Amy Rostron-Ledoux shared this letter she sent to the 622 board and superintendent on 9 January 2008.
It has been brought to my attention that a recommendation for I.S.D. 622 to withdraw from the East Metro Integration District 6067 and a subsequent decision to affirm or reject this recommendation by the Board are forthcoming. I am writing to ask you to reject this recommendation and maintain your partnership with EMID.
As a parent of seven current EMID students (and one future EMID student) who range in age from first grade to high school, I have a vested interest in District 6067. My family has been a part of EMID since it’s genesis many years ago. Before either of the schools had broken ground in their current locations, I attended planning meetings when my oldest child was just a toddler. When the concept of a voluntary integration district was not yet a seedling, I was there to see the idea planted and eventually grow into what it is today. My family is rooted in this school district.
Now adopted by my husband and me, my children have all come from backgrounds where they were abused and neglected in their families of origin. Some of my children are still court ordered to have visitations in these homes. Their lives have been filled with chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. EMID was the one constant they had in their lives. A decision for District 622 to withdraw from EMID would take that away from them.
These kids were a part of EMID before some of them were even dreamed of and when the district itself was still a dream. Their personal dreams are being fulfilled in this environment as they are each thriving in their individual programs within the school (from Special Education to Merit status). They deserve to see their dreams for themselves and their hopes for their school seen through to fruition. Please don’t rob them of this opportunity.
I realize that there are many factors that are considered when making a decision such as this. It is my hope that you would give the greatest weight to the human factor, the child factor, when you are formulating your opinion. My children’s hopes and dreams for their future are in your hands. Please make a decision that allows our family to continue in the school district where we belong.