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The Messenger LOCAL WINS MISS MAYHEM PINUP CONTEST VOL 15, NO. 7
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THE AWARD WINNING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER OF JUNEAU COUNTY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
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With deep regrets, Kryder resigns from Mauston School District BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD
Village President Earl Ells at last week’s board meeting.
Board addresses Sheriff’s letter At last week's meeting of the Camp Douglas Village Board, trustees addressed an issue revolving around Village President Earl Ells and a recent Juneau County Sheriff's Department investigation into possible violations of the Code of Ethics for Local Public Officials. Ells stood by his comments published in last week's issue of the Messenger stating that information given to authorities regarding his actions on the Armed Forces Day committee and moving festivities at one time inside a bar he owns, were false. Ells stated that at the time such actions took place he did not own the bar in question. Ells did state that the investigation was a reminder to himself and the trustees for a need for on-going training on ethics, especially for newly elected officials. Camp Douglas resident Jim Boardman attempted to comment during the time the issue was being addressed by the trustees. Boardman stated, "You're sugar-coating this and what the Sheriff stated in his letter." Ells pointed out to Boardman that the time for public comment had elapsed. Ells warned that if there were further outbursts he would ask that Boardman be removed from the meeting. As to Boardman's reference to the Sheriff's letter, he was speaking of a notice written by Juneau County Sheriff Brent Oleson which was issued at the time the investigation had concluded and after Juneau County District Attorney Michael Solovey made the decision not to proceed in charging Ells with the violations as, in his opinion, the case could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Sheriff Oleson wrote, "I suggest that you contact your Village Attorney for direction on this matter. As a Board Member you cannot participate in any action of the Board that will benefit you financially. If future violations do occur, my Office will have no alternative but to request the issuance of criminal charges by the District Attorney's Office."
At Monday evening's meeting of the Mauston School Board, an unexpected resignation was accepted by board members. Assistant High School Principal Doug Kryder submitted his resignation which was effective immediately. Kryder told the Messenger that his resignation was submitted with "deep regrets" but he felt it was something he had to do in his and his family's best interest. He is leaving the Mauston School District for a position at the Albany School District where he will be the junior high and high school principal and serve as the district's RTI coordinator. The Albany School District is in southern Wisconsin. A small school district with just 500 students. Kryder stated he is looking forward to working with the students and getting to know the Albany community. He went on to state that he greatly regrets there was not enough time before his departure to tell students and parents of his decision nor to say a proper goodbye. "I have nothing but pure appreciation and gratitude toward the students and community here in Mauston," he stated. That sentiment is one shared by many when they speak of working with Kryder during his time at the Doug Kryder resigns as assistant principal. Mauston School District. "Mauston was his home - he loved the community and students," said Tommy Miller who coached with Sharing Supper and promote the organization's meswrestling side by side with Kryder. sage throughout the state. "I think this is a huge mistake, one of the biggest ones Many have questioned why in recent years the district this District has made - letting Doug slip away. Albany is is losing so many administrators - a question that appears getting one of the best administrators in the state," Miller to be more vocal now with Kryder's resignation. stated. Miller stated he felt that the district should work to get Miller went on to express that Kryder was beloved by Kryder back to Mauston. many and dedicated to the students. "This is his home and where he belongs," he said. "He wanted to work with students - one on one. He was Despite the questions and his comment that his resigthe first one in the building in the morning and the last to nation was with deep regret, Kryder said he looks forleave in the evening," said Miller. ward to his future. Others in the community shared Miller's sentiments. "I understand that parents send their most precious Marianne Cherny worked with Kryder during the time assets to us and I never took lightly my responsibility to she spent teaching in the district and both serving with protect and educate them. I will continue to do just that," the Kiwannis. he said. "I am crushed - just crushed," she said. "Doug leaving During his extensive time with the Mauston School is a great loss for our students." District, Kryder has worked as substitute teacher, Dean of Cherny went on to reminisce about the time she spent Students, assistant elementary school principal, assistant teaching the lower grades at West Side Elementary. high school principal, and wrestling coach. "Doug would take time out of his schedule - make time If you want to know what type of person the man is, to come in and read to my students. The kids looked for- Cherny stated that you can get a glimpse into him by the ward to him coming. They wanted to meet his expecta- way he has always signed his emails and lives his life tions - he was a role model to many of them," she said. "Be kind to everyone, for all are fighting great battles." In recent years Kryder had worked closely with Margie Strouse and the Mauston Sharing Supper. Strouse stated that it was Kryder who was instrumental in creating a partnership between the community organization and the school district. Strouse stated that Kryder helped in getting Sharing Supper an international recognition which is being highlighted this month at the I n t e r n a t i o n a l C i t y / C o u n t y Management Association Convention in Boston. "He was an asset to the Mauston community," said Strouse. Kryder stated that he Doug Kryder took many hours out of his regular schedule to read to children will continue to work at West Side Elementary during his time there.