Commentary for December 19, 2001: School Board Grudges

Dear Friends of Commentary:

While spending most of this week grading a set of very disappointing final exams, I balanced myself by researching and writing about some of the rift between the Oshkosh Northwestern and the Oshkosh Area School District Board of Education. I realize that a walk in the park, taking in a movie, or getting into the holiday spirit would be a much healthier balance, but until they find a cure for the "news junkie virus" I think I'm out of luck.

Anyway, here are some items related to the rift that you might find interesting. First, Northwestern Executive Editor Stew Rieckman's December 9th column alleging that Superintendent Ron Heilmann and board member Michael Stratz are engaged in a post-referendum defeat sour grapes campaign against the newspaper:
http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/palmeri/stewongrudges.htm

• Second, my short piece of December 11 trying to place Rieckman's column in the context of the Gannett corporation pinciples the paper allegedly subscribes to:
  http://uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/palmeri/ronandstew.htm
• Third, Ron Heilmann's November 8 memo to the Board of Education, pointing out places where the Northwestern was unfair or inaccurate as regards referendum reporting and editorializing. I must thank Mike Stratz for providing me with a copy of this memo:
  http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/palmeri/heilmannmemotoboe.htm
• Fourth, my take on the memo:
  http://www.uwosh.edu/faculty_staff/palmeri/nosmokinggun.htm

As usual, feedback is welcome.

Mr. Mather and I hope everyone enjoys the holidays!

-Tony