decision on this issue and moving it to executive session. The result of the public meeting Thursday indicates to me that some kind of “witch hunt” is afoot in this issue. Dr. Webster clearly demonstrated that he has done everything possible to renew his license and has been caught in the cogs of the machinery of the Education Department in Indianapolis. The arguments of those against his continuation contend if he does this it could place the board in jeopardy in two ways. First, it might have to repay any salary he has taken on an invalid contract. And secondly, it might jeopardize our accreditation. Dr. Webster’s indication that he would repay his salary in the case of an invalid contract made the first point moot and two knowledgeable men in attendance Thursday night doubted that the accreditation issue was of much concern given their experience with that organization. One stated that even if it was, it would not invalidate in any way the strength of the diplomas we give. ~ So what is the issue here? The clear decisioh of the board should have been to discontinue any decision until the October 2 meeting of the state board which will almost certainly confirm Dr. Webster’s excellent credentials. We need this man to maintain the record of excellence he has begun. Moreover, we need to

become unified behind his leadership and press ahead for our children’s sake. I urge our board to put off their decision and I strongly urge Dr. Webster to seek redress in the courts if he is unjustly deprived of serving us. This is an issue that is really no issue at all. Steve Galegor Milford Expresses thanks Dear Editor: I want to use this way to express my thanks to Bill and Rink Stath for their many, many hours of time working on the beach park. | I was on the first park board after the lawsuit and reorganization in the ‘7os. At that time, the park was very rundown. Much work has been done to make it as nice as it is today. I know that Bill has given much time to achieve the projects that have been done. Since the park is not in the city limits, I don’t feel the board should only be from within the city limits. If someone is willing to work on this, I feel he should be given the opportunity. Sincerely > Connie Smith Whois taking care of the park? Dear Editor: - The major question since my dismissal as park board member is “Who is taking care of the park?” The observations that I have made is that nobody is taking care of the Milford Park. The cases in point are such examples as: 1. The garbage has not been dumped since the park, closed for the season, (almost a month). Some cans are filled to capacity and smelling terrible. 2. The gate has not been closed every night. 3. The concession stand has not been shut down since the season ended, (all equipment is still running as when it was open, waste of electricity.) 4. A pole was partially blocking a driveway for a period of time. One town board member stated. “We have to give someone else a chance to run the park.” My statement to that is that they better get started with somebody else because it is not getting done. My opinion is that they were more concerned with getting me off the park board because I stepped on their and the Milford police’s toes. It appears that they had no plans of how the park was to be taken care of or who was going to do it. It is a sad state of affairs when elected officials will make decisions on their personal feelings of Vindictiveness rather than making judgments on what is the best for what they are responsible for. Any person that is concerned with the welfare of the Milford Park, please contact the town board and express your feelings to them. ’ Respectfully, Bill Stath Former park board member and president q • 1 H "■ Model ■ 398A ■ I k AFUE ■ 90% PlusJ ■ ■llfiliDM COOLING MILLER'S Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration "Your Independent Bryant Dealer" 457-5341 Wawasee Village, SR 13S kR. 3 Box 13 SYRACUSE

Merchants don't understand 1 ■ I. Dear Editor: As village merchant’s we have had continued words and hard feelings over the sign removals and mowing of ditches. Most of the words and hard feelings have occurred with or came from the Chamber of Commerce. We in the village believe we have conformed .to the Chamber’s wishes. In done so, we as merchants, - do not understand the continued 1 harassment from the letters sent > to the editor and the pictures 1 published in The Mail-Journal. It was our belief that this con--1 cem was settled when the signs - came down. The responsibility of » mowing the ditch banks belong to i the state highway department, j The village merchants have been 1 doing the mowing for many years » out of concern for the appearance of the town of Syracuse. We feel it is time to let this mat- ' ter be dropped and continue on as 1 business owners. j Wawasee Area ». Business Owners

Goshert is Kiwanis speaker

Gary Goshert, basketball coach at Wawasee High School, gave a presentation to the Wawasee Kiwanis Club Saturday, Sept. 20. The Kiwanians heard Goshert describe his background in basketball and his methods of working with the basketball players. Goshert stated accepting the position in ' July left him little time to do f some quick planning. He con- ? ducted a basketball camp and by I the last session 60 boys had at- " tended. Goshert, sharing out of his personal experience, stated he urges his players and others in the 1 school to do these things: Take r pride in Wawasee and get into some sport and do your class ' work, classroan work is your first business. Never say, “I * can’t.” Be positive, help other team members. Do a good job at 1 everything you do. Do what dad 1 and mother want you to do. Think ■ about them. Don’t disappoint ? them. He said, “my dad never said a bad word about a coach. I ’ never heard him make a negative statement about a coach. r He paid tribute to football ? players who play undeY other coaches and expects some of V them to make real contributions

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as members of the basketball squad. With the fiscal year drawing to a close the Kiwanis Club welcomed three new members at their meeting. Ted Mahensmith, a teacher with the Wawasee Community School Corporation and advisor of the Kiwanis sponsored Builders Club; Rev. Mike

Two thefts at Syracuse

Two thefts were investigated by Syracuse Police Monday, Sept. 22, and last Thursday, Sept 18, with neither investigation resulting in a recovery of stolen items. Steven S. Sharp, Syracuse, reported the theft of a vinyl covering from his automobile sometime between 10:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17, and 6 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 18. The car had

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been parked at his residence when he noticed the $35 cover was missing. A rented drill, valued at $449. was reported stolen by William Fisher after the renter failed to return it. Fisher, who reported the theft Monday. Sept. 22. told police that he had leased the drill August 14 to a customer at Fisher s Rent-All, SR 13. The incident is under continued investigation.

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