Ron Kossik Farewell Statement
Manitowoc Public School District
Board of Education

It has been a privilege to serve on the board of education for the last six years.

I have a much greater appreciation for the history of the school district and how much the past service of so many has created the opportunities we have today. The more recent accomplishments that I was able to contribute to were only possible by building on the foundations laid before.

Similarly, Manitowoc public schools provide the foundation for Manitowoc's economy. The majority of our workforce, past and present, received the education that prepared them for their careers and their lives in our own public schools.

As a high-performing, but low-funded district, the Manitowoc Public School District delivers the maximum value at the lowest cost, exactly what taxpayers expect from their school system. Unfortunately, these positive attributes of our district work to our disadvantage as the relentless contraction of budgets takes its toll on school districts throughout the state. The most frugal districts, such as ours, are suffering sooner and suffering more under the state's school funding formulas. I urge our community to recognize and respond to this threat to our community before our school district experiences even more severe and lasting damage.

My role on the school board was more of a conduit and sounding board for the community rather than that of a decision maker, so it is only appropriate to recognize the incredible support I have received from parents, students, citizens and the community as a whole. I especially wish to express my gratitude to the many devoted employees of the school district. The consistently enthusiastic and professional participation by all employees for the betterment of the district was an essential part of my service as a board member. Lastly I wish to thank my fellow board members, past and present, whose support, and example of leadership, helped make me a better board member.

Without in any way diminishing the contribution of others, I want to especially recognize the contributions of Superintendent Mark Swanson and Business Manager Ken Mischler. Their service and commitment to the district is invaluable, and the respect they have earned from the board, our staff and the entire community is well deserved. Although the voters disagreed, I am confident that my proposal to increase their compensation to more closely reflect their contribution to the district, is ultimately in the best interest of our district and our community.

Even though I have been unsuccessful in this election, I am confident that supporting adequate funding for our schools is the better course. I urge all citizens to redouble their efforts to provide sufficient funding for public education in our community and throughout the state.

Thank you.

April 14, 2009