In the scheme of things, ten years is a relatively short period of time. Yet, in the last 10 years, Art Rainwater has faced, and largely mastered, more difficult challenges than any previous superintendent.

Probably his greatest test came in dealing with the impact of the revenue caps. Most of us thought that the Legislature would adjust those caps as more and more small districts faced near bankruptcy, but that hasn't happened. So Madison, like other districts, faced painful decisions as budgets have been crafted each year under increasingly demanding circumstances.

Core programs have been protected, most extra-curriculars have continued, and Fund 80 has provided a haven for some programs that could no longer be funded in the operating budget.

Art and the Board listened, each year, to angry voices. On one hand were taxpayers who did not want to pay more; on the other hand were concerned staff and parents who knew the value of programs on the chopping block. But overall, good decisions were made and MMSD remains strong because of Art's leadership, steadfast determination, and commitment to those programs that best serve the needs of all students.

Budget woes contributed to the challenges posed by an increasingly diverse student population. Low income students, who research has consistently identified as the students most likely to struggle in the academic world, are a significantly larger proportion of Madison's enrollment today than a decade ago. And fewer resources just compound the problem — another challenge that under Art's leadership, the district has met.

Education experts generally agree that as the number of low-income students increases, standardized tests scores will decrease. Not in Madison! Test scores continue to improve.

"Our core mission continues to be classroom excellence," said Rainwater. "Many share the accolades for this achievement - parents, dedicated teachers, and hard working-working students. This is an accomplishment our entire community should be proud of."

Many do deserve accolades, but as the old saying goes: "The buck stops here" — and that was at Art's desk!

Finally Art and John Matthews, working together, accomplished something that goes largely unacknowledged and unappreciated. But the labor peace they achieved means a great deal when touting up the general effectiveness of the district. When staff are reasonably satisfied with their working conditions and when they feel appreciated for the effort they put forth, it goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy educational environment — and in attracting and retaining top-notch educators in the district.

I have the greatest admiration for the accomplishments of Art Rainwater. My only regret is that I was not a Board member during his tenure. I don't miss the challenges he met so well, but I do think we would have spent a lot of time around the "water cooler" talking Badgers, Packers, Brett Favre — Art was a man who came to love Madison and the "cheese-head" stuff we all love!

Art, we're happy you'll remain a Madisonian — and we'd be delighted to welcome you as a distinguished member of GRUMPS (Grandparents United for Madison Public Schools). Thanks for being the Superintendent you were!