Carstensen Poised to Move on From Madison School Board

Doug Erickson:

Madison School Board member Carol Carstensen has handed out enough high school diplomas to know that, eventually, everyone must move on.

It is her turn now. After six terms and 18 years on the board, she will step down following the April 1 elections.

Some say it's too soon; others say it's about time.

A steadfast liberal, Carstensen, 65, can exasperate conservatives. Perhaps no one is more responsible for higher school property taxes in Madison in recent years — she supported all 14 referendum questions during her tenure and instigated several of them.

Yet she never lost a board election, even after enraging some constituents by supposedly disrespecting the Pledge of Allegiance. As she leaves, there is apt symbolism in the years she has served.

"At 18, you get to graduate," she says.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at March 23, 2008 7:21 PM
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