and the superintendent have lost sight of what’s most important: the needs of our students.
Now, the district and the superintendent are in the process of reviewing Innovation Zone and innovation school plans, which tell how zones and schools will improve student outcomes by waiving some district policies, state statutes and provisions in collective bargaining agreements. I care so deeply about the McAuliffe Manual community, and I’m afraid that the district’s actions during plan review are going to limit the school’s ability to best serve its students and families. I’m also worried for the school’s leaders and teachers, who put so much time, thought and care into delivering the best learning environment for their students.
As an innovation school, I was also able to reallocate dollars to provide students with access to more robust social-emotional support from school and community counselors, social workers and psychologists. All of this was needed in our community, particularly when students returned to classrooms after schools had been closed during the pandemic.
Sadly, the district’s actions during the last year have stifled innovation school leaders and teachers. As a longtime professional educator, the district’s attitude and tone toward innovation leaders and teachers feel offensive; as a person, they're hurtful. Despite my years of service, I didn’t feel respected or trusted to do what was best for our team and our students.