The Third Decade

Reflecting on twenty years of involvement with the Boards Association, Dennis Nitschke has stated that he thought the 1970’s was the decade of “awareness,” the 1980’s the decade of “comprehension and understanding the issues,” and the 1990’s the decade of “commitment and maturing relationships” with the state board and the administrators association.28

In 1990, Dwight York finished his first year as the state director.  York came to the position as a past public school superintendent, member of the State Assembly, and close colleague of Governor Thompson.  His first year was a time of learning and understanding the mission of the VTAE system and the significant role the various actors and organizations played in fulfilling that mission to the citizens of Wisconsin.

Early on, York questioned the Boards Association’s role in the grand scheme of the VTAE system.  Given time, according to Earl Mihlbauer, York came to understand the role of the local district board members, and that the District Boards Association was his strongest ally in fulfilling his leadership mission.  The January 26, 1990, Association minutes reflect this realization when J. Robert “Doc” Curtis, Association president and Madison board member, reported to the membership, “There has been an enthusiasm felt among board members and a cooperation among districts and the state board.”29  Mihlbauer reported at the same meeting, “The January-March legislative session was one of cooperation.  The Association worked with State Director Dwight York to pass the interdistrict tuition bill.  It was a joint effort by all parties involved.”

Jim Catania, district director at Blackhawk and then vice president of the administrators association, speaking to the Association board of directors at their August 4, 1990 planning meeting stated,

“I was requested to discuss how the boards and administrators associations could more effectively work together.  I would like to restate the topic: How can the district directors, boards and state board work more closely together in developing a positive image on a statewide basis for the common good.  The system is evolving and changing.  The strength of the system lies in being able to respond quickly and anticipate change.  The Boards Association is a respected, powerful and effective group.  The district directors are the boards’ employees.  There are no issues that separate the two, just a different point of view or perspective.  The question then isn’t how do the boards and directors work together, it’s how do these entities work closely with the state board.  There is continuing need for more communication, sharing, and joint planning among the three entities.  Unilateral position-taking should be kept to a minimum.  There needs to continue to be a clear and understandable legislative agenda.”30

1990’s – The Commitment Years