Template Letter to DISD Trustees

[Amy Grissom]

As promised, below is the MCHS PTSA letter to DISD Trustees discussed
at our 3/38/11 PTSA meeting. Please feel free to copy and use this
information for your own letter, but please personalize it so it's
truly coming from you and not just a repeat of what we have already
sent. After you send it, follow up with a call to Ms. Nutall at (972)
925-3721 to discuss it further or to schedule a face to face visit
with her. Now, the letter...


To: benu...@dallasisd.org
Cc: cra...@dallasisd.org; amed...@dallasisd.org;
eco...@dallasisd.org;
lblac...@dallasisd.org; nbin...@dallasisd.org;
bpar...@dallasisd.org;
jl...@dallasisd.org; edwins...@yahoo.com; gcas...@dallasisd.org;

Sent: Wed, March 30, 2011 8:15:02 PM

Subject: Middle College HS can't function with eight teachers. Six
reasons why.
Please help us keep our teachers.

Dear Trustee Nutall,

Greetings from the Middle College High School (MCHS) PTSA. We
understand you have been a tireless advocate for the schools in your
district under very difficult circumstances and we appreciate your
hard work. MCHS families live in every DISD Trustees' district, so we
are sharing this information with all esteemed DISD Trustees as well.

You may recall that MCHS is a high school with just over 200 students,
located on the El Centro College campus in Downtown Dallas. Upon
becoming aware of the most recent list of proposed DISD school teacher
FTE cuts, the PTSA held an emergency meeting on 3/28/11. 73 people
attended, far exceeding any previous PTSA meeting attendance.

The most recent proposed FTE cuts list eliminates six of the current
fourteen teachers from MCHS, leaving only eight. The first list did
not propose cutting any FTEs from MCHS. Our understanding is that
when more funds became available to DISD, the second list was
distributed. However, MCHS is now on this list to lose 6 teachers.
This must not happen.

In 2009, 43.5% of DISD high school students graduated on time. 95% of
Middle College students graduate on time, and do so with significant
college credit or college degrees through the school's unique dual
credit program. MCHS has earned "Exemplary" accountability status and
our students even outperform students at similar early college
schools. Students have turned down acceptance to TAG and SEM to
attend MCHS. We make DISD look good and are very proud of our
accomplishments.

MCHS cannot function with only eight teachers as proposed. We cannot
afford to lose any teachers or staff for the following reasons:

1. If MCHS loses six teachers as proposed, class size could reach
30 students per class. El Centro College cannot provide classrooms
with enough space for 30 students. Was this considered when cuts were
determined? Where will classes meet?

2. 30 students in a class would result in MCHS having the highest
student-teacher ratio of all DISD schools. 30 students is just too
many for one teacher to manage even if there were enough space for
everyone. How was MCHS selected for this very high ratio?

3. Unlike most DISD schools, MCHS only has one or two teachers
for each subject. It is not possible to provide a complete, four-
year, high school program with fewer teachers.

4. On top of everything else, MCHS teachers also support and
tutor students in their college classes and advise students so they
take the right college classes, which is basically a second job for
MHCS teachers and staff. We cannot afford to lose anyone.

5. MCHS already saves DISD money since we do not have to maintain
a facility or transportation equipment and staff like other high
schools. El Centro pays for students' college classes, not DISD. Was
any of this taken into account when considering FTE cuts?

6. More students are entering MCHS though a lottery system.
These students have even more needs than previous students. It is
impossible to meet these upcoming needs with so few teachers. MCHS
students are smart and motivated, but even the best students need
adequate supports to be successful.

The PTSA strongly supports all Middle College High School teachers and
staff. Students need their capable, creative, and strong supports to
be successful in both their high school and college courses. We
understand that sacrifices must be made, but no reasonable person can
conclude that MCHS teachers or staff are expendable given the
realities listed above.

Please respond so we are sure you have this information about the
drastic impact of proposed teacher cuts to MCHS. We will follow this
email up with a call to Ms. Castillo to clarify any details and
request your presence at our next PTSA meeting. We appreciate your
support and hard work on behalf of all students, families, and staff.
Please also feel free to call either of us anytime we can provide
further information to you.

Best Regards,

Your name, address and phone number