DEAR EDITOR:
I feel it is very important to again clarify the district’s
sincere desire to maintain a positive and supportive learning
environment for excellence in teaching and learning at Gilroy High
and throughout the district. The district is listening to
concerns.
DEAR EDITOR:
I feel it is very important to again clarify the district’s sincere desire to maintain a positive and supportive learning environment for excellence in teaching and learning at Gilroy High and throughout the district. The district is listening to concerns.
The recent disruption of the high school learning environment resulting from the release of Ms. Porter, which could have been handled in a more sensitive and supportive manner for the teacher, and the school, is regrettable. I acknowledge this concern and will continue to work with the Board and district staff to address this and other concerns expressed.
Our district is committed and accountable for retaining and hiring highly qualified teachers for all students and progress is being made.
At Gilroy High all English teachers are credentialed and the number of “not-fully-credentialed” teachers schoolwide has been reduced from 21 in 2002-03 to seven this year. The district is working very hard to align the declining resources and staff of our district to continue to promote high expectations for all students and staff. The Board and district administration are wholeheartedly committed to this worthy and challenging effort. The district is working to continually improve our communication, hiring, and monitoring practices to maximize student performance.
It should be made clear that the Board, acting in its oversight responsibility and authority, did review and vote (6-1) to support the recommendation by Superintendent Edwin Diaz, to immediately release Ms. Porter. Personnel matters are private, but the Board did find this action necessary, and in the best interest of the students, the school and all concerned. The Board takes responsibility for this action.
There are those who will disagree with our actions including one Board member.
One thing to keep in mind is that we all have an obligation to come together to work to find solutions to build a better future for students and our school. It is vital that we find ways to communicate better to facilitate trust and understanding. Real progress will come only as we learn to show mutual respect even in disagreement, and not reacting with hostility constantly discrediting motives of others. The high school is a responsibility that we all share.
The Board, as elected officials, together with the staff, parents, students and community, all must share responsibility for the successes and failures.
We are all human beings with plenty of imperfections. Let’s all keep our perspective and work together. Your support is needed in collaboration with efforts to improve our schools.
Thank you for your commitment, understanding and efforts on behalf of the students in our district.
Jaime Rosso, Gilroy
Submitted Wednesday, March 24 to ed****@ga****.com
