Managing Construction Projects

Dear Chuck,
I would like to commend you and UW-Madison for continuing to offer the two courses “Managing Construction Projects” and “Controlling Construction Costs” and keeping me on your mailing list.

When I was superintendent in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, I participated in the “Controlling Construction Costs” course in 1991. Over the next nine years, we passed three construction referenda and all three came in under budget. I attributed the success of these three construction projects to the skills I learned during the “Controlling Construction Costs” course.

In 2000, I became superintendent of the Port Washington-Saukville School District, and in 2002 we passed a construction referendum, which resulted in another project coming in under budget. Therefore, the UW-Madison courses had a positive impact on four successful construction projects in two different school districts and impacted many students and citizens.

I want to share with you a quote from the instructor of the 1991 course which has stuck with me:

"I am glad to see so many educators and hospital people here today.
What contractors lose on other projects they make up on you because
you don't know what you are doing."

After I heard this quote, I knew I was in the right place and my time and money would be well spent.

Therefore, keep it going! The courses definitely make a difference. You are welcome to use any of my comments to encourage others to participate in the courses.

Best regards,
Michael R. Weber, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Port Washington-Saukville School District
Port Washington, WI