Support Great Teachers

To the Superintendent, School Board, and Seattle Education Association (SEA) leadership:

Employee layoffs are an unfortunate but inescapable reality across industries in the severe economic downturn we are currently experiencing. We all wish they could be avoided – and never more when it comes to teachers – but we understand the harsh economics of the moment.

However, the nature of the RIF (reduction-in-force) process in Seattle, as dictated by the SEA’s collective bargaining agreement, is cause for serious concern and represents a major opportunity to revise policies during the upcoming contract negotiations. The Seattle Education Association’s contract reads, under article XII, section A.5: “The performance ratings (evaluation) of employees shall not be a factor in determining the order of layoff….” Incredibly, how successful or how effective a teacher is, does not factor at all in the layoff decisions.

SEA’s method of layoffs is causing great distress and upheaval for parents, students, principals and teachers.

It’s time to tell our school board, superintendent and teachers’ association that we must do better for our students. There is overwhelming evidence that the most significant determination of a student’s success is the effectiveness of their teacher. There is a huge gap between what a student with an effective teacher will learn compared to one with an ineffective teacher. As a community invested in educating our children, let’s encourage our leaders to do everything possible to hire, develop and retain the best teachers at Seattle Public Schools.

As a Seattle community, we can and must speak up to improve the effectiveness of every school, in every neighborhood.

We, the undersigned, ask our leaders to do the following:

1. Delay the immediate assignment of replacement teachers until the effects of attrition and retirement are understood. Keep successful teams intact.

2. In the new contract between the teachers’ association and the school district, change the layoff policy to prioritize effectiveness. Put in place a system that promotes, rewards and protects teamwork, expertise, best teaching practices and each site’s unique programmatic needs.

3. Ensure that all kids have consistent access to highly effective teachers.

4. Give our principals the tools they need to support and retain effective teachers within their individual schools.

In doing so, let us truly commit to Excellence for All.

**Please remember to confirm your signature by clicking the link in your confirmation email.***

Bonnie Beukema, Garfield, , 98102

xxxxxxxx, orca elementary, , 98144
yipppee

Michelle Gonzalez, Lawton elementary, , 98199
As a parent, I want the best qualified teachers in the classroom. In considering teacher lay-offs, I want the School District to consider factors in addition to seniority, such as teacher performance. This is both fair and reasonable.

Brian Moe, West Woodland Elementary, , 98117

Jennifer Paris, West Woodland Elementary, , 98117

Jeanne Bremer, Lawton, , 98199
I think quality of teaching is paramount. Let's start using techniques from the private sector -- like using performance based measures -- to get the best possible schooling for our children. Our city is world class in so many ways - it's unfortunate that school system isn't viewed as a key aspect of that.

Heath Foster, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122
I think we need to look a fairer ways to be sure that our best teachers are not lost during the RIF process.

Lisa Levine, West Woodland, , 98103

Stephanie Jones, Stevens Elementary, , 98112

David Broadstone, West Seattle HS, Sealth HS, 98116

Madeleine Noe, Lawton Elementary, , 98199
Seattle Public Schools' new strategic plan is called "Excellence for All". If administrators are truly planning on implementing this plan as advertised, wouldn't retaining excellent teachers be part of that strategy? Since the current contract allows for layoffs by teacher seniority and does not take into account teacher performance, school administrators need to review and revise this policy if "excellence for all" is indeed the goal for our children. Thank you.

Andrew Kwatinetz, Montlake, Washington MS, 98102

Heidi Bennett, West Woodland Elementary, Washington Middle School, 98103
In addition to the points listed above, please do not post openings at the upcoming job fair so that communities have a chance of re-hiring thier teachers and keeping programs, students and communities intact.
While we have some wonderful senior teachers, seniority should not be the only criteria when layoff happen. We need to make sure kids get the best teachers in the classroom, whether novice or senior

Alison Krupnick, Adams Elementary, , 98107
We have much to be proud of in our District and our strong corps of teachers is one of our greatest assets. We understand that hard decisions must be made. This is a time to lay aside differences and work together to stretch our limited resources effectively.

Elizabeth Peterson, McGilvra, , 98122

Suzannbe Shaw, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Grace Cooley, West Woodland Elementary, Hamilton MS, 98103
We need a sensible teacher reduction process that puts our children & communities first! EFFECTIVE TEACHERS should be kept & not simply cut by a database program filtering by # of years!

Kerstin Harding, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Stephanie Cross, McGilvra, , 98112
Ms. McCullough, Ms. Baker and Ms. Pleasure are integral parts of the McGilvra staff and cutting their positions seriously impacts the quality of education and support we are giving our children. Please reconsider teaching cuts as those should be your last resort. Perhaps selling old facilities that are no longer in use (such as MLK Elem) are more viable ways to make up budgetary shortfalls.

Ann Skrobut, McGilvra, , 98112

Alicia Edgar, North Beach Elementary, , 98117

Nicole Trimble, McGilvra, , 98122
Teacher effectiveness is proven to be the most important factor in student achievement. Effectiveness cannot and should not be equated with time employed by the district.

Linda Kim, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Elizabeth Zumwalt, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Luce Cousineau, McGilvra, , 98118

Brigitte Vallee, West Woodland, , 989117
Ms. Williams, 3rd grade teacher at West Woodland is one of the best ressource at that school. Let's not make a short term decision. Let's think about elevating our education system, not compromising it.

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra, Washington Middle School, 98144

Jennifer Barnes, West Woodland, Lowell, 98103

Faith Hesselgesser, West Woodland, , 98103

Tessa Fleming, McGilvra, , 98112
Let's bring the priority back to where it should be, the success of the schools, hence the students!

Eric Baker, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122
If teachers do need to be let go, performance should be a much more important factor than seniority in deciding who should remain to teach our children.

Maria Bridge, McGilvra, , 98112
This specifically affects my school. We have 3 exceptional teachers who have been RIFd just beacause they haven't beeb in district long enough. They are eager and effective and need to stay at our school! The current RIF process does NOT keep our childrens best interest in mind!

Melati Amundson, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Tara Lee, West Woodland Elementary, , 98117

Anne-Marie Chrisafis, Whitman Middle School, ,
We have had too many poor teachers in SPS who are there because of the number of years they have put in; not because they are excellent teachers.

Julie Wessel, John Rogers Elem., , 98125

Gretchen Salazar, View Ridge Elementary, , 98115

Megan Shethar, McGilvra, , 98122

Jason Stejskal, Mc Gilvra Elementary, , 98122
The RIF's proposed by the district impact my two boys who attend Mc Gilvra. Ms Baker in particular is an extremely wonderful teacher who provides structure and an outstanding learning environment in a way I have never seen in an elementary school. To fire teachers based on seniority alone is detrimental to the future of the Seattle School system students.

Amy Sigmar, Catharine Blaine, , 98199

Nancy Hopkins, Olympic View El., , 98125

Janine Bostock, Lafayette Elementry School, , 98144

Ivonne DePauli, West Woodland Elementary, , 98117

Kevin Harris, McGilvra, , 98144
Competence should trump tenure. If the existing collective agreement prevents this, the collective agreement s/b modified.

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra School , , 98112
Please keep Jen McCullough on staff. She has unbelievable talent. We have a lot of teacher experience in the private school arena and she tops ANY of those teachers hands down. We absolutely adore her and she's been the best teacher our family has ever experienced.

grace schlitt, Mc Gilvra , Lowell, 98122

tammi floyd, mcgilvra, , 98112

Jennifer Hill, Coe Elementary, , 98119

Kate Martin, Roosevelt, SPS Seattle Rotary Education Center at Metrocenter YMCA, 98117
Please help get principals who can get deadwood teachers gone. Please get teacher contracts inclusive of school calendars that work for families. Please have teacher development in the summer, at night or during breaks. It is very disruptive to learning and the patterns of the school day.

Gregory Wharton, Stevens Elementary, , 98118

David Tobin, West Woodland, , 98115

Robert Walker, North Beach, , 98117
Given the economic climate, serious discussions need to occur around "development days" and all these mini break. Teachers should take "development courses" during the summer months. Our public school system needs to shorten the school year to cut cost by not dragging it out with all these breaks after breaks and training days. This broken up schedule causes havoc on the students learning rythm and parents work schedules.

Charles Rolland, Summit K12, , 98144
Labor has a critical role at the table but at the heart of the matter is the kids. We need to make sure that the best learning environment for our young people is available, and that includes quality teachers.

Anne McDuffie, Stevens Elementary, , 98112

Barak Gaster, Stevens Elementary, , 98112

xxxxxxxx, Roxhill Elementary, , 98126

Dara Lockert, Bryant, , 98105
Let us support great new energetic teachers and move out the ones that have not responded to constant intervention from their principal.

Julie Keaton, Lawton Elementary, Washington Middle School, 98199

Jennifer Emrich, Montlake, Washington, 98102

Jennifer Johnson, Olympic View Elementary, , 98115

xxxxxxxx, , , 98102

Richard Rhoda, McGilvra, , 98112

Jeffrey S. Degen, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122

Jennifer Daves, West Woodland Elem, , 98107
The RIF system has GOT to CHANGE. I disagree with it 100% - reward performance not seniority!

Melinda Wang, West Woodland, , 98107
Sara Williams has really helped her kids. I am an in class parent volunteer, 1-2 days per wk. I have seen great improvement,in all students, thanks to her positive energy. She has an ability to support and challenge those in need. Her creativity and ability to embed curriculum in talks, games and lessons, clearly makes her too good to lose from West Woodland. The kids in her class find learning fun and their accomplishments are many. Please do not let years of service in this district, limit her future. Thank you

Emily Raymond, The Meridian School, , 98103

xxxxxxxx, Daniel Bagley, , 98103

Alison Johnson, Northbeach, , 98117

xxxxxxxx, West Woodland, Thornton Creek, 98117
Please do what is best for our kids. Please delay replacing teachers so that effective, qualified teachers might be retained where they currently teach.

Anne Baldwin, McGilvra, , 98112

Dawn Aiken, , , 98112

Janet Helson, Orca Elementary, Washington Middle School, 98144

John Maisano-Torres, McGilvra, , 98122

Lene Sangster, McGilvra Elementary, Garfield High, 98112

Monica Wilson, NOVA, , 98133
Because NOVA's program is so unique, with teachers doubling as coordinators for the students,it simply isn't possible for a teacher untrained in the NOVA system to be expected to come into the school and provide what is necessary for this highly successful program.

Portia Maisano-Torres, McGilvra, ,

James Savitt, Orca, , 98144

Beth Hausam, McGilvra, , 98117

Kathy O\'Kelley, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112
Please save the remarkable young teachers - they are critical to keeping the future of Seattle Schools bright!

xxxxxxxx, Lafayette, Madison, 98116

Christy Napier, View Ridge, , 98115

Erin Gustafson, Bryant, , 98105
Keep quality teachers, regardless of how new they are. Get rid of ineffective teachers, regardless of how experienced they are.

Tina Yamagiwa, McGilvra, , 98112
Teachers should keep their jobs because of their performance and effectiveness in the classroom, not only because they have been teaching longer than others in the system. It's not fair to the enthusiastic, energetic younger teachers who may just be starting out their teaching careers.

xxxxxxxx, , , 98101

Laurie Reed, Coe Elementary, , 98119

Lisa MacLean, , , 98103
future public school parent of two

katy rindal, view ridge, , 98115

Kelly Munn, education community, ,

Isabel D\'Ambrosia, John Stanford International, Hamilton International, 98103
My engineering manager husband has been home today working on -- you guessed it -- performance reviews! Both teachers and engineers are professionals. Why would teachers NOT want their effectiveness evaluated and taken into consideration if layoffs are necessary?

Ann Henrie, McGilvra, Washington, 98144
Fresh, insightful teachers should not be punished for a short career. Many have life experience from other jobs that can only add to their teaching skills.

Deanna Seago, Lafayette Elementary, , 98116
My daughter's 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Green is part of the RIF. This is tragic error, she is an excellent teacher and dedicated to our children. The current RIF process is unacceptable. Our students, teachers and the public education system as a whole deserve that the current RIF process be revised immediately.

Sarah Erb, West Woodland Elementary, , 98107

Lisa Moore, Nathan Hale, McClure Middle School, 98119

xxxxxxxx, mc Gilvra, , 98122

Lisa Fitzhugh, TOPS K-8, , 98102

John Stokes, community member, , 98005
The time is past to hold on to the old ways of doing things, the focus now has to be on the kids, not the adults, and work together to improve student learning for ALL children. Support effective teachers and teaching, not an artificial decision process that holds no real correlation with student improvement.

xxxxxxxx, Kent Schools, Sawyer Woods, 98042
We have great teachers at Sawyer Woods, lets get a contract that rewards all their hard work.

Kenan Block, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112
We need a teacher's contract that rewards great teachers and serves the best interests of both teachers and our kids!

Sidney Blank, Catharine Blaine School, , 98199

Sandy Nielsen, Catharine Blaine, Hamilton Middle School, 98199

Janis Traven, Garfield, , 98199
My student is heartbroken that some of his favorite teachers are being laid off. They are his favorites because they are engaged and effective teachers. That should be the determining factor for job security.

deb fitzpatrick, Greenwood Elementary, , 98117
Teachers who take the extra step to be exceptional teachers - whether a veteran of the teaching profession or brand new - need to be kept on staff!

Krista Franklin, McGilvra, , 98122

Richard Greene, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122

Rae Keyes, Salmon Bay School, Thornton Creek School, 98115

Christine Stepherson, Stevens Elementary, , 98112
Great teachers need to be retained in any economic client. The current process is bad for schools, kids and teachers.

Julie B., Bryant Elementary, , 98115

Lisa Levine, West Woodland, , 98103

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra Elementar, , 98122
Endless research including information from the Gates Foundation supports that there are 2 key factors that do NOT correlate to quality teaching: teaching tenure (# years experience) and advanced teaching degrees. There is one factor that DOES correlate to quality teaching -- past performance and success. It is on this basis alone that teachers should enjoy job security or public schools suffer.

Tim Mitchell, Bryant, , 98115
the union must remember to put quality over due collection.

Kimball Mullins, Lawton Elementary, , 98199

Anne Phalen, McClure Middle School, Coe Elementary, 98119

Libby Duzan Nuttall, , , 98112
Teachers should be retained and rewarded based on merit, not seniority.

Julita Eleveld, Lowell, , 98115

Jill DeGreen, Catharine Blaine, , 98199

ben demar, tt minor, , 98122

Bill Sherman, Bryant Elementary, , 98115
We need a strong contract that recognizes and rewards our fantastic teachers. There is no job that is tougher or more important, and our contract with teachers should reflect that.

xxxxxxxx, Laurelhurst, Washington, 98112

Elizabeth Sanders, Lowell, Garfield, 98122
My daughter's favorite teacher was RIFed. Let's find a way to keep our young energetic good teachers and reward good teaching by all.

xxxxxxxx, layfette, ,

xxxxxxxx, sacajawea, , 98115

David Sommers, Ballard High, , 98117

Jennifer Smead, Bryant Elementary, , 98105
Mr. Alex Jones, kindergarten teacher at Bryant Elementary, is an incredible educator with an instinct for inspiring children to learn. He thinks highly of his students, and they rise to the challenges he gives them. We need to support and reward highly effective teachers, not dismiss them based on low seniority alone.

xxxxxxxx, Mercer Middle School, , 98118

xxxxxxxx, Garfield, , 98115
Laying off new quality teachers and not old worn out ones is a crime against our children.

Michael King, Orca, , 98144

Harriet Bakken, Washington Middle School, , 98112

Karen Davis, West Woodland Elementary, , 98107
Please don't advertise 2nd year RIFF'd teachers jobs at the job fair!! Sara Williams is an important part of our teaching team and our school. Please keep successful teaching teams in tact and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Laurie Pike, McGilvra, Garfield, 98112

xxxxxxxx, Schmitz Park, Lowell, 98116

Kimberly Ryseff, Olympic View Elementary, , 98115

xxxxxxxx, Chief Sealth HS, , 98019
My stepson has some wonderful teachers who are fairly new to the profession but are nevertheless doing a great job. They are motivating him to work hard and have been instrumental in keeping him excited about learning. Please do not lay off these good teachers just because they have not been here as long as some of the others.

Sharon Royal, West Woodland, , 98107
For the health of our education system and the inspiration of our student learners, please keep teachers based on their quality of teaching and not on number of years on the job. Thank you.

xxxxxxxx, Thornton Creek, , 98125

Sarah Hipps, McGilvra, , 98112
Shelley Baker is my son's first grade teacher. She is a first year teacher and she has the energy and skill set that are vital to successful classrooms. Please consider excellence above all else in the RIF process.

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra, , 98112
Excellence needs to be rewarded. Rebecca Pleasure runs an art program that is exceptional in integrating "art history" with "art practice". My first grade son, who has some speech and language disabilities, talked to me about "colors like Chagall" and produced ink drawings where he was imitating Hokusai. Isn't this the kind of teacher we all want?

Jon Ostrove, Garfield HS, , 98117

xxxxxxxx, Salmon Bay, , 9807

Lynda FInch, McGilvra, , 98122
This process is stripping our schools of the most dedicated and energetic young teachers that we have. It is a decision that the Seattle School District is likely to regret greatly in the years to come.

Kathryn McGavick, Lawton Elementary, , 98199

bob mckenzie, Lake Washington HS, , 98033
Seniority does not necessarily create a great teacher. It is not the issue! We want better.

Portia Gray, Catharine Blaine, , 98199

Erik Bala, Loyal Heights Elementary, , 98117

Anne Forester, Loyal Heights Elementary, , 98117

Kelly Van Gelder, Ballard High School, The Center School, 98199
To best serve our students, community and country reward effective, inspiring and motivating teachers.

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra, , 98115
Also. Please keep the Blended Kindergarten program. I cannot tell you what a difference it has made for my son. I would want other children w/behavioral issues to have the wonderful experience and growth that my son has had. Carolyn Crinnion is a gifted teacher! I wish she could follow my son for a couple more years.

Flo Minehan, Ballard HS, McClure MS & Coe Elem., 98119
I would like to reiterate #'s 2 & 4 above: In the new contract between the teachers’ association and the school district, change the layoff policy to prioritize effectiveness. Put in place a system that promotes, rewards and protects teamwork, expertise, best teaching practices and each site’s unique programmatic needs. Give our principals the tools they need to support and retain effective teachers within their individual schools.

Elizabeth Geist, Bryant Elementary, Eckstein Middle School, 98115
Mr Alex Jones is one of the best educaters I have come across in six years as a Seattle Public Schools parent. It would be horrific if he should lose his position on Bryants teaching team based on years teaching alone.

Rick Geist, Bryant Elementary, Eckstein Middle School, 98115
Teachers should be hired and kept according to merit, not just union rules.

Kay Smith-Blum, , , 98112
Dr. Goodloe-Johnson - teachers make the difference - a good teacher trumps class size EVERY time - let's put some policies in place that help us weed out the bad without riling unions.
ksb

Dana Piper, TOPS, Garfield, 98178
Let's prioritize effective teaching over time served. Merit pay. Merit retention. What's best for the students should be paramount.

xxxxxxxx, Liberty High School, , 98059
I was impressed to see the city of Renton and the Kent Firefighter union decide to take unpaid days off rather than see any of their co-workers laid off. I wish that the WEA had the same mentality and that-that union was actually a collective voice rather than a top down call to action and thoughts that are only representative of those dictating to their members.

Scott Shaffer, Bryant Elementary, , 98105

Janis Wildy, Stevens, , 98112

Ericka Thielke, Bryant, , 98115

joanne matsusaka, Orca Elementary, , 98108

Catherine Anesini, CatharineBlaine K-8, , 98199
In a school which is only going to expand in numbers, we need to keep the excellent teachers we have and lower the class size numbers. Our middle school is functioning really well at present with the quality teachers we have, why RIF two of them

Pam Johnson, Leschi, , 98122
There is nothing stopping teachers from becoming excellent. But unqualified teachers are a roadblock to many kids becoming excellent. Prioritize kids and keep the best teachers!

Peyman Oreizy, , , 98122

xxxxxxxx, Loyal Heights, Whitman, 98117
Also Ballard High School. Keep good teachers. Get rid of the bad ones!!

xxxxxxxx, Bryant Elementary School, , 98115

Jamie Flaxman, TOPS, , 98119

Jennifer Fox, , , 98122

Lynne Goodrich, TOPS, , 98118
Please, support the school district mission statement by supporting teacher performance over seniority!

Robert Mauceri, Stevens Elementary, , 98102

xxxxxxxx, Orca, , 98118
We need strong teachers, and schools need the ability to choose who works in their building and who stays. Teaching is a difficult yet extremely important job,and our children deserve not to be pawns in an adult game.

xxxxxxxx, Orca K-8, , 98118

sarah hufbauer, ORCA, , 98122
This is so critical for ALL children's success and our future

Melissa Purcell, Orca Alternative k-8, , 98118

Amy Wright, Lafayette Elementary, , 98116

xxxxxxxx, Catharine Blaine, , 98199
I believe that teacher retention should be based on effectiveness and not on seniority. It is the only logical thing to do, teaches our kids the importance that hard work does pay off. Good, interactive, effective teachers will leave a last impression as well as knowledge to our kids.

DaleAnn Scofield, Montlake Elementary, Ballard High School, 98103

xxxxxxxx, Orca Elementary, , 98118

Jodie Nathan, Orca, , 98118

Delene DeForest-Dale, Lawton Elementary, Whitman MS, 98199

xxxxxxxx, , , 98122

Deborah Parsons, , , 98121
I do not currently have any kids in K-12; my daughter is now a freshman at UW. I have been a volunteer supporter of schools for over 10 years!

Johnny Sangster, McGilvra, Garfield, 98112
I'm very concerned with the number of teachers we are losing at McGilvra Elementary.

Gail Wong, Meany, Garfield, 98112

Chris Clements, Stevens, , 98112

Adam Zivin, McGilvra, , 98122

Lauren McGuire, Bryant Elementary, , 98105

Geoffrey Patterson, Lafayette Elementary, , 98116

Nancy Tate, , , 98117
I am astounded by the layoffs of some of the best, brightest and most committed and energetic teachers in the system. Please prioritize merit and effectiveness over longevity. Thank you.

Rev. Vaughn Profit-Breaux, Sealth H.S., Garfield H.S., 98106

Kevin G. Gallagher, Bryant, ,
Keeping strong teachers is imperative. New costly programs (dashboards & consultants, new textbooks, etc.) should wait.

Shannon E. Phillips, Stevens Elem., Lowell Elem., 98112
In this time of many changes in the SPS, layoffs should be done in a manner aimed at having the least disruption to a positive student learning environment!

Stephanie Page, Lowell, Hay, 98119

xxxxxxxx, TOPS, Ballard High School, 98107

Mylen Huggins, West Woodland Elementary, , 98103

Michael Barton, Eckstein, , 98125
Have you considered retention ratings?

xxxxxxxx, Lawton Elementary, , 98199

Mary Orth, West Woodland, , 98103

Lesa Welcker, Coe Elementary, , 98119

Laura Brosten, , , 98117

Rebecka McKinney, West Seattle High School, Graham Hill Elementary, 98118
Ignoring what teachers do for kids is wrong. Assuming anyone with the same endorsement can do the job is wrong. Teaching kids hard work does not pay is wrong.

Suzanne Oelke, TOPS, , 98144

Kira Hopkins, West Seattle High School, , 98116

Katie Snyder, T.T. Minor, , 98122

Brad & Wilma Angell, TOPS, , 98144

Michele Paulsell, McGilvra, , 98112

Kim Gould, Stevens, , 98112

Debbie, West Woodland Elementry, , 98107
Please, oh please, delay the immediate assignment of replacement teachers. Keep teacher continuity in our schools!

Laura Rose, West Woodland, , 98103
Please delay replacing teachers so that our best teachers can be retained where they currently teach.

Molly Magai, , , 98118

Kathryn Robinson, Montlake Elementary, , 98112
When Seattle Public Schools starts rewarding teachers for merit, not length of service, all boats will rise!

James Pase, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122

page abrahamson, Adams, , 98117
Bring back the excellent PE and Kindergarten teachers!!

Chrissy Bauer, West Woodland, , 98107
We love our teachers. Ms. Campbell was a great second grade teacher for my daughter Audrey. Please do not post these positions at the upcoming Job Fair. Thank you.

Ted Dworkin, TOPS K-8, , 98112

Kristie Gamer, West Woodland, , 98107

Steve Sitcov, Garfield, , 98144
strong schools need strong teachers. strong schools = strong communities

Jennifer Schorsch, McGilvra, , 98112

Kerry Cooley-Stroum, Washington, , 98102
We need to do everything we can to keep our great teachers happy!

Laura Turner, West Seattle High School, , 98126

karri marshall, ballard, whitman, 98117
My daugher LOVE LA because of Ms James is such a wonderful teacher and inspires her to be her best. Please keep these teacher that the students work hard for. My son has always hated math. He has a fun, organized teacher. He wants to do well in math for the first time ever.

Cheryl Cluley, West Woodland, , 98117

tamara philip, McGilvra, , 98112

Harry Pierce, Coe Elementary, , 98119

Allison Ainslie, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112
Perhaps the people the teachers are working for should be asked about the performance of the teacher and that should be considered when RIF's take place. In other words, performance, relationships, compatibility, to name a few are paramount to a succesful classroom and school, not directly related to seniority.

George Mollas, Layfayette elementary, , 98116

Ronnie Dennis, , , 98107

Virginia Anderson, McClure Middle School, , 98119
In crisis is the opportunity to right this wrong.

Mary Sherhart, McClure Middle School, Garfield High School, 98119
The quality of a teacher can ignite or extinguish the flame of learning in a child. The best qualified teachers should not be laid off despite seniority.

xxxxxxxx, Whitman Middle School, , 98103

Loki Bedalov, WMS, Stevens Elementary, 98144

Tamara Leff, McGilvra, , 98112
I believe that we must look at teacher performance in the classroom and how they interact with their peers and principal and not just at seniority when making decisions about lay-offs.

Barb Meade, West Woodland, , 98107

Katie Stelter Belisle, McGilvra Elementary, , 98122
Good teachers should be the LAST THING to go!!

Duke Moscrip, , , 98116
It's about time we focused on the kids and their education. Let's emphasize the excellence that we all profess to desire. To do that means the teacher's union must yield to the wishes of parents who want a better education. Better education logically means better teachers. Let's award the good ones and allow the others to find other jobs.

Galen Motin Goff, TOPS, Garfield, 98122
The lose of Joseph Swarner, Garfield and Tom O'Connor, TOPS, among the other excellent newer teachers whose names I do not know, but who are the reason behind the success of hundreds of students, is grossly unjust on every level possible. Please put the best interests of the students first--change the layoff policy and everyone will win.

Erin Fairley, John Muir, TOPS, 98144

Nicole Ashford, Lawton, , 98199

Stephanie Ragland, Franklin, , 98118
The Riffs at our school are demoralizing. Energetic,proactive, who continually seek out resources and ways to develop their--staff president, BLT chair--these are the teachers and counselors we lost. Where is the sensibility in all of this. This RIFF was the lazy choice. When will the district and the union get it right; make it balanced?

xxxxxxxx, Graham Hill, Garfield High School, 98118

Cynthia Steiner, TOPS, , 98144

James McCann, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Cristina Herdman, West Woodland Elementary, , 98107

Denise Takahashi, Garfield High, McGilvra Elementary, 98122
Keep the productive new growth, prune away the dead wood.

Lyn Porterfield, Ballard HS, , 98107

Cori Roed, Arbor Heights, Denny, 98146

Kristin Keyes, West Woodland, , 98117
Our teachers are part of our community! We took the time to hire the teachers that were the best fit for our school and it is working. West Woodland is an exceptional school. Please don't take our outstanding young teachers away. They are our childrens and community's future.
Thank you!

Tracy Arntz, Coe Elementary, , 98119

Arti Chandra, Orca K-8, , 98122
quality teachers are just as important as quality medical doctors and other health care practioners - please don't jeaopordize a child's learning experience and opportunity to reach their full potential in this world by retaining suboptimal teachers. It's like society shooting itself in it's own foot.

Liza White, West Woodland, , 98117
Our three RIFed teachers were the arts council. All are bright and contribute to our school community not just the classroom. One has years of teaching experience in another state and although she as many awards, we could lose her because of the way this RIF was done.

Polly Freeman, West Woodland, , 98107
We will lose three excellent experienced teachers under this process; it seems wise to wait until all the variables are fully known so we don't lose them unnecessarily.

xxxxxxxx, Arbor Heights, , 98136
Teachers are the backbone of the education system. Especially new, energized teachers with passion and commitment.

Tami Horiuchi, North Beach Elementary, Whitman Middle School, 98177

Sherry fullerton, Arbor Heights Elementry, , 98146

Holly Barker, Bryant, ,
Having high quality teachers in the classroom is the key to reducing the acievement gap.

Kristen Wilk, Stevens Elementary, , 98102

laura roth, West woodland, , Hamilton International Middle, 98103
Please consider performance instead of just seniority in retention of great teachers! The current policy is not in the best interest of the children, the teachers, or the community.

Marilyn Zentner Chase, Nova High School, Salmon Bay, 98108-3152
I am pro union but I understand the significant demands of effective teaching. Teachers' unions can actively protect teachers from unfair assessment processes and our district can ensure protections from assessment processes that unfairly penalize teachers who work with and make progress with the neediest children in our system. Reform is a difficult process, we are the adults, we can figure out a system that will have the least unintended consequences. We can empower individual schools, families and the staff that serve them to retain highly effective teachers and legally and respectfully move ineffective teachers away from the vital mission of educating the children and young adults in our care TODAY, right HERE, right NOW. Both sides of the contract negotiation need to focus solely on the issue at hand: best practices for kids now.

Kirsten Schaub, West Woodland Elementary, , 98117
Please reconsider this decision until the true impact of attrition is known!!!! Support the Community we've created at our school

xxxxxxxx, Lafayette Elem, , 98126

Kellee Bryan, Lafayette Elementary, , 98126

xxxxxxxx, Garfield High School, Denny Middle School, 98126
Teacher performance needs to trump seniority in lay-off decisions, this must be addressed in the new contract negotiations.

Stacy McCann, McGilvra, , 98112

Peter Grote, West Woodland Elementary, , 98103
PLEASE, PLEASE delay posting this positions until attrition and retirement effects are determined to minimize schools loosing the teachers they already have and know!

Leah Gardner, Westwoodland, , 98103
Our children deserve effective teachers. Senority does not automaically qualify as effective. The children's educational experience must come first.

Kerrie Schurr, Garfield, Madison, 98116
Please do not lay off good teachers simply because they have low seniority!

xxxxxxxx, Loyal Heights, , 98177
I am a big union supporter and have never in my life crossed a picket line so it pains me to sign a petition that the union may not support but in this case, the quality of schools is more important than the labor movement.

Ramona Hattendorf, Lawton Elementary, , 98199

Barry Tolnas, , , 98119
Please consider how well the teachers are teaching our kids not how long they've been doing it when forced to do layoffs. We want the best teachers not the oldest teaching our kids.

Jill Sullivan, Arbor Heights, , 98136

Linda Grim, West Woodland, Lowell, 98117
Please delay or cancel the job fair to get any late attrition numbers and prevent a rehired teacher from losing their prior position if it can be avoided.

Erin Baebler, Montlake, , 98112

xxxxxxxx, Adams, , 98117

Laura Probst, Sanislo Elementary, , 98106
I am a paid tutor at Sanislo Elementary. I definitely believe there are more effective teachers than others, and it is not always based on years of experience. I would like to see a more fair process for retaining effective teachers.

john koppe, Meany, Garfield, 98112

Audrey Richards, West Woodland, , 98107
We put so much energy into finding the best and brightest teachers to hire. The process to reduce our workforce needs to be equally as thoughtful. It is time to change this policy.

Katrine Jensen, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Sarah Truitt-Fimmano, McGilvra, , 98112
Our teachers are essential. Our Inspired Art Teacher Rebecca Pleasure breathes life into our children's creative minds.

Erin Westphal, , , 98112

Debbie Dubrow, , , 98122

Lisa Coughlin, Washington Middle School, , 98112

Layne M. Bautista, Roxhill Elementary, Arbor Heights Elementart, 98146

kathy, view ridge , , 98115
it is so incredibly shameful that teacher retention is based on seniority and not on merit or quality of teaching. View ridge is losing an incredibly great 2nd great teacher due to this current standard of practice-- ultimately, our children lose.

David Elliott, Garfield High School, , 98112

Christopher Jones, John Hay Elementary, , 98199

xxxxxxxx, , , 98105

david leischner, west woodland elementary, , 98107

Kari Anderson, TOPS, Garfield High School, 98118

Linda Mackay, Agape Childcare Center and Preschool, , 98117
Without the quality of education the future of our children will suffer, we need to have happy principals, in turn will give happy teachers, and support staff, without the quality of staff, our teachers will be over enrolled which in-turn will cause angry teachers who cannot give our children the education they deserve!! As a quality childcare center I prepare my children with the tools to be highly capable, I want my children to have the same experience in our education system!! This should not stop at Early Education, this needs to be carried on for their lifetime!

xxxxxxxx, , , 98118

Kelly Lippman, TOPS, , 98122
This is one way in which the teacher's union can show that it really stands for educational quality and classroom consistency. Why in the world wouldn't the union and the district agree to offer each reinstated position back to the specific teacher displaced FIRST. This would provide consistency for students and staffs. If that teacher is unavailable, positions could be filled with other displaced teachers looking at performance first and then seniority OR some combination of the two.

Amy Tucci Webert, n/a, n/a, 98199
My children will attend Lawton Elementary in 2009/2010 school year.

Sandra Anderson, West Woodland Elementary, , 98107
West Woodland Teachers are making a differance for our kids! Let's keep continuity!!!

Janelle Graves, Bertschi, McGilvra, 98112
Please help our children and keep the best teachers not just those with seniority.

xxxxxxxx, Orca, , 98144

Emiko Howard, McGilvra Elementary, , 98112

Suzan LeVine, Coe Elementary, Lowell Elementary, 98119
Transparency and accountability are key! Remember the ultimate objectives!

Jennifer Parks, , , 98102

Gwen Sheridan, John Muir, , 98144

xxxxxxxx, McGilvra, , 98112
Quality and effectiveness should be the criteria for selecting and retaining teachers.

xxxxxxxx, Arbor Heights Elementary School, , 98146

xxxxxxxx, , , 98119
I am mother of a 14 month old. I want to be able to send her to public school with confidence and pride. Reward excellence, not just seniority.

Barbara Grant, Thurgood Marshall, , 98144
This is great information to circulate - but it should be really clear that the Superintendent and the School Board can not make this decision to change this policy. They have all been very clear that they want to retain great teachers in our district. This policy is a policy of the teachers' union, and they are the only ones who can most effectively change this policy during their current contract negotiations.

Ron Wong, Orca K-8, , 98118

test, , ,

Susan Freccia, Adams Elementary, , 98117
Please consider offering retirement packages to senior teachers who may be ready to retire. A neighbor of mine who has been teaching for 40+ years said that for ,000 he would retire, leaving room for a young, new teacher to take his place. For the ,000 retirement incentive plus a starting salary of ,000 for a new teacher, the school system would still be spending less in one year than the or 90,000 the senior teacher makes per year. And we'd be able to keep young, new teachers rather than lose them to RIFs. Let's think creatively about how to keep our newest teachers teaching!

xxxxxxxx, n/a, , 98144
My child will be in kindergarten in 2010 and I want him to have the best teachers, not the oldest.

Sean Flynn, , , 98102
Good teachers are the most important factor in providing our children with a high quality education, which in turn is the most important factor contributing to their success in a challenging world. As a parent, a taxpayer and a concerned citizen, I want the best and brightest deployed to this end.

Richard Davidson, John Muir Elementary, , 98144-5560

xxxxxxxx, 98199, ,

Barbara Green, 98103, ,

Bret L. MacPherson, 98112, Montlake, Washington MS
SEA needs to change its policy. The flight to public schools is not by accident. Performance = job security and good pay.

Joe Gallo, 98199, ,

Janelle Saylor, 98112, McGilvra Elementary,
Dear Ms. Goodloe-Johnson,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the best year we've
had at McGilvra Elementary School. This is because of one spectacular
first grade teacher: Ms. Shelley Baker.

This has been Ms. Baker’s first official year of teaching, and is most
likely to be her last at McGilvra. She is a true blessing she for any
school she joins in the future. She will be missed more than words can
convey.

Honestly, we were a little nervous about a brand new teacher teaching
first grade, and such a young woman, too! But you know what? There are
twenty one children in Ms. Baker's class, and my child is absolutely
certain she is the teacher's pet. How amusing to find out that every
other parent I have spoken with says their child feels the same way.

Oh yes, I could go on about how well she teaches geometry, science,
reading, writing, how she boosts my daughter’s confidence about
speaking in front of class and all that other stuff. I’m sure you hire
everyone based on the ability to teach well. What makes a superlative
teacher rise above and beyond the others is love. Shelley Baker loves
what she does. She seamlessly checks a diabetic child’s insulin
levels, nurtures the child who needs some emotional support, delegates
to the three hovering parent volunteers and teaches the other 19 kids.
She does all this while making my daughter (and every student) feel
like number one.

I cry as I write this, for I am so honored to have had Ms. Baker teach
my daughter this past year. Shelley Baker is the best teacher I have
ever seen, and I am certain that my daughter will have fond memories
of her time if first grade for the rest of her life. I know I will.

With warmest regards,

Janelle Saylor
206 459-2291

xxxxxxxx, 98103, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98126, Gatewood Elementary,
I cannot voice my support for this petition more strongly. I was appalled to read that teacher performance, or lack thereof, is not a consideration when determining which teachers should keep their jobs.

Seth Falcon, 98122, ,

Amy Bullard, 98146, Pathfinder K-8,

Akemi Fujimoto, 98146, Arbor Heights elementary school,
I totally agree and support the letter above.

Danielle Calloway, 98122, TOPS,

Carol Gown, 98102, ,
My children are grown but we experienced many teachers who no longer cared about being an effective or engaging teacher and who should have been replaced long ago, while newer wonderful teachers were regularly laid off.

Jennifer Valliere-Douglass, 98107, West Woodland,

Jessica Bradley, 98115, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, tops, nathan hale

Jeanne Emrich, 98102, Montlake Elem., Washington Middle School
Let's stop rewarding bad teachers and losing good, dedicated teachers who want to teach and know how to engage kids in wanting to learn.

Barbara Curran, 98112, ,

Cynthia Ruggeiro, 98101, TOPS,

John Beale, 98102, ,

Karrie Sanderson, 98109, Coe Elementary School,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Montlake,

Amy Lodwig, 98115, ,

Aubrey Rosenkranz, 98119, ,

Jeanette Estberg, 98105, Bryant,
It's time to reward and recognize excellent performance by teachers in our public schools, regardless of seniority.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, TOPS,

Shun Fong, 98144, Maple Elementary, Beacon Hill Elementary

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Mollie Mills, 98199, ,

Stacy, 98109, Lowell, John Hay
I can't even begin to tell you what incredible teachers my daughter has had at Lowell - and they are all very young. It would be a travesty for them to be laid off. I have never seen such incredible teaching in my life and I value them very much.

Darlene, 98199, Blaine,
Any parent with kids would choose an ambitious green teacher over the teacher who might have become uninspired over the years.

Jean Brumder, 98115, ,

Leda Goncharoff, 98117, John Stanford International School,

Cathy Garrison, 98102, ,
I had kids in public schools and experienced first hand several teachers who were not that concerned about my children or were not cut out for teaching. It makes all the difference in a child's life if they have good teachers who communicate, have empathy and compassion, like and understand kids and do everything they can to teach each child equally.

The union rules about RIFs are ridiculous. Unions should be concerned about making sure that they partner with the school district and teachers to make sure every teacher pulls their weight and has laser focus on being great at what they do, which includes ongoing training and development. And, not be concerned about how many years a teacher has worked. Let's change this so the system can be more effective.

xxxxxxxx, 98102, ,
former teacher for bellevue public schools, former sub. teacher for seattle public schools

Stacee Nault, 98102, Montlake,

Lissa Mehalchin, 98119, Coe Elementary,

Elizabeth Berggren, 98144, Garfield HS,

Beth Goldberg, 98105, Bryant,

Darcy Rue, 98105, ,

Bob Greenberg, 06614, ,

Nancy Glidden-White, 98116, Lafayette Elementary,
We love Ms. Nyberg-Green at Lafayette and hope you will reconsider her impending layoff due to low seniority.

Michael L. Sherman, 98133, Lower Woodland, Eckstein
My wife teaches with a Jackass and a young, brilliant, committed teacher was let go- tell me, who is in charge?!?!?!?!

xxxxxxxx, 98103, west woodland ,
please assist in reconsidering the rifs

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Wedgwood Elementary,
I do not, and never will, understand why among the first things to cut are teachers. Administration is out of control. You can not keep having departments slashed, yet keep or shuffle around the same number of administrators. I also don't understand why there is need to bust up the unions. If we get rid of unions what garuntee do we have for qualified people (including true background checks) around our children. It is bad enough that some underhanded slip by, but to put our kids in possibly more harms way, in the name of a budget crisis is wrong. Cut administration first, teachers and staff last. You have already stripped down staff so much, don't know what else there is to cut. But feel you'll find a way.

Jane Fellner, 98112, Garfield,
I respect and support the hard work of our teachers, but we must find a way to support our schools by considering performance in times of RIF.

Heather Long, 98107, West Woodland,
Save our teachers! Stop robbing our children of a bright future!!!!!!! AN OUTRAGED CITIZEN!!!!!!!

Patty Taagen, 98112, stevens, Nathan Hale

Andrea Radosevich, 98112, Stevens,

Lisa Richmond, 98144, Orca,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, West Woodland, Thornton Creek
By delaying the reassignment of teachers until the numbers of retiring teachers becomes clear, principals can have a better chance of keeping their highly skilled teaching staff intact. Not only is this is the best thing to do for our kids, it is the RIGHT thing to do for our kids.

Renee Freier, 98112, Washington, Stevens

Joan Kelly, 98117, West Woodland Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98107, westwoodland,
A teachers position should be performance based like any successful business - the schools "product" are our children, our future! How can one opt for anything less than the best?!

xxxxxxxx, 98199, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98177, West Woodland Elementary,
Let commonsense prevail!

Marc R Pendergast, 98122, Stevens Elementary,

Lotte McNamara, 98199, Coe,

sharon silverstone, 98102, ,

Timara Freeman-Young, 98122, ,

Jennifer Andrews, 98115, View Ridge Elementary,

Pamela Copeland, 98102, TOPS,

Peter Kretzman, 98102, Roosevelt High School,
My students (one recently graduated, the other a junior) are both upset beyond words at seeing great teachers laid off, while other mediocre ones are retained. What a poor example for our children!

Franklin Hu, 98136, Arbor Heights Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,
Item #2 is the key point. The other 3 items in the petition are mushy and dilute your message.

J. Endreo, 98126, Madison , WSHS
Excellent teachers = excellent education for our students. The system needs to support all of our excellent teachers.

xxxxxxxx, 98105, ,
The current system is unsustainable and unjustifiable. It does not support the wonderful teachers who are passionnate and excellent at their job and definitely does not put the students and the public interest first. Public schools are supported by the community. The school district must in return be part of this contract in the public good. Public/parent input needs to be measured. Teacher effectiveness and behavior must be independently verified. Good teachers need to be encouraged. Troubled teachers need to be evaluated in the same way as every other worker in our society. Professions must not be on the side of harming innocents by protecting suboptimal behavior and performance.

Barbara Chin, 98112, Stevens Elementary,
I find it extremely unfortunate that teaching staff needs to be reduced, and astounding that performance has no bearing on which teachers are RIFed. I can't think of any other professional environment where on-the-job effectiveness is a non-issue. I want every child in Seattle to have incredible teachers, and I don't see how SPS will be able to attract and retain the best if this policy continues. It's no small wonder that so many families are scared away from the public schools... and that does not lead to excellence for all.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98122, ,

Melinda Morrison, 98119, ,

Hannah Morgan, 98118, Orca K-8,

Mischa Redenbaugh, 98102, ,

Thomas Emrich, 98102, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98119, John Hay, Coe

Tom Johnston, 98112, McGilvra,

Shira Brewer, 98112, Madison Middle School,

xxxxxxxx, 98125, ,

Eric Fox, 98122, ,

Jennifer Durrie, 98122, Stevens Elementary,

Bruce Perham, 98108, Orca,

Cheri Bloom, 98102, TOPS,

Laurie De Jaen, 98102, Montlake,

xxxxxxxx, 98105, ,

Anna Faraday, 98102, ,

David Von Lehman, 98199, Blaine Elementary,
Performance and effectiveness should be far and away the number one criteria when determining who is retained - as is the case for nearly all successful results-oriented organizations. Any other basis only serves to diminish our children's education and by extension our nation's future.

Leroy Radford, 98103, West Woodland Elementary,

BRENDA HOYT, 98118, ,
"Tenure" is a valuable concept and I understand it's use. But job performance is an equally valuable concept when it comes to determining teacher that should receive extra consideration whenever a decision is being made about who stays and who goes.

Julie Forkasdi, 98146, Arbor Heights,

Andrea Lingenfelter, 98112, Montlake Elementary,

Tiffany A. Mikes, 98118, Orca 98144,

Alice Byers, 98102, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,
I have been advocating for rewarding teachers based on performance over senority for years. My two kids have graduated from the Seattle school system and had their share of terrible teachers who were still around because of the union's senority rules. Please change that!!

Don Schlosser, 98199, ,

Pamela Kraus, 98112, Montlake, Thurgood Marshall

Ellen Levi, 98144, TOPS,

Cynthia Shelly, 98112, Lowell,
The laid-off K teacher at Lowell had been at the school before and has APP experience. This was supposed to help bridge the programs, and was an important part of the design of the team for this school that has already had so much upheaval. Especially for the schools impacted by capacity management, team dynamics should be considered in these decisions. Of course seniority should be a factor, even a major factor, in the choice of people to RIF, but it should not be the only factor. There are other factors that can be applied in a way that's fair to teachers, reduces upheaval for students, helps us prevents us from losing the most talented of our young teachers. Don't forget that many senior teachers are nearing retirement, and that we need to keep the junior teachers in the system to replace them. We can't afford to lose them.

Kristine Wallen, 98112, ,
Quality teachers are a necessity for our children's education. Seniority does not equate to quality.

sara levant, , ,
We need experienced teachers, but we don't need teachers who are simply killing time til retirement. such teachers should be replaced by newer, more energetic and idealistic teachers. Kids deserve the best possible teachers, and teachers should be retained on the basis of skill, not years in schools.

xxxxxxxx, 98122, TOPS,

Carol O\'Rourke, 98112, Garfield High School, Montlake Elementary

Tom Nickels, 98105, View Ridge,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, ,

Meg Angell, 98115, Wedgwood Elementary,

Mary Williamson, 98119, McClure, Coe
Professional development and performance assessment systems are crucial tools for strengthening Seattle schools. Seniority-based lay-offs are a terrible way to go -- I hope the new contract talks enable the district to put a better system in place asap.

Denise Daniels Barwell, 98109, John Hay Elementary, McClure Middle School
Please make RIF decisions on the basis of teacher performance.

Judith Lee, 98108, TOPS, West Seattle High
If Seattle Public Schools want to "compete" effectively with private schools, we need to be able to not only retain the best teachers but also be willing to layoff the less effective ones.

Maureen Gaines, 98102, Montlake,

Katherine Jorgenson, 98106, Chief Sealth H.S., Denny M.S.

xxxxxxxx, 98125, Rogers,

Pamela Greb, 98199, John Hay,
This RIF is directly impacting our school and specifically a fantastic teacher in grade K, Ms. Walter. She is truly a great, effective teacher, and because this is her first year in the district, she is being RIF'd. Our schools need to be able to keep the great ones, and make decisions based on performance too. Seniority alone should not be the deciding factor.

Sachiko Armour, 98118, New School,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, Stevens Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, , ,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,

Nancy Hom, 98107, TOPS,
Of all places, why is performance not a key factor in the decision making in our education system? If a teacher is doing a great job he or she should be rewarded, not penalized.

marisa haralson, 98117, ,

Ann Simonson, 98118, TOPS,

sean baughn, 98133, Eckstein Middle School,
Help me keep my job!

Ken Schubert, 98112, Stevens,

Monica Duke, 98108, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98105, Bryant,

p scearce, 98112, ,

Jennifer Giblin, 98117, ,

Jan Studyvin, 98177, McClure, Nova

xxxxxxxx, 98136, Garfield, Garfield
Our educational system needs to put the child first not the teacher. We keep losing public kids to private schools since they can hire and retain teachers based on how well they educate!!

xxxxxxxx, 98104, ,

Lisa Hahn, 98107, West Woodland Elem,
Please delay the immediate assignment of replacement teachers...keep our teams intact!

Kim McCormick, 98125, John Rogers Elementary,

Sandra Eshleman, 98144, John Muir Elementary School,
I think that performance and seniority ought to both be considered in determining teacher layoffs. We need to support teachers into their retirement who continue to inspire their students and demonstrate excellence in teaching.

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Ballard High,

Alan Lenny, 98126, Denny Middle School,
Competency is the best incentive for job performance. I don't think an honest teacher who knows they are ineffective can keep a good conscience if their coworker who is more effective than them gets laid off.

Jenna Noelke, 98118, Graham Hill Elementary,

Mariska Kemna, WA 98105, View Ridge Elementary,
Younger teachers are our future; we should not compromise by losing them. Keep Mr Snyder at View Ridge Elementary. He has been of of those great teachers the school should be proud to acquire and retain. We have to keep our priorities straight. These kind of union contracts are our past, not our future.

Jon Nelson, 98107, West Woodland Elementary,
Please do not post RIFed job openings at the upcoming job fair. Allow our school communities a fair chance of re-hiring thier own teachers and keeping programs and continuity in place for their students.

Angela dugan, 98109, Hay,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Sacajawea,

Jared Roach, 98112, ,

young lee, 98115, view ridge,

Martin Mehalchin, 98119, Coe Elementary,
Absolutely crucial to reform the personnel policies. Shame on the union for defending a status quo that has so clearly failed.

xxxxxxxx, 98108, ,
Keep good teachers!

Sarah Jones, 98119, John Hay,
We selected John Hay for my daughter's kindergarten year in large part becasue she would be placed in a looping classroom and have the rare and unique opportunity to have the same teacher for two years in a row. She was excepted to a couple private schools and we opted to support the public schools instead. I am so saddended that such a wonderful teacher who my daughter has bonded with is now being let go. We are increadibly dissapointed that such a skilled teacher is being laid-off and that one of the main reasons we chose to support the public schools is no longer an option for our family.

xxxxxxxx, 98108, ,
Long ago, in another school district, I had a teacher who should have been laid off as ineffective (if not fired for being abusive). He never was because he had such extreme seniority (he'd taught parents of my classmates). Teachers should be retained based on their skill and effectiveness, not because they've simply been around so long that they are just part of the school site.

xxxxxxxx, 98105, ,
Please keep the best teachers in each discipline.

Lynn Lee, 98103, West Woodland Elementary,

Kathy Robinson, 98112, ,
I understand the need to trim workforces to meet the budegetary restraints, at the same time, I don't understand selection by seniority. As a taxpayer, I want to support the best teachers in maintaining their positions, not simply those that have worked the longest. Teaching requires dedication. If a teacher is not effective and/or is not willing to keep their skills current and meet today's needs, they should not be kept on the professional rosters, since by their ineffectiveness they are not demonstrating professionalism nor dedication to their consumers...the students, the community...future employers of the students, or the taxpayer.

Joan Stewart, 98102, Garfield,
it is a disgrace that we are #50 in class size in this country. We need to invest in the education of our students by ensuring that the best qualified teachers remain in our schools. Please consider another manner of evaluating and maintaining high quality teachers who are eager to teach and challenge all our children.

Lora Campbell, 98107, Adams Elementary School,

Amy Payne, 98112, Roosevelt,

Jill L, 98108, TOPS, West Seattle High School

Mary Janisch, 98115, McGilvra,

Alexa Crawford, 98103, Villa Academy,

Elise Knox, 98107, West Woodland,
I have heard the most wonderful things about the 3 teachers being laid off at West Woodland. These teachers have worked exceptionally hard and have positively impacted individual children and the school as a whole. Please give more West Woodland students a chance to learn from these gifted teachers.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98107, West Woodland Elementary,

Cory Maclay, 98107, TOPS,
Our school is losing 2 incredibly gifted teachers. The loss of both is heartbreaking. Over the past several years many students in our school, including our two daughters, have had to work around some very senior, yet very ineffective teachers. When a long time 5th grade teacher was released [after a deliberate process was followed] our principal hired a bright, creative, committed, compassionate teacher to move into the 5th grade team. The difference this year has been phenomenal. Sadly, she was one of the first to receive her RIF notice. In the middle school a smart, dynamic, creative, committed male teacher who has been part of the team for 6 years has received his RIF notice. The shock waves across the community have been keenly felt. In the district's commitment to "Excellence for All", please take the time needed to evaluate teacher effectiveness before seniority. These are difficult times. Do not make them more so by sending effective teachers out of our schools.

xxxxxxxx, 98199, Lawaton,
If the teachers' union wants public support for future initiatives, it needs to work WITH parents on the issue of layoffs/teacher quality. The union must moderate its position on protecting non-performing teachers if it wants this parent's continued support.

Rebecca Young, 98117, West Woodland,

Edward Bland, 98117, West Woodland,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Nancy Chapin, 98144, Kimball,

xxxxxxxx, 98109, Hay,
If this is the extent to which the district and the union are committed to excellence for all, then you will find my kids, my time, and my dollars headed to private school. Last hired/ first fired might be fair for factory workers, but the public schools should no longer be on the factory model. Wake up and see how union refusal to consider merit is damaging the profession and our kids.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, Coe, Washington

Carolyn Halley, 98144, ,

Rachel Rios, 98117, Adams Elementary,

Marc DeMartini, 98107, West Woddland,
My daughter enrolled for the 2008-2009 year at WW specifically because of the excellent team of 3rd Grade teachers there. Now one is leaving. Why does the Seattle School dist. make these short sighted decisions?

Warren Etheredge, 98107, ,

Bill LaBorde, 98108, John Muir Elementary,

Karen Thiers, 98105, Laurelhurst Elementary, Eckstein Middle School

Kathy Sherman, 98133, Eckstein,

Jen Engelke, 98117, Adams,

Donald Septon, 98117, Adams Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Corrie Watterson, 98112, ,

anna moore, 98144, John Muir,

Andrea Miller, 98112, ,

Jane Harvey, 98112, Community member,

Kimberly Steffensmeier, 98103, ,

andrea arnold, 98122, lowell,

Sabine Lang, 98119, McClure,

Sarah Bayless, 98107, West Woodland,

xxxxxxxx, 98122, ,

Burke Harris, 98144, Muir,

Julie Stamstad, 98144, mcgilvra,

Tamara Anderson, 98103, McClure Middle School,

Diane M Darling, 98107, Ballard High School,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Stevens,
A system that places more value on tenure than talent does a disservice to our kids and our schools.

Susan Fung, 98144, ,
This is THE most important thing you as a board can do to IMPROVE the education of our children. It is high time that teachers are kept and paid for by how well they teach! I can't tell you how often my child has come home and told me how she wasn't learning in a particular class because the teacher was terrible. On the other had, some teachers are just fabulous, and even if they are hard, the students respect them and learn from them eagerly. The students are actually the best the judges of a teacher, and a teacher rapidly earns a reputation that the parents become aware of. Some teachers believe they are hard, but they are just mean, while other teachers are seemingly afraid to have high standards. An effective teacher knows how to assign homework that is not "busy work" which again some teachers who think they are being hard, actually do. Most importantly, good teachers are organized and focused and don't let the class get them off-track. My daughter took a history class that when I asked her what she learned in it the whole year she said "nothing." She took another history class, and she just raved about how wonderful the teacher was and I could clearly see how much she was learning it it. If you want to bring back the families who send their kids to private school, you MUST change the way you hire and fire teachers. You must evaluate them using input from the students and from the parents of those students. THE most important quality about a classroom is not size, but about the quality of the teacher who teaches there. Change your policy of hiring/laying-off/firing teachers and don't bow to politics!

bobbi windus, 98117, Adams,

Cathy Hutchison, 98107, Whitman Middle School, Ballard High School
Good teachers need to be retained, whether or not they have seniority.

Dora Taylor, 98122, ,

Karen Ries, 98106, ,

Richard Chin, 98112, Stevens Elementary,

Carina Langstraat, 98119, Coe Elementary,
Performance counts, performance counts, performance counts. Teacher unions are an an anachronism.

Rebecca Steinfeld, 98115, ,

Rebecca Ringhouse, , ,

Cambria Cox, 98118, Graham Hill,

Celeste Tell, 98119, Nova,

xxxxxxxx, 98105, Laurelhurst,
Of course the School District should reward teachers that are the best, not just the ones that have been around the longest. Great teachers equal a great learning experience for kids.

Gregory Briggs, 98108, ,

Elizabeth Uding, 98117, Nova Project,
School communities know what kind of teachers they need. It is wonderful that hiring committees can be made up of students, teachers, staff and parents. It makes no sense for the district to decide which teachers get placed in various schools.

Daphne C. Stephens, 98116, ,

Shelly Sundberg, 98119, Garfield,

Peter Gross, 98103, NOVA project,
Let's support excellent teachers and keep successful teams together at this critical time in our children's lives.

Debbie Murray, 98107, West Woodland,

Amanda Keating, 98108, ,
Seattle Public Schools needs to start implementing measures and making decisions that encourages families to stay within the system - too many bright kids are being lost to private schools and/or the suburbs.

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,

Pennie O\'Grady, 98103, Salmon Bay, Ballard HS
It's very very important to support with all the funding we can muster successful school programs with unique teacher qualifications ALREADY IN PLACE in schools!

Deborah McGrew, 98116, Lafayette, Garfield
In order to provide the district with the best teachers available it is imperative that factors such as performance indicators be given high priority with relationship to lay-offs

Jane McGillivray, 98107, Adams,
please evaluate and keep teachers on how well they do their job, not on how many years they have been in the system.

Megan Wilbert, 98118, ,

Meredeth McMahon, 98112, ,

xxxxxxxx, NOVA, ,
NOVA is a successful alternative school is a supportive, safe and welcoming program that serves a unique community of students. Students are assigned to individual teachers who serve as Coordinators throughout their high school years. It's a unique responsibility for teachers and the relationships are crucial to all students, most importantly to the at-risk students who have found a home at NOVA. These teacher/coordinators are not interchangeable with other teachers in the district who might teach the same subject matter. Please consider the points raised in this petition and seek to retain current NOVA teachers who have proven themselves valuable in this unique program.

Jennifer Jukanovich, 98144, John Muir,
I know an incredible middle school teacher who was just laid off because she had only taught in the Seattle school system for three years. This woman was nominated for the Golden Apple award, started a successful choir, was written up in Curriculum magazine, and was continually praised by her principal. Her fault for losing her job? Nothing. She did everything with excellence, but that was not good enough. All that mattered was the length of time she sat in that position. One could never do this in a corporation or nonprofit where efficiency and excellence matter. Principals and school boards hands are tied by the union system that needs to be changed so our school system does not lose any more excellent teachers.

Ellen Markman, 98122, TOPS, Garfield
It has never made sense that the consequences of the union's protection of seniority over all other measures falls directly on the backs of the children. The system is broken. Teachers are underpaid, teach classes that are too big and are expected to do much more than just teach in our large urban school district, and they deserve protection. But it doesn't need to be so black and white, certainly there should be a host of objective measures to assess a teacher's effectiveness. Great young teachers (and I mean amazingly great) at both of my kids schools are being laid off. They are the future of these schools, and now they are gone. It is a heartbreaking shame.

Debra Steinberg, 98144, Lowell, John Hay

Kelly E. Sweet, 98115, Nova Project,

Gary Gesellchen, 98116, Madison, Alki
Please move toward teacher evaluations for effectiveness, using ther results for retention ratings and merit pay.

Caroline Brown, 98107, The Center School,

Jaime Pisaruck, 98116, Nova, Madison

Victoria Martinsen, 98112, Garfield High School, Washington Middle School
Our collective future depends on the quality of all children's education. To succeed we must ensure the best teachers are retained and rewarded.

xxxxxxxx, 98105, Eckstein, Laurelhurst

xxxxxxxx, 98107, Adams Elementary,
We were sad to learn that three wonderful teachers at Adams were part of a reduction in force, not due to poor performance, but years of tenure. This is truly disheartening to the entire Adams community.

Teresa Sweeney, 98109, Ballard High School,

xxxxxxxx, 98119, The Center School,

Karen Kemme, 98117, Adams Elementary,
We want the best of the best for our kids.

Elizabeth Murphy, 98126, Nova Mann Project, West Seattle High School

Ellen Peterson, 98108, McClure Middle School, Kimball Elementary

Betsy Kluck-Keil, 98117, The Center School,
As a parent, I support team building and the importance of a "good fit" between the culture of a school and it's staff. The kids succeed when the staff is fully engaged.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,
SEA will continue to lose support as they prioritize outdated strategies. I want SEA to work with the superintendent to create a contract that acknowledges that our students deserve excellent teachers, not just ones who have seniority.

Janna Rolland, 98115, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98107, ,
tenure is dated. it needs to be done away with. keep teachers that truly want to teach. there are too many teachers that are collecting a paycheck. move on folks. levies should pay for eager employees!

Susan Monas, 98103, ,

Elaina Greenberg, 98118, ,

Marsha Haflon, 98144, ,

Carlos Brown, 98118, Summit K-12, Garfield

Marvin Webster, 98112, Madrona,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, View Ridge,

Erik Giesa, 98177, Whitman, Loyal Heights
The SEA must take a lead in helping schools retain the best teachers regardless of seniority. I know the intent behind the policy is a good one but in practice it doesn't work and we end up hurting our schools and eventually the credibility and efficacy of the SEA itself.

Amy French, 98116, Lafayette,

Alexis Weil, 98112, Stevens,

xxxxxxxx, 98108, Franklin H.S., Beacon Hill International

Diana Einmo, 98112, Stevens,

Colleen O\'Rollins, 98107, West Woodland Elementary,

J Mattson, 98119, John Hay,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Montlake, Garfield
Senority Should NOT be the main or only criterium for riffing teacher. Please fight to get that changed

xxxxxxxx, 98112, NOVA,

Bob Clayton, 98107, Center High School,

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Lafayette,

katie sechler, 98117, Ballard High School, Whitman

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Bryant,

Jill Goodnight, 98103, Nova,

xxxxxxxx, 98136, Gatewood,
Let's work together to retain the best teachers, not just those with the most senority.

xxxxxxxx, 98136, Lafayette,

Tammy Wooley, 98136, Arbor Heights Elementary, Madison Middle School
Teacher reduction negatively impacts the educational future of our community. This should be the absolutely last choice for cuts. Look harder at admistrative salaries! Cut out the fat, not the education for our future adults.

Anna Bertrand, 98119, ,

Spencer Beard, 98122, ,
There must be other places to cut the budget rather than letting teachers go. How about not buying new texts this year?

Terrance McKittrick, 98117, The Nova Project,
Dear Superintendent, School Board Members, and members of the SEA,
Believing that any teacher can take the place of any other teacher, or believing that all students learn in the exact same way (and so should be presented aligned curriculum) is both against all good research for best practices and multiple intelligences, as well as being just plain foolish and shortsighted. Removing young teachers who have energy and a passion for teaching will only make the school districts around us stronger, because that is where they are going. Aligning curriculum will remove the possibility of creating socially and personally individuated curriculum, which is one of the most important aspects listed in any "Best Practices" book. Doing both of these things at the same time, aligning curriculum and removing good teachers due to their time served, will not bring Excellence for all - it will bring resentment and resistance.
One or all of you need to stand up for what is best for the teachers AND students. This should be your main concern.
Sincerely,
Terrance McKittrick

Jennifer Brown, 98118, NOVA,
Especially important to keep NOVA teachers on as part of the team while the school transitions to new location. Enough impact on the school community already without taking away two exceptional teachers who have proven their value academically and as mentors who understand and contribute significantly to the NOVA program.

Karen Keeley, 98119, TOPS, Salmon Bay
Teacher effectiveness over seniority!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brad McMullen, 98102, ,

Jeremy Bunn, 98107, Adams Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,

Annie Geer, 98133, Broadview, Whitman

Stacy Andersen, 98112, Montlake, Washington

Jo Reid, 98103, Ballard ,
The layofff choices for Ballard were thoughtless. Laying off the 2 Language Arts teachers for the Biotech Program guts the whole program. the entire language arts program received a huge hit - sending the message the LA is NOT an important subject in our schools.

Lauren Younger, 98107, ,

Heather Brammer, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
layoffs sgould be based on performance, NOT seniority. Our school stands to lose some of it's best teachers.

Caprice D. Hollins, 98055, All Schools,
Effective teaching is key to closing the opportunity gap. Students need the opportunity to have access to the best education we can provide. District leaderships' support of this would be one important step towards teacher accountability and putting our students first.

xxxxxxxx, 98109, John Hay,

Noah Tratt, 98112, ,

Katy Flaherty, 98065, Somerset Elementary,

Leslie Peterson, 98118, Pathfinder,
Laying off teachers because of lack of seniority is not an effective way to teach children or to ensure that ongoing teams and initiatives in schools can be continued. This is particularly true for the alternative programs. Open positions at those schools will now be filled by teachers who may or may not have experience with or an affinity for alternative education.

xxxxxxxx, 98109, ,
Please make decisions that support the best interest of the children.

JoAnn Burrett, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Devon Kelly, 98199, Catharine Blaine,

John Tippett, 98112, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, ,

Deirdre Pew, 98115, View Ridge , Meridian School
Most people realize that RIF's are a necessary evil in economic downturns. A system that disregards performance and merit in favor of seniority only, however, is outdated, impractical and does not lead to excellence and innnovation. Nor will it maintain the support of parents.

Will it be hard to determine a fair performance evalution criteria? Sure, that doesn't mean it can't, or shouldn't be done. Will it require more work of the district, and teachers themselves? Probably. Comprehensive performance reviews usually do. It should, and it may require some tweaking over time to perfect.

The SEA/WEA should hear this from parents loud and clear - we DO support our teachers, but we want performance and merit to factor in to comprehensive evaluations.

Excellence for all - students, schools, and teachers!

Sheri Brown, 98104, Nova,
Paying attention to students and keeping teachers that best support their success is critical for a safe and effective education.

lisa macomber, 98117, north beach,

Mary-Alice Pomputius, 98112, ,

Ann Boyd, 98103, Daniel Bagley,

xxxxxxxx, 98107, Adams Elementary, Whitman Middle School
I am a teacher who supports the development of an evaluation system that balances seniority with student growth and fair and effective teacher evaluations in order to determine a seniority status that includes teacher skills in the equation. I would like to see our union, school district, and school board work to establish a more balanced method for establishing reduction in force and displacement choices that does not unfairly harm new, enthusiastic and talented teachers.

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Adams Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, ,

Matt Bridge, 98112, McGilvra Elementary,
Let's keep our children's best interests in mind when making these decisions. We're losing 3 amazing, passionate teachers at McGilvra because they haven't been around long enough? It's time to make these tough decisions based on merit.

Teresa Nemeth, 98102, Garfield, TOPS
My kids are watching some of their best teachers get riffed. My son's comment: "The world is a messed-up place." What example are we giving them?

Catherine Carpenter, 98122, Lowell,

Suzanne Hamlin, 98116, Madison Middle School,

kate ballbach, 98112, montlake,

Scott Hamlin, 98116, ,

Tanya carl, 98116, madison middle school, Denny middle school

Jean Hamilton, 98106, Madison Middle School, Pathfinder

Holly Thorson, 98115, West Woodland,
Please do not post openings at the upcoming job fair so that communities have a chance of re-hiring their teachers - great teachers like Ms. Williams at West Woodland!

Carol Brown, 98101, Nova Project,

Kristen Kelln, 98116, Madison,

Beth Dwyer, 98136, MADISON,
As a middle school and high school parent, a Seattle public school volunteer of 10 years and a former PTSA president, I think it is critical to all childrens success that the most qualified teachers be placed in the classrooms. I want the School District to consider all factors of performance in addition to seniority when determining layoffs. This is a reality that we all demand in our private workplaces and must demand in our schools. Performance accountability is key. Excellence for all!

xxxxxxxx, 98117, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98118, Cleveland HS,
Support the Back 2 School Bash on August 29, 2009. This event is hosted by the Rainier Beach Community Empowerment Coalition.

xxxxxxxx, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Jennifer K Johnson, 98122, Stevens Elementary,

Julie Irwin, 98126, Madison Middle, Schmitz Park

Kristen Lamey, 98112, McGilvra,

Parris Sadow, 98116, Lafayette Elementary, Madison Middle School

Alison Crowe, 98107, West Woodland Elementary,
Please reconsider the layoff of three teachers at West Woodland which until the numbers are in for retirements and attrition. These teachers are part of excellent teaching teams and west woodland has been increasing it's enrollment, so it doesn't make sense to remove these teachers only to replace them with other teachers (no cost savings there!). Please delay your May 28 action to post their jobs until the accurate numbers are in.

Sabranie Coyne, 98118, Orca K-8,

Debbie Cherniak, 98118, The Nova Project,
teachers are not cookie cutters, and small communities are adversely impacted by treating them as so.

Kelly Mulligan, 98122, McGilvra,
While, I understand the difficulty of these economic times, we have got to have a different way to lay off teachers that is more equitable. This current system is not effective and does not "provide excellence for all". There needs to be a different assessment process when laying off teachers and not letting go of all the new teachers. The union does not have the students at the center when they follow simply on a seniority basis.

JulieAnn Clifton, 95106, Madison Middle School,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, John Hay Elementary,
For me, performance of the teacher is the most important factor in whether I would like my child in the class/school. When so many of our decisions in life are based on quality of service and performance, why wouldn't the quality of the teachers in whose care we leave our children in be in some way different?

Sarah Brands, 98107, Adams,

Wendy Graveley, 98116, Madison Middle School,

Cathy Good, 98146, Arbor Heights Elementary,

Jennifer Rice, 98109, John Hay,
I am very discouraged by the recent layoffs and am particularly saddened that my daughter's outstanding Kindergarten teacher (and through looping was supposed to be her 1st grade teacher) has been unceremoniously RIFF-ed. This is a mistake. Your process of consistently laying off younger, yet enthusiastic and talented teachers must be reviewed. I understand seniority is a consideration, but excellent evaluations of junior level teachers must carry more weight.

xxxxxxxx, 98109, John Hay,

Katey bean, 98177, Center School, Whittier Elementary

Anne Caughlan, 98117, Daniel Bagley,
Let's not lose our best teachers!!

xxxxxxxx, 98107, Whittier Elementary, Whitman MS

Kristine Forbes, 98144, ,

John Perez, 98119, Garfield,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, John Hay ,

Tara E Parsons, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
Seniority without consideration of personal excellence, constituent satisfaction and overall contribution to the school community is shortsighted and wrong. Seniority should be A factor, not THE factor for determining job cuts. As it stands now, we are poised to lose an outstanding kindergarten teacher and leader within our school and it is the children and our community as a whole who end up paying the price. Please do not send other young, passionate, excellent teachers this message of futility and unfairness, and allow us to retain a truly outstanding teacher and human being.

Rachel Nash, 98133, North Beach Elementary,

alison crowe, 98107, West Woodland,
Please reconsider the way that teachers were chosen for RIF - teaching performance should be considered as well.

Eleanor Goodall, 98144, John Muir Elementary, Washington Middle School

Dawn Wyatt, 98115, Nova, Roosevelt

Karen Kemme, 98117, Adams Elementary,

Stephanie Pickett, 98115, ,

Nancy Miovic, 98112, Stevens,

xxxxxxxx, 98103, ,

Kelly Powers, 98103, Bagley,
Our top priority must be to do what's best for kids and learning.

Bob deLaubenfels, 98177, Nathan Hale,

Kimberly Boyt, 98109, john hay elementary,

Heather Aldrich, 98105, John Hay,
My childs teacher is being laid off and this greatly disappoints me that he will not be able to loop with her as originally planned. It is sad that the unfortunate lay offs have to have a tidal wave effect and displace teachers that shouldn't be moved because they are doing a fantastic job with our precious children.

xxxxxxxx, 98070, Vashon School District,

Sean Kelly, 98119, McClure MS, Garfield HS

Matthew Swenson, 98106, ,

Julie Howell, 98116, Alki Elementary,

Sylvia Hayden, 98121, ,
I am a retired Seattle principal. I support this petition from 25 years of experience in the public school systems. My grown children both attended SPS. This is a long standing problem that needs to be addressed.

Dan Osborn, 98115, Wedgwood Elementary,

Rich Schwartz, 98102, Montlake,

Marguerite DeVinney, 98115, Wedgwood Elementary,

Deborah Reber, 98105, ,

Molly Seaverns, 98136, ,
Effective teachers make a difference, seniority policies reduce the quality of education. Let's focus on kids, not SEA policy

Andrew Golan, 98146, Concord Elementary,
As a son of two teachers I'm a long time supporter, but the best way to win ongoing parent backing is to assure us that the best are being retained. It's the single biggest obstacle to supporting the union and implies that teachers are a higher priority than are our students.

Jeff Ammons, (8199, Lawton,
Our Kindergarten has two teachers 1/2 day each (long story) the younger first year teacher is all about the kids and very loving, the "senior" teachers is remote/unattached and is very cliquish - guess who's staying....

xxxxxxxx, 98513, ,
To the union of parents,
The public schools' parents should consider to burden or at least share the school buses' transportation costs for your children. It'd leave some budgets for the government to add on few more teachers, as there is a lot of parents out there not poor at all. It's just a suggestion.

Molly Martin, 98115, Roosevelt High School,

Peter Gregory, 98109, John Hay,

gilliat schroeder, 98027, ,
Put our children and their education first. The teachers' union has clearly strayed from that tenet and needs to change.

Victor Wiens, 98040, Mercer Island Middle school, Mercer Island High School

xxxxxxxx, 98126, ,

Alysia Johnson, 98115, Roosevelt High School, Eckstein Middle School
This decision is hurting our kids. We must pull together as a community to provide the best possible education, and be open to ideas that make sense. Rewarding excellence in teaching, by factoring in merit-based decisions, is the kind of innovation Seattle Public Schools really needs. Teachers have it hard enough today. Let's recognize those that are really shining and thank them for their important contributions.

Dana Varon, 98146, Arbor Heights Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, ,
Let's support the teachers, young and old, who continue to invest their best efforts in our children. Nobody is entitled to teach my son just because of tenure. His life is unfolding day to day, and teachers should have the right to demonstrate their skills and concern, day to day, for their entire careers. Most do. Where is the union in leading the change to a more market based, responsive system that our entire society has had to move toward? Save the teachers or save our children? If the union focuses on the children, they will do the right thing by the teachers.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, BF Day,
We need these young teachers to bring enthusiasm and a fresh view of learning to our kids!

xxxxxxxx, 98115, BF Day,

Aaron Bert, 98117, Whittier,

Meg Guilland, 98125, Sacajawea Elementary,

Brad Kelln, 98116, Madison Middle School, Sealth High School

xxxxxxxx, 98122, Stevens, Lowell

Thomas H Walker, 98103, Hamilton International Middle School, Roosevelt High School
I've watched my kids go through a range of teachers, from awesome to completely ineffective, and firmly believe that it makes all the difference in the world. Can we really be satisfied as adults/parents/society if we're shortchanging the kids who have no voice or control? Sure, measuring teaching effectiveness includes a subjective component, and can therefore be seen as unfair, but life isn't always fair. Let's do the best we can to do right by the kids.

Andrew Enfield, 98103, ,

Sarah Jackson, 98109, McClure, Hay

Dennis Burns, 98118, Garfield High School,
The Seattle Public School System should have as its first priority providing the best education possible. The idea of choosing less qualified and less effective teachers to teach our children because they have seniority is absurd. I listened as my son and his classmates discussed the impending cuts of the teachers they thought were the most effective, while keeping those that weren't. There was no way I could explain to them that a system designed to teach, was keeping the teachers they felt were the worst. This is not a lesson they should be asked to learn. Great schools require great teachers. It is well past time for the teachers to understand that their union needs to become part of the solution in the Seattle School System and not just the problem.

Jo Ann Farwell, 98105, ,

John Porter, 98034, ,
We live in Kirkland and our kids graduated from school many years ago. I have always been a union supporter but there needs to be a better way to keep good teachers and fire bad ones. There is just as great a need to trim administrative waste as to reform teaching problems, however.

Kelley Shanley, 98178, Graham Hill, Garfeild
My boys have two first year teachers, both of whom have amazing energy and enthusiasm-something lacking in the majority of educators that they have been exposed to.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Roosevelt High School,
My child has been educated entirely through the Seattle Public Schools. Each year of high school he has had a couple of excellent, inspiring teachers, some well-intentioned but less able, and some truly awful. It is one of those inspiring teachers who was just laid off, and you can't imagine how disappointed that makes my son (who was hoping to take another class from this teacher as a senior) and his parents (who love to see him inspired). There has got to be a better way.

Martha cohen, 98136, WSHS,

Gary Fagerholm, 98059, The New School@Southshore,

xxxxxxxx, 98125, ,
It is absolutely ridiculous that teacher evaluations play no part in retention. No wonder young teachers leave in droves. I can't imagine any system being successful in which you base compensation and retention on time on the job rather than quality of the work. I am generally a supporter of unions, but the teacher's union has it all wrong on this one, and they are doing themselves a great disservice. It's time we did what's right for our children and our schools and base retention on hard work and making a difference.

Dawn Gold, 98105, Bryant, Eckstein

xxxxxxxx, 98144, ,

David Hayward, 98107, West Woodland Elementary, Whitman Middle School

Evelyn Correa, 98103, Roosevelt High School,
It's time to rethink the criteria for releasing teachers.It's also time for the teachers' union to stop taking parent support for granted.

Marylee Webbeking, 98125, ,
I am a retired Seattle high school teacher and I agree completely with the arguments put forward in Andrew Kwatinetz's recent editorial.

Peter Moore, 98115, Roosevelt High School,
The good teachers that excite my son all too often fall prey to an archaic system while burned out deadwook continue to put in their time and make school a wasteland where young minds languish.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Nathan Hale,

Karen Knight, 98005, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, Lawton Elementary,
As a child myself of two public school teachers and union supporters, it pains me to sign this petition. However, this firing of newly hired teachers feels like a terrible response to a budget shortfall. Our school administrators take time, money and much effort to bring the very best, dynamic, and talented teachers to our students and now our school is set to loose 3 such teachers. Our new president supports merit-based rewards for teachers and I have to agree with his progressive approach. This is Seattle, and we should at least have a chance to debate the issue and not just follow the old, stale status quo of seniority having more weight than more qualified and enthusiastic teachers.

John Mullin, 98103, John Stanford, Eckstein

Lynn Chambers, 98029, Issaquah Middle School,

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Madison Middle School, Chief Sealth High School
Please look at who deserves to stay based on performance, not age!

James Gray, 98118, Garfield High School,

Phyllis C. Yasutake, 98118, Head Start Emerson, Head Start Roxhill
The best thing we can do for teachers is to ASK them what they need, how can we support them in the classroom and reduce the amount of paper work they have to fill out. Teachers need the freedom to meet the needs of individual students.

Kathy Stanley, 98199, Lawton Elementary, Washington Middle

xxxxxxxx, 98030, ,
I am all for supporting our teachers! When will the community demand that educational cuts start with the school boards and superintendents. I am sorry but the unions keeps stuffing the pockets of these administrators. While cutting teachers and closing schools because the money does not make it to the classrooms. All at the expense of our childrens education!

Amy Gray, 98118, Garfield High School,

John Downing, 98092, ,

Leinora Stuart, 98105, Bryant Elementary,

Reena Koshy, 98112, McGilvra, Meany
Cutting staff and school programs is a short term solution with much longer term consequences. Effective education can decrease disparities in society. We maintain the infrastructure of society by investing in our teachers and supporting students to achieve. We are not cutting costs with the current measures, we are shifting from action to inaction compounded by losing effective teachers. It will cost more in a year to decrease the achievement gap.

Kate Harkins, 98122, Garfield,
We have had enough! How could effectiveness not be important in deciding who to keep? There has to be a way to not put 60 yr old teachers on the street and still have good teachers working.

xxxxxxxx, 98058, ,
Retain the BEST, not the oldest. Experience doesn't necessarily equate to better. Make the process open to competition so the best and brightest teachers are in the classrooms teaching out children!

Julia Singer, 98125, Hale, Salmon Bay

Warren M. Clemans, 98144, TOPS K-8,
It should go without saying, but it is inane to make layoff decisions based on seniority rather than merit. As a veteran teacher and neighbor of ours used to say, the sole purpose of the union is to protect the interests of the worst teachers.

Sara Morris, 98107, West Woodland,

Glenn Berkwitt, 98103, ,

kim tull-esterbrook, 98109, stevens elementary,
We just found out that my son's teacher this year, Ms. Haskell, will not have her job next year. She is a first year teacher with so much energy and so many fresh ideas. My son absolutely loves her and I feel so sad that our school will lose all that she has to offer simply because she has no seniority. It makes me nervous for the future of our educational system, if we push out all of the teachers with new ideas and new training.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
"Excellence for all"= working hard to make sure we meet collectively meet that goal. We do not achieve excellence by following guidelines that were written in a former century, or millineum, for that matter.

Claudia Henry, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
The quality of education for kids should be a top priority for a teachers' union - I was stunned when I learned that quality of education is not important to the SEA. I have heard all of the reasons for this policy and none trump the reasons against it.

J. Hunt, 98115, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98122, Summit, Orca
If we have to cut teachers at all, I'd much rather cut based on performance. Too many teachers who appear to have grown tired, showing too many "parties" and movies in class that have nothing to do with learning. I'd much rather keep new teachers who bring enthusiasm, energy and fresh ideas to our classrooms.

Kim E, Penfold, 98117, ,

Barby Salimian, 98109, John Hay Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98118, McClure ,

Jenny Kanevsky, 98116, Schmitz Park Elementary,

Kristin Duff, 98116, Lowell,

Trist Sirotzki, 98117, ,

Phyllis Levy, 98115, Roosevelt H.S.,
I agree that teachers should be evaluated by merit and lay off decisions should not be decided on seniority alone but competence. I can think of a handful of teachers who had been teaching for many years and were terrible. Everyone knew it, the principal, the parents, the kids but yet nothing was done.

Bill Hoke, 98146, Lowell Elementary,
I greatly appreciate the teachers who have taught my daughter so far. However, I think it is important to base teacher retention and promotion at least partially on performance. That is certainly the reality that I live with in my career, and I want my kids to have the best teachers. Seniority by itself won't provide that.

Will Krause, 98117, Loyal Heights,
As a general matter, I'd prefer to have the most excellent teacher leading my kid's class, be that person "senior" or "new." A teacher's energy drives the learning experience. The lack of energy, leadership, creative thought, and most of all common sense amongst the district's administration (I would not call it "management") is disheartening to say the least.

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Ballard High School, Madison Middle School
The Union claims that seniority is the only "fair" method of laying people off. However, a truly fair method would rely upon a combination of factors such as effectiveness and experience. The Union needs to know that it is not equally serving all its members, the district needs to engage in a meaningful negotation with the Union, and the city of Seattle needs to let the District know that 165 teachers is too many to loose. There are other avenues on the path to fiscal responsiblity.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, Washington Middle School,
Everyone needs to come to the table and come up with a new solution. The current system does not provide our students with the top quality education they deserve.

Kurt Grevstad, 98199, Ingrham HS, Washington MS
For the sake of the kids, retain the best teachers not the oldest teachers. I strongly believe this retention policy is causing more harm to our education system than any other by far.

xxxxxxxx, 98117, North Beach,

Georgi Krom, 98119, ,
Make decisions based on teacher merit. Allow principals to make staffing decisions.

Kathy R, 98033, ,

Lisa McGraw, 98105, Bryant Elementary,

Ray, 98118, graham hill ,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Montlake Elementary,

Steve Bird, 98105, ,

Jonathan Dubman, 98112, ,
I am not yet a parent, but we owe it to our children to provide the best education we can possibly afford. I firmly believe teacher effectiveness should not only be a factor, and should not only be a priority; it should be the only priority, in deciding whom to retain. The substantive issue should be how we assess effectiveness, not whether we should do so.

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Lafayette Elementary,

Cailean, 98125, John Rogers,
Rehire Gina Duvall!!!!!!!!

xxxxxxxx, 98119, John Hay Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98109, ,
Merit has to be considered in any teacher layoff. The most important priority in any school is providing the best education for the students.

Sharon Davidoff, 98112, \\'08 Garfield graduate,
Retention of teachers should be based on ability. It is way past time to make this so.

tom jugueta, 98126, ,
some years ago i had the pleasure of teaching in a high school for a couple of years and i was appauled at the attitudes of some "teachers" who talked freely in the teachers lounge tenure is ok but merit is much more important are the schools there to provide jobs or are the schools there for educating are young people???!

Birgitt Agasid, 98108, ,

raj, 98102, Lowell,
i think we all need to work as team and make better decision and select program that will help our kids succeed.

Jerri Harden, 98117, Ballard,

xxxxxxxx, 98125, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, ,
It is factors like the terms of Seattle Public Schools' collective bargaining agreement that are making me lean toward private school for my kid, despite that we live a stone's throw from Catherine Blaine Elementary.

Byron Krystad, 98103, John Stanford International School,

Vanessa Bowker, 98102, ,

misha jammal, 98112, Stevens,

Sara Savage, 98103, Hamilton Internatinal Middle School,
Young people are already disillusioned about going into teaching. By laying off the new, creative, enthusiastic teachers first we risk losing them altogether. Effective senior staff need some protection but we can't afford to turn away and turn off the next generation of teachers! Reward merit & effectiveness, not seniority!

Jim Allison, 98112, ,

stella caldwell, 98199, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98125, ,

Paul Robaidek, 98122, TOP,

Ruthanne McPhaden, 98105, Roosevelt High School,
I think it's way past time for the teacher's union to think about retaining the best teachers, not protecting the jobs of those who don't care any more.

Fraser Black, 98144, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Madison, Nova
As a department head in a "School of Distinction" gutting my department is a huge set back for the gains our school has made in the past 4 years. Having to spend a year getting six teachers new to the school on board to the way we work here at Madison will be detrimental to our students’ learning. Cost cutting will prove tragically expensive to our students’ growth. Find ways of maintaining continuity rather than disrupt the flow of continual improvement.

Lisa Reeves, 98199, Lawton Elementary, Whitman Middle School

Molly Hasson, 98144, Beacon Hill International School,
Quality over Quantity!

linda hayward, 98249, west woodland, whitman middle
as grandparents of students in west woodland and whitman we are requesting that you reconsider your plan

Al Kinisky, 98021, Kokanee Elementary,

HEATHER CASHMAN, 98199, John Hay Elementary,

Margie Salier, 98105, Salmon Bay,
In a rational world, teacher effectiveness would trump seniority without question.

Sarah Adams, 98122, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98177, ,

Barbara Schaad-Lamphere, 98126, Kids Graduated,

Patrick Sheehy, 98117, North Beach, Salmon Bay

Kuang Li, 98144, Washington Middle School, John Muir Elementary School
Hope teacher will be accountable for student's performance and as a consideration for lay off, don't let underperformed abuse tax dollars.

Katherine Johnson, 98199, Lawton,

Jane Cramer, 98133, Northbeach Elementary,

Rick Rappe, 98133, Northbeach Elementary,
Prioritize and demand effectiveness for teachers!

xxxxxxxx, 98108, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Salmon Bay,

xxxxxxxx, 98106, ,
It is very important that we retain teachers who are effective.

Michael DeCaro, 98109, Coe, McClure

Kevin C. Washington, 98146, AAA,
Seattle, and the rest of the State, is long overdue for revamping the contracts with teachers unions to focus on student success and great teachers -- and less with covering up for those who cannot teach.

xxxxxxxx, 98105, Green Lake Elm. ,
Our teachers are fantastic!

Cathy Taylor, 98168, Hill Top Elementary, Southern Heights Elementary
If my decisions in life are based on qualifications, ability, merit and outcomes then why would I want to base my child's development & future on anything less? And I don't even have kids - but the current educational system is clearly broken & must be fixed for all of our futures! Get the best, the brightest & pay them a decent salary! If you are an ineffective teacher, then you need to make a career move!

Kevin Lorensen, 98136, ,

Mark Olds, 98115, Eckstein, Roosevelt

Vikki Cain, 98106, Madison, Cooper
One of the teachers caught in the cuts is my childs favorite teacher Mr Hagopian. My child has ADHD & not many teachers are able to adapt to his needs in a way that my child feels good about and wants to excel. This teacher is one of the good ones please reconsider this decision.

Kali Mohr, 98106, Madison,

xxxxxxxx, 98125, Whitman MS,
It is time to move past a seniority only based system. The most enthusiastic young teachers are being displaced. Even if they are rehired, they don't get their current position, they end up in a new school starting over.

xxxxxxxx, 98109, ,
Last hired, first fired - sounds like something G.M. unions would require. And we all know what happened to them.

Mats Myrberg, 98122, Garfield High School,

Jennifer Lamson, 98117, North Beach, Whitman (fall 2009)

Jeri Donnelly, 98112, Stevens elementary, Washington Middle

Lois Hanson, 98105, ,
My sons are products of the Seattle School District. While they had some truly great teachers, they also had some pretty horrible ones. Yet in spite of that, or maybe because of that, my older son has chosen to teach middle school in Seattle. He subbed for several years before he got a continuing contract 2 years ago. However, despite positive reviews by his principal and his teaching team partner, he is being riffed. Under the current situation, a principal can give a "passing" review to a teacher which allows that teacher to transfer to another school. It takes a really strong principal to give a truly ineffective teacher a "failing" review because then that teacher can NOT transfer to another a school & the principal is stuck with that teacher while pursuing the many steps needed to actually fire the teacher. For most principals, it's just easier to pass the problem on to another school. While I don't have all the answers, there needs to be some way to include merit, and not just seniority, in deciding whom to lay off.

Doug Donnelly, 98118, Washington Middle, Seattle Prep

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Wedgwood, Eckstein
Performance should be one of the top factors--if not the top factor--in deciding who should be retained. Promotions and raises should be similarly tied to performance as the primary factor.

xxxxxxxx, 98122, Garfield HS,

Ross Collins, 98103, Hamilton, Roosevelt
We can make a difference. Tell your friends! Tell the teachers!

xxxxxxxx, 98177, North Beach Elementary,
Every job should be based on merit...why not the most important ones?

Jeannine Daigle Moore, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Paige Collins, 98103, Hamilton International Middle School,
Please reconsider this policy. It doesn't make sense to lay off effective and dynamic teachers merely because they have less seniority. It is in the best interest of our kids to keep the highly motivated and successful teachers and get rid of the ineffective ones - regardless of how long any of them have been teaching. Our kids deserve to be taught by the best teachers; let's reward great performance rather than years in a position.

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Adams Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, North Beach Elementary,
The children and the quality of education they receive should come first. Give the principals the tools necessary to reward and keep high quality teachers.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, graham hill,

Kathy Schmid, 98144, TOPS K-8,

xxxxxxxx, 98199, Lawton,

Ken Windus, 98117, Nathan Hale, Adams
parent, SPS teacher and SEA member

Denise Krownbell, 98144, Orca,
I am a union member and know there are ways to promote effectiveness. With the slashing of education funding in the recent cuts, it is even more urgent to do this now.

Karen Kazanjian, 98117, North Beach,

Matthew F. Carter, 98105, Laurelhurst,
As a parent, I want the most effective teachers for my children. As an educator, I want the most effective colleagues in my school. The union should prioritize excellence over seniority.

Angie Vogt, 98023, Sherwood Forest (Federal Way), Illahee Middle School (FW)

Danelle Edgerton, 98126, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, Washington MS,
YES!!!

Angie McCullagh, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Dana Riley Black, 98117, Salmon Bay,
We continue to hear the need for more quality math/science teachers (teachers who are endorsed to teach these subjects); new higher education programs (such as the one at WWU) are supporting the development of such teachers; but even though they are needed, they are new and they are RIFed. Keep effective teachers qualified to teach the content in their courses.

Joyce StClair, 98146, ,
Keep teachers based on effectiveness, not based on tenure!!!!

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,

Chuck Read, 98119, ,

Gladys Ly-Au Young, 98119, John Hay,
My son's kindergarten (less senior) teacher is on the lay-off list. His teacher's energy, effectiveness and love for all her kids are apparent to all who has been to her classroom. The kids are supposed to loop with their beloved teacher. It will truly be a tragic lost if her lay-off is based on seniority rather than greatness.

Ken Windus, 98117, Nathan Hale, Adams
Parent, SPS teacher, SEA member

Christopher Fast, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
Pressure the Legislature to temporarily increase funding to primary education, so school districts do not have to fire teachers and increase class sizes, even if it requires a tax increase. The boom-bust funding cycle is devastating to the quality of education, as many of the best teachers are lost with each cycle.

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Lafayette,

Jeffrey Kapsner, 98115, ,

Donald Allen, 98103, Madison Middle school,
Teachers are essential and those that inspire as well, are irreplaceable.

Ben Johnson, 98115, Olympic View Elementary,

Lani Riday, 98033, LWSD,
We need inspired, effective teachers!

elizabeth lee, 98136, Chief Sealth,

Chris Waldorf, 98115, Roosevelt,
It is a crime that unions are even allowed to exist in our public schools. Outside of parental love, education has the biggest impact on the future of our children. Unions are a major disservice to the quality of education our children need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, ,

Burt Clothier, 98466, ,
I don't live in Seattle, but I'm an employer and need well educated, and highly motivated kids who will finish college, so don't skimp on Primary education!!

xxxxxxxx, 98102, Montlake,

Chad Caron, 98118, ,
I appreciate the teachers' union desire to retain jobs but honestly I favor my child's and the entire city's children education far more than the status quo.

Stan Friedlander, 98112, McGilvra,
There has to be some other measure of effectiveness than seniority. It counts for some, but not all. In order for kids to be inspired (which they need to be in order to learn), teachers need to be inspiring. Let's find a way/process to "measure" inspiring.

Stephen White, 98108, ,

Sarah K., 98102, Montlake Elem,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, ,
Please run the schools like a business. The best should advance regardless tenure.

xxxxxxxx, 98014, ,
At last the "real" teachers speak publicly! The SEA will block your efforts toward excellence all the way. Your vital step for you and your students will be willingness to cross the very predictable picket lines.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,

christine doellin, 98144, ,
I am not even a parent. i am just a member of this society. I have studied child development and the societal impact of children who did not get the critical aid they needed during their crucial development period. These children do not thrive and society in turn will not thrive. please let us not be short sighted for our future. Children who have the skills to develop into competent adults make this a better world for all. So take care of the teachers and care givers who take care of our children.
thank you, christine

William Andersen, 98115, ,
Remember, kids who miss a truly gifted teacher in any particular year will never again have that particular experience; its potentially transformative benefits are gone forever. Later excellence in teaching is good, but one has to regard the loss of any opportunity for excellent teaching as essentially irreparable.

Julie Ladwig, 98116, Madison Middle School, West Seattle High School
I was in junior high in the 70's in the Highline School District when massive teacher layoff's were deemed necessary. My 9th grade algegbra class was taught by the football coach. He was a good guy but he knew he could not teach algebra and did not try. The entire class was a waste of time. All of the students paid the price--you can not advance to the next level unless you pass algebra. Goodloe Johnson has a plan for this district that is not in the best interest of the students and communities she serves. She should release the interest on the capital fund to tide the district over until the economy picks up. The interst alone can insure that we do not have to lose a single teacher and need not take huge steps backwards. Goodloe-Johnson has wasted an amazing amount of our money and has used her office and the district resources to persecute a West Seattle High School teacher. I have serious questions re her
ability to make intelligent decisions. I believe it is time for her to go.

Maret Poole, 98122, McGilvra,

xxxxxxxx, 98075, ,

Natalie Reeder, 98199, Catherine Blaine,
Please don't let Ms. Molly Montague go! She is one of the best teacers that I have had. And she is a very good teacher. WE LOVE YOU MS. MONTAGUE!!!

Dan McGrady, 98107, ,

Kellie Fay, 98117, Adams Elementary,
Please consider the long-term impact of your actions! We all understand the difficult situation but a society that values the education and experiences of its children will only progress in positive directions. The opposite is just as true.

Emily, 98102, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,

David Miller, 98115, ,

Heather Marx, 98126, Gatewood Elementary,

Bruce Jacobsen, 98112, Garfield,

xxxxxxxx, , ,

LT, 98199, Lawton,

Drew Porter, 98102, Montlake,

Tom Hetlage, 98122, ,

Don Davis, 98034, ,

Kathryn Helde, 98112, ,
It is a crime to let ineffective teachers keep their jobs. It is a crime to fill open positions by seniority of applicants rather than by the qualifications of applicants.

xxxxxxxx, 98105, laurelhurst,
let performace and merit dictate employment.. I've seen some REALLY BAD teachers be protected by the union. The system does need an overhaul!

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Jane Addams,
The decision on who to RIF should be based on performance. I think the first hired first fired this policy may have been adopted to protect the jobs of older teachers If an older teacher receives
excellent reviews then they should not have to worry about being RIFed.

xxxxxxxx, 98133, Ballard High School,

Scott Campbell, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
Why do we bailout our bankers and not our teachers?...societal priorities?...Who do we have to blame for this..."The average science score of U.S. students lagged behind those in 16 of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a Paris-based group that represents the world's richest countries. The U.S. students were further behind in math, trailing counterparts in 23 countries."
/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/04/AR2007120400730.html

Laura Graham, 98117, Loyal Heights Elementary,
Great teachers make such a difference for kids. Please consider the impact that teachers can have and retain the most qualified and effective teachers.

Jennifer Mackley, 98136-1810, Lowell Elementary, Thurgood Marshall Elementary
Seniority should only be one of several factors. Teachers that have been around awhile have no incentive to improve . . . in fact I have experienced just the opposite. Since they know it is practically impossible to fire them, they act less professionally, pursue fewer academic improvements, and allow substitute teachers to fill in more often.

Michelle McFarland, 98109, John Hay Elementary,
We love our great teachers!!!

Mary Lynn Bogdanovich, 98177, ,

Brian Pratt, 98115, View Ridge Elementary, Eckstein Middle School

xxxxxxxx, 98133, Shoreline Community College,

Carmen Hudson, 98117, Loyal Heights Elementary,
We all realize tough decisions need to be made in this economy. However, the latest round of non-transparent shuffling and layoffs is in direct contradiction to the stated "Excellence for All" vision. Please note the above and come to the community for help in these decisions.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, Coe,
Seniority as the only filter for retaining teachers does not guarantee teacher effectiveness or equitable treatment for new teachers. The district made at least 2 RIF calculation errors for teachers at Coe Elementary. How many other teachers were RIF'd who should have maintained their positions under the current mode for retention. We cannot afford to lose any more good teachers.

Nathan Torgelson, 98117, Whittier,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, McGilvra,

Jeanne McGrady, 98107, West Woodland,

doug fleming, 98112, mcgilvra elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Roosevelt,
Also please look at firing the office staff setting around in the SODO building because they can't teach a class to save themself, just because they once taught an no one found out how bad they were at teaching doesn't mean they must be promised a job for life.

John Lederer, 98117, Loyal Heights Elem.,
Laying off lower paid new teachers means more people have to be laid off, plus we lose some of our most effective and promising teachers. That's poor management. Parents and students deserve better.

Robyn Hallonquist, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Flo Beaumon, 98122, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Loyal Height Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, ,

Liz Fitzhugh, 98102, Garfield High School,

Carolyn Burkland, 98119, Ballard, McClure

Maria Gargiulo, 98107, Hamilton Intl Middle School,

Barrie Arliss, 98107, ,

Susan Schudie, 98103, Hamilton International Middle School, John Stanford International School

Lois Gaylord, 98125, Summit K-12 (current), Cooper Elementary (previous)
Our son has spent his school career at two great schools that are being closed this year. Some of the wonderful newer teachers had found new positions only to find out that they had been riffed. Something different needs to be done.

The current district administration seems intent on moving back to a totally authoritarian top down way of doing things. The 21st century doesn’t work that way. We need to think outside the box and work at creating connections and relationships.

Treating teachers like they are cogs in a machine does not work.

We are individuals, each with our own views and values that need to be honored and respected. How can we expect teachers who are treated like inter-changeable parts to be able to support and nurture the individuals who are our children. Let us say no to cookie cutter schools and teachers who are treated like robots.

kate wharton, 98118, Stevens,

Margaret Sullivan, 98112, Stevens,

Peggy Drskine, 98199, Ballard High,

Kelly Anthony, 98133, ,

Sharmila Williams, 98144, Stevens,

Mariska Kemma, 98105, View Ridge,

Maureen Trantham, 98112, ,

Peter Wilson, 98136, ,

brian Heidsiek, 98117, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98103, Daniel Bagley Elementary,

Jonathan Heller, 98103, JSIS, Hamilton
You should consider seniority as one of the factors in a RIF decision, but quality of the teaching staff should come first!

Ann Hollar, 98122, Stevens, Lowell
Please consider performance ratings when determining which teachers to lay-off. A great teacher makes a world of difference to our kids.

Kim Quon, 98105, View Ridge,

Stephanie Jewett, 98115, ,

KrisBelucci, , ,
The article on antibiotics are very good.

Debby Heath, 98103, Hamilton International Middle School,

Sue Schoolcraft, 98117, ,

Carolyn Bain, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
Keep the motivated, innovative teachers!

Carolyn Baker, 98117, Whitman Middle School,

Jennifer Broadus, 98125, Olympic View,
Mrs. Wickliff, my child's Kindergarten teacher did an excellent job her first year with the Seattle District. As a parent new to the school environment I have been pleased with the pace of learning and social development that has occured this year. She is an excellent teacher, and a credit to the school. Students are not widgets, they can not be turned off a factory line. Excellence should be the standard.

Dana Malick, 98177, Loyal Heights Elementary,

maresa patterson, 98112, TOPS,
I was very disappointed to hear that two excellent teachers at TOPS had been let go - Mr. O Connor has been an inspiration to my son, not to mention his favorite teacher at TOPS. I was hoping that my two other sons would have the same opportunity and experience that my first son fortunately had.

Shannon Campion, 98119, ,

Joan Fanning, 98105, ,

Christine King, 98118, Graham Hill, TOPS

xxxxxxxx, 98108, Orca K-8,

Leanne Volk, 98119, Coe/Washington/Ballard,

xxxxxxxx, 98122, ,

Carl J Marquardt, 98122, Washington Middle School,

Richard Kovar, 98144, Garfield HS, Washington MS

Elizabeth Lowry, 98144, Washington Middle School,

Steven Cunetta, 98115, ,

Shannon Callahan, 98125, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, Lowell, Washington Middle School
I have seen countless young,new, excellent teachers leave teaching altogether when they were repeatedly let go. Teachers with seniority need to be accountable for remaining engaged and concerned about their student's learning.

Clifton Swiggett, 98122, Washington Middle School, Garfield High School
Please make it top priority to recruit and retain the most effective teachers in the classroom. Awarding seniority only, without regard for effectiveness, will drive away talented educators. We need the best teacher's possible to inspire our kids and make Seattle a model school district.

Deborah Phare, 98177, WMS,
Seniority does not always equal excellence! I have seen this first-hand in the education my child has received in some classes; sciences, especially.
Please reconsider this method for determining which teacher remains and which teacher is let go.

Beth Romeo, 98136, Washington Middle School,

jennifer Corrigan, 98116, WA Middle School,

Mary Coss, 98118, Washington MS,

Maxwell Cameron, 98117, Washington Middle School, Hamilton Middle School

Jeanne Hoppe, 98112, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, Franklin High School, Washington Middle School
I am appalled that teachers are not held to the same standard as the rest of us in the work force. Seniority should count, but it should not be the deciding factor. Younger fresh teachers are actually better educators in some schools. Each School management should be able to have criteria that includes seniority, performance, class retention (how many kids actuall attend, learn and keep up good grades). Thanks

Kristin Butterfield, 98177, ,

Paula Gooding, 98102, ,

Karen Code, 98122, WMS, GHS
It's about time! A relevant, sophisticated system of evaluation and retention is long overdue for our district.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Libby Hill, 98112, Stevens Elementary, Washington Middle School

bonnie Westlake, 98115, Lowell, Hamilton

Kim Waag, 98115, Bryant Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, wms,

Carolyn Cunningham, 98105, Greenlake Elem,

mark wallace, 98117, WMS, Garfield

xxxxxxxx, 98119, Hamilton/WMS, Garfield

Bryan Yates, 98102, Washington Middle School, Garfield High School

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Washington Middle School, Eckstein Middle School

Karen Einberger, 98122, Washington Middle School, Garfield HS
In any other business job performance would be the first criteria for lay-offs with seniority a distant second. Isn't this one of the most important "businesses" around? Why should we be sacrificing peformance - it makes no sense.

Fritz Wollett, 98105, Washington,
Lets hear it for the merit principle

Jackie Yang, 98125, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98144, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Washington,

Liz Partington, 98103, Broadview-Thomson, Whitman

xxxxxxxx, 98136, Washington, Gatewood
More experience does not equate to better teaching. We lose vibrant, energetic teachers with this policy. Please don't only look at senority.

Amy Thomas, 98112, Garfield, Washington

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Washington MS, Garfield HS
The union has rules which are harmful to our children. Please help weed out those who can not teach. There are so many good teachers in our schools, please help reward them.

Jody Fuentes, 98117, Washington Middle School, Salmon Bay

Jesse Simpson, 98106, Madison Middle School,
They need to do the layoffs by effectiveness, not just seniority. Two of the best teachers at Madison were laid off just because they had lower years of experience than some of the worse teachers.

Laura Tiberio, 98117, Daniel Bagley,
To attract and retain exceptional teachers the district needs to provide job stability for those individuals willing and able to make a measurable difference in the education and life of our children.

James Krieger, 98144, Garfield, Washington
Senority and experieence do not always equate with excellence...in order to provide our kids with the best education SPS can provide, I urge you to consider teacher performance when making RIF decisions.

Alison Ippolito, 98105, ,

stephen king, 98115, washington ms, garfield hs
please make seniority only one of the criteria considered for layoffs! it greatly damages the quality of our kids' education to let go young dynamic, effective teachers without considering the consequences! this seems to me to be a truly shortsighted policy, resulting in a slow, steady decline in educational quality. please change this policy!

kirk wohlers, 98122, Washington Middle School, Garfield High School
Try to get some Fed money to stop this!

Margaret Sandvig, 98144, Washington Middle , Garfield HS
There must be a better way to evaluate teachers and to keep those best capable of successful, creative and supportive teaching of their students

Christine Turner, 98112, Garfield High School, Washington Middle School

xxxxxxxx, 98115, ,

Stephanie Barnett, 98118, Lowell, New school at south shore
Job performance review, aligned curriculum and a more rigorous academic content is what we need from our teachers. We need a system to reward the innovative and motivating tachers and a process to get rid of the teachers who are not going to follow these simple goals. It's about the children. Right now we are failing them, in not asking more from them and their teachers.

S Allen, 98199, Lawton,

Flora Fleet, 98144, ORCA,

Todd Petersen, 98126, Washington,

Ursula Frank, 98103, Daniel Bagley Elementary,

Kimberly Seater, 98146, WMS, Garfield

xxxxxxxx, , ,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, ,

Veronica Noren, 98116, Lafayette Elementary, Washington Middle School

xxxxxxxx, 98116, Washington Middle School, Lafayette Elementary
We celebrate and have pride in the diversity in our schools. This comes with a responsibility to TEACH diversely!! Teachers who feel passionate about 'reaching' our kids, not just 'teaching to' our kids. ~ It seems that the Seattle Public School Systems highly advertised motto 'excellence for all' is not being reflected in the current layoff policies. Our children DO deserve 'excellence'. It seems time for merging the current stategic plan with the rest of the policies. Most emergently, in revising current layoff plan.

Matt Pfister, , Orca@Whitworth,

Hope Broucek, 98116, Lafayette Elementary,
We have a great teacher effected by the RIF and it is a real shame that her hard work is not considered in this process! This process is antiquated and not realistic, nowhere else in the public sector do they do this because it is not practical.

Amy Burton, 98199, ,

Ingrid McDonald, 98107, Adams,

Debbie Rosenthal, 98109, McClure middle,
We need to keep our best teachers,Not just the ones that have bin around longer.Also how about getting rid of the extra vice principals insead of a teacher.

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,
IT'S IRONIC... ALL THE MONEY THAT GOES INTO GIVING IN TO PRO SPORTS TEAMS' DEMANDS (BUILDING THEIR PRECIOUS, OVER-BUDGETED STADIUMS AND ARENAS AS WELL AS PAYING PLAYERS OUTRAGEOUSLY RIDICULOUS SUMS OF MONEY), BUT THE MINUTE OUR SCHOOLS NEED MONEY TO PROPERLY EDUCATE OUR KIDS??? THE ANSWER IS TO LAY OFF TEACHERS, CUT THEIR WAGES AND CUT BACK ON IMPORTANT PROGRAMS LIKE MUSIC AND PE. WHERE IS THE SENSE IN THAT, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT MESSAGE ARE WE SENDING TO OUR CHILDREN?!.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THOSE TEACHERS THAT DON'T DESERVE TO TEACH OUR KIDS NEED TO BE WEEDED OUT AND PUT OUT TO PASTURE!!!

Lea Ann Parsons, 98117, Whittier, Whitman

Nancy Montstream, 98144, Kimball, Washington Middle School

Karen Barrett, 98112, Stevens,
"The single most important [in-school] determinant of a student's success in the classroom is the teacher," per Matthew Springer, director of the National Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt. "Yet - years of experience and degrees held – are not strongly correlated with student achievement gains." Seattle should look at Denver's fantastic program. Performance Counts! [/2009/0318/p01s02-ussc.html?page=1]

kristina jensen, 98105, lowell, hamilton

Jerry Liebermann, 98112, Ingraham,

xxxxxxxx, 98112, Washington Middle School,
Ms. Barr has been particularly effective in taking over the large and important music program at WMS. Even though she is a newer teacher, she should DEFINITELY continue running the program. I have 2 children in concert band who rave about her. This is a difficult job and takes years to perfect. It would be a huge mistake to change teachers now, since she has taken over so effectively after Mr. Knatt. In addition, my children have had some very poor teachers who have taught many years and have little enthusiasm, imagination or dedication to teaching, yet they would receive higher priority for scarce jobs than the fantastic, energetic teachers who constantly work hard to improve the education of our children. Just as the children are required to meet performance standards, teachers should compete for jobs based on how well they teach the students, not how long they have stood in front of a class.

Autumn Baughn, 98225, ,

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Kiri Schultz, 98118, Lowell, Graham Hill

xxxxxxxx, 98108, Garfield,
A teacher's patience, attitude, effort he/she puts and ..... should be count on top of seniority. Both my daughters' said that they have a very nice and the best History teacher they ever have. But he got lay off because he only taught for 4 years. It is a unfair and ridiculous decision. I think it's time to make a change.

Elizabeth O\'Donoghue, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

xxxxxxxx, 98116, West Seattle High School,
We want to see teachers stay based on merit, not longevity.

Anita Pang, 98118, Washington Middle School,
I really don't understand why we need to sign the petition. It is just common sense that we should keep good and effective teachers, not based on seniority. Even kids understand this!!!

xxxxxxxx, 98103, ,
save da teachers!!!

xxxxxxxx, 98105, Eckstein Middle School,
The School District chooses to cut the teachers based on experience, when really the teachers getting cut are the teachers kids most want to stay. The school district needs a much better way of deciding which teachers will be cut. Cuts should be based on parent and student input, along with teaching performance! My school will be losing a great teacher only due to his lack of years, when he is one of the best teachers I have had.

Sophie Migeon, 98115, Eckstein Middle School,
KEEP THE TEACHERS!

Celia Brown, 98108, Garfield, Washington

Jeanette Chandler, 98103, Daniel Bagley Elementary,

Fiona Black Jackson, 98112, WMS,

Lynn Miller, 98177, Broadview-Thomson,
I personally know 7 exceptional teachers who will be leaving the Seattle Public Schools classrooms. These are teachers who are exactly why people should choose to send their children to be educated in Seattle Schools. This is a travesty.

JulieHansen, 98122, Madrona K-8,

nicholas stern, 98107, ,

Annie, 98115, ,

Terry Blake, 988199, Blaine,

Joni Hughes, 98199, Lawton Elementary,
It seems like there is missed opportunity for our community to grow when good teachers with good credentials and high performance levels are laid off only because they don't have seniority within our district. Some of these teachers have experience elsewhere and are bringing something new and exciting into the classroom. Although I agree that seniority should be considered when lay offs occur, I would like to see teacher performance to be evaluated as well.

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Erin and Clark Campbell, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Debbie, 98115, Bryant Elementary,
Improved education if foremost and we need to support our schools with highly qualified teachers. The current RIF system (last one hired if first one out) does not support the goal of high quality education.

mary migeon, 98115, Eckstein,
Mr. Baughn has been a stellar teacher for our daughter Sophie. She incorporated his teaching techniques into a presentation that she made for his course. This learning arose both from teaching both content and through role-modeling.

Nancy Gilbert, 98199, Blaine K-8,

Adrienne McLaughlin, 98103, Olympic View,

Susan Fedore, 98177, Daniel Bagley, Ingraham High School
Just like any other organization, the success of the students is directly related to the level of excellence and enthusiasm of their leaders.
The better the teacher, the more likely kids are to engage in the learning process and soar.
The fact that it is a public education should not diminish the importance of this issue.
Most importantly - by putting performance ahead of seniority, it sends our children a message: that we care about their success by giving them the best possible educators.

AndrewBoldman, , ,
Hi, cool post. I have been wondering about this topic,so thanks for writing.

Branda Ely, 98105, Olympic View,
This is so incredibly important to the future state of our public schools. We cannot continue this practice and expect we will attract strong, motivated, exceptional educators.

Elizabeth Keyser, , Eckstein Middle School,
My US history teacher is getting laid off this year and he is my favorite teacher!! It makes me so sad that such a great teacher is getting fired. Him and my LA teacher work so good together it would be horrible to split up the team!

xxxxxxxx, 98118, ,
Teachers are CRITICAL to the future of so many kids. I’ve been observing this decision on the news and I have a very hard time BELEIVING there is no other option but to layoff teachers. In an age of becoming more solution oriented, a hasty decision speaks poorly of the leadership. One solution to consider is to cut back on non-essential administrative employees (maybe the superintendant) and hire those positions back once the economy is back up to par. Come up with a reasonable solution - don't take it out on the children and families who rely on public schools to give them a head start in education and life.

xxxxxxxx, 98199, lawton,
We have lost ttoo many good teachers, class sizes are too big now!

Lise, 98115, eckstein ms,
Mr. Baughn is everyones favorite teacher. We will all do all everything we can to keep him from getting laid off. I have learned more in this class than any other, and the way he teaches is phenomenal and like no other. I have learned many facts in his class, but most importantly, he taught us how to learn.
We learned about the economy as our first unit, and instead of lecturing us about it, we got to experience it. He gave each table group different amounts of commodities. Sometimes, there would be a scarcity of certain supplies, such as oil. We would raise the cost in order to make more money. I got such a good understanding of the economy and it was amazing how much i learned and still has fun.
Mr. Baughn is a GREAT teacher. one of the best I have ever had, and the most educational. If he leaves, not a single one of his students wont miss him!

xxxxxxxx, 98119, ,

Jamie Johnson, 98115, Eckstein,

Toan Nguyen, 98105, Eckstein Middle School,
Please don't lay off Mr. Baughn

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Olympic Hills, Northgate
As a school employee for over 30 yreas, I am convinced that a performance componenet is essential in determining RIF's. It is past time for the Union to change.

Sarah, 98115, ,
Sean Baughn is an amazing teacher at eckstein middle school but they are laying him off to bring in someone who has more experiance, which means they also get payed more! it doesnt make sense!

Shelly Hanson, 98112, Washington,

xxxxxxxx, 98103, Eckstein, Washington
I believe teachers should be retained based on their teaching skills, not their tenure as part of the Seattle School District. There are many newer teachers to the district offering the energy, passion and commitment to children that more established teachers lack. I want my tax dollars to pay for the best, not for mediocrity

Cynthia Stross, 98122, ,

Thanh Ton, 98125, Olympic View,

Pam Smolak, 98115, ,

Olivia E., 98103, Eckstein,
Yay!GO MR.BAUGHN!

Diane Bell, 98103, Washington MS,

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Maddy Ped, 98103, Eckstein Middle School,
save them teachers!!!!!!!!!!

Karen Neyman, 98136, Washington, Garfield
Rewarding merit, encourages greatness

John Sandvig, 98144, Washington Middle School, Garfield High School
While regrettable, teacher reductions may be necessary. In such circumstances seniority should not be the sole, or even prime, criterion.

xxxxxxxx, 98115, Washington Middle, Roosevelt High
This is a very long time coming and so important. We do our kids a big disservice by leaving inadequate teachers in place because of seniority.

Estelle Schecter, 98112, ,
I believe that teacher performance and effectiveness should be the determining factors in deciding which teachers should retain their jobs. Seniority itself has nothing to do with quality teaching. If good teachers are let go for that reason it is the children who will be affected negatively.

Nicole Dettmar, 98133, Broadview-Thomson,
A phenomenal, experienced (in a different district) teacher who has gone beyond her job to include arts education & after-school programs is being laid off simply because she began in Seattle school district last year. Please send the right message and retain her and other effective teachers!

Marianne Bielman, 98103, Daniel Bagley Elementary, another child entering SPS shortly!
So what I am hearing, is that it doesn't matter what our teachers do, as long as they have seniority, they can lounge around and teach the kids how to blow bubbles? Is this what we want to show the world, what our kids come out with? NO! We want to show everyone that Seattle children's minds are the BEST, because we have the BEST! As a product of Seattle Schools myself, and a current parent, I am appalled that our kids interests aren't being cared for more appropriately. I realize the importance of seniority, however, that cannot be put before success. People become teachers to TEACH... I can't imagine a teacher in the world that would say that number of years is more important than the success of the teaching.
If we were speaking of two doctors, one that had many years behind him, but constantly misdiagnosed, or a newer doctor with only a couple, but was always correct in diagnosis... who would you take your child to? You would want your child to have the BEST care possible. That is all we are asking for. The BEST CARE. Because our children will grow up to be that newer doctor (and school board members, congressmen, president, worker, teacher etc) we want to offer them the best....
How is it that we are failing them here, and it's being allowed?

David P. Brown, 98115, Viewridge,

xxxxxxxx, 98117, North Beach Elementary,

Stacy Woodard, 98106, Gatewood,

Jennifer Riker, 98177, North Beach,

Andrea, 98115, Eckstein Middle School,
WE LOVE YOU SEAN BAUGHN

Robert McNamara, 98115, ,

Cheryl Snyder, 98115, Roosevelt,

Cheryl Swab, 98116, Denny Middle School, Chief Sealth High School

Kimberly Petty, 98108, John Muir Elementary, Washington Middle School
Support our teachers and our CHILDREN!

Philip Petty, 98108, John Muir Elementary, Washington Middle School

stella caldwell, 98199, west woodland elementary,

Jon Gould, 98144, Kimball,

Cindy Knight, 98117, North Beach,

Louisa Clayton, 98119, Hay,
Hope my vote is not too late to be heard in regards to the current contract renegotiation.