Governor Doyle visits Blackhawk Technical College

Governor Jim Doyle showed his continued support of Wisconsin's Technical Colleges during a visit to Blackhawk Technical College January 30. In a speech to faculty, staff and students, the governor emphasized the importantance of the technical colleges in economic development. He also reiterated his strong support of the technical colleges. He emphasized the need to keep them affordable for all students. He also recognized several dislocated workers in the audience who were attending Blackhawk to obtain the skills to get back into a productive occupation. (Pictured from left to right are: Students Amy Brzezinski, Crystal Cuautle, Susan Basye and Governor Jim Doyle.)

Legislative Audit of System underway

An audit of "selected personnel policies and practices" of Wisconsin's Technical Colleges is underway by the Legislative Audit Bureau. The audit, which is said to parallel a similar one of the UW System, began in January. The Audit Bureau is examining hiring and personnel practices in the areas of paid leave, sick leave, felony background checks and "back-up" positions for some staff that leave specific jobs. The audit is expected to take up to a year to complete.

Rep. Jeskewitz reiterates position on elected boards

While debate about electing technical college district boards has been prevelant in the media and in political circles, Representative Sue Jeskewitz has not budged on her stand that electing boards is not a good option. "I sincerely believe it is taxation without representation but I just don't feel there's any better way to get representation for boards than we do now," she told the Wisconsin Technical College System Board at their meeting January 24. "I will not come out in support of elected boards at this point," she said. More on the Jeskewitz visit with the State Board... »

Brian Calhoun visits WTCS offices

Several Wisconsin Technical College System staffers were delighted to see a special visitor stop by the offices last month. Wisconsin Badger running back Brian Calhoun visited the offices with his father, Andrew, dean of Community Development at Southwest Technical College. Just days after his visit, Brian rushed for 213 yards and a touchdown in Wisconsin's 24-10 upset of No. 7 Auburn in the Capitol One Bowl. Brian recently announced he will be entering the NFL draft this April. (Above photo: WTCS Education Directors Kay Moormann and Jim Gibson pose for a photo with Brian Calhoun.)