Wikipedia:

Civics is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in society.[1] The term derives from the Latinword civicus, meaning “relating to a citizen”. The term relates to behavior affecting other citizens, particularly in the context of urban development

Word recently arrived that Don Severson died in December, 2021.

This news appeared a few days after former Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz wrote: Madison School Board is Out to Lunch

“I don’t think they understand how dangerous this has become and how it has harmed young students who are just trying to get an education,” Lynn Lee, whose daughter attends East, told the Wisconsin State Journal.

“I feel terrible for the students and the teachers who are continually forced to deal with impossible situations like (Monday’s) and all of the students involved who are not receiving the learning environment they deserve,” he said.

That same State Journal story noted that board President Ali Muldrow and Vice President Savion Castro didn’t respond to the paper’s requests for comment. They won’t even answer questions about why it took so long to do what is essentially nothing. Not exactly models of public servants there.

I met Don early in the schoolinfosystem era. Motivated (highly) and keenly aware of the challenges faced by our well funded K-12 system, Don was always ready with a packet of plans, reports and recommendations. He shied from no meeting, nor from running for elected office.

I often think of Don – and others – when reflecting on civics and what it means to be a citizen.

Rest In Peace.