Dear friend of the Albany Teachers Association:
To use a carefully chosen word that parents know well – we are disappointed.
With over 180 signatures on a letter to the Board last Tuesday the 16th, you communicated loud and clear that you support teachers and that you believe Albany must do our best for every student. Regardless, the Board voted against your advice and the advice of our site administrators. They imposed hastily conceived schedules for the elementary and middle grades that contradict legally binding agreements with our union. We commend our high school student leaders for standing strong – the Board decided not to change schedules at the high school!
Among other things, the Board imposed elementary and middle school schedules:
- Risk community spread of the virus by increasing the size of cohorts for students attending in person – and then mixing cohorts,
- Risk student’s emotional wellbeing and academic progress by shifting students to new classes and new teachers late in the school year,
- Compromise the quality of education, by
- Packing in-person students into rooms with no space to move around,
- Requiring longer hours of zoom for students who need to remain remote,
- Limiting access to important special services during the school day.
This is NOT doing our best for every student.
We are not giving up. On Thursday, our union attorney sent the Superintendent a Cease and Desist letter. On Friday, the Superintendent indicated he will press ahead with the new schedules. We are considering our further options according to our union democratic process and keeping communication open.
Sadly, the Board has showed us that they will not listen to everyone who wishes to speak in their meetings. However, we have another way for you to express yourself! You can display a beautiful window sign in your home and car to show your support of Albany teachers and the idea that every student deserves our best! Sign up for delivery by pressing the button at the top of this post.
We are greatly encouraged by your support. We share your love for our wonderful students. We stand together with you in this challenging time.
Yours,
Stephen Naiff and Chris Knight, Albany Teachers Association Co-Presidents