Stacey Grenz gave us permission to reproduce her letter to the 622 board sent on 20 January 2008.
I am the school social worker at Crosswinds Arts & Science School. I have read all of the newspaper articles and comments made thus far. I believe that you truly believe you are doing what is best for your students. I know you know that is the goal of all of the parents, students, and staff members of EMID as well. I strongly urge you to not rush into a decision, after only months of fact finding, abandoning a decade of investment and hard work. Look at EMID now! After a decade it is a flourishing, state-of-the-art, forward-thinking program that others want to duplicate!
As a school social worker, I speak with many students, often when they are most distressed. The students from 622, as well as all of the students I work with, really appreciate being involved in a district where diverse cultures and opinions receive equal focus. These students develop their social skills by trial and error. By getting along with others and not getting along with others. We spotlight how to have friends of diverse ideas and cultures. How to sit at a table or be in a group with students with whom they may not agree. How to interact with diversity in all its forms in a respectful manner. The students of EMID enjoy, need, and many times depend on, an environment where they are not judged by their appearance. EMID is a place where diversity is first and foremost.
Let me address some of the task force's arguments:
One of the task force's reasons for withdrawal is only 188 of your 11,400 (~2%) students receive the benefit of one-third of 622's desegregation dollars. The task force argues for an "increased focus on 622 students," and to "impact a larger percentage of 622 students." I contend that 622 has an opportunity to increase its participation of students in the programs that EMID already has in place, some of which EMID has specially created and utilized already with 622 (with our office of equity and integration). There is room to for growth and to serve more 622 students.
The task force says they want "more autonomy to plan programs and serve students and families." The EMID team is willing to work with anyone to make things work better for your district and students. Why abandon a decade of investment of funds and hard work only to go back to the beginning and do the same work all over again?
The task force would like to "create an equitable payment schedule (for participating districts)." Mr. Cove indicated in his comment to Eric Celeste that in the newly negotiated agreement, district 622 would pay "roughly 20% of EMID's operating expenses while our school population attending EMID only comprises 10% of the student body." I would urge you revisit this calculation. District 622 students comprise roughly 20% of the student body (188/900).
The task force would like to "attract new students to the district." EMID is part of your district! Do not think of EMID students as individuals who leave your district or money you lose. EMID is something you OFFER your students so they stay in your district! In more ways than one EMID is a 622 program.
I invite you all to please come and see our schools. Your students would love to meet you and tell you how much EMID means to them. You will see all of your hard work has come to fruition.
I feel I must say again: I strongly urge you to not rush into a decision, after only months of fact finding, abandoning a decade of investment and hard work. Please take more time to address your concerns and know what you have before it is lost!