President's Report

Richard Linster, TLNA President

Dear Neighbors:

As I write this, school has been out for a week. Some updates are in order.
Marty Powers is the new principal at Marquette Elementary and in the last month has spent every moment that he could spare from his interim duties at Mendota with us, at meetings and ceremonies, getting to know us. One of our neighbors who works at Mendota told me how lucky we are to get him. I understand now what she meant and believe that's why the search committee selected him as it's first choice. Congratulations and best wishes for the future Marty!

Thanks to Alice Benn for her stewardship over the last year at Marquette. Our school community was shocked last year when Principal Carolyn Stanford was transferred to Lincoln. Alice came out of a well earned retirement with grace and a sure hand never missed a beat. The year was so short and yet it seemed that she had always been there for us.

Our Lapham school community rallied together at years end and in discussions with he central administration resolved for this year space issues at the site. Staff will be reviewing the Madison School Community Recreation space to determine possible uses. In other news electrical work that had been slated for this summer will not be done due to the sole bid coming in too high. Lapham's school improvement planning will take place August 5-6. I have been asked to participate as a community representative. If you have concerns, issues or ideas, please contact me.

Red Caboose is offering an expanded summer program at Lapham and I recently stopped by to observe. Feild sports, gym activities, a listening center, painting murals, and a fishing trip were on the bill this past week. Our neighborhood children should have many valuable experiences and wonderful memories from the summer of 1996 at Lapham.

The Board of Education's budget committee finished work on the 1996-97 budget last week. Included is a major expansion/remodeling of the Marquette-O'Keefe site. We are now awaiting the arbitration decision regarding wages to see what will be the final budget. It is my hope that the additions will remain. It is a project that is long overdue and sorely needed for our students. It is the cornerstone of the East Area recommendations delivered earlier this year and does the most for the entire East High area in one project and shows a major commitment to the central city. Thanks are due to the majority of School Board members for their support.

Have a Great Summer!


Return to Table of Contents


Gates of Heaven Celebration
Transportation and Planning
The Good, Bad, and Ugly
President's Report
Weaving 25 Years
"In Alder Words. . ."
Eye on the Hood

The New Isthmus Garden Club
Assembly Report
Alder's Addendum - Flooding

Neighborhood Safety TIPS
Focus on Flood Fashions
Public Service Announcements