Concerned PSD Community Members - Staff Expression, Principal/Teacher Rotations, and Loss of Trust

Minter Creek Elementary PTA

Petición a.

Krestin Bahr

595 Firmas

La petición fue retirada por el peticionario.

595 Firmas

La petición fue retirada por el peticionario.

Iniciado abril 2025
Colecta terminada.
Presentado.
Diálogo
Fracasado

Petición dirigida a: Krestin Bahr

This petition was created by concerned PSD community members to express concern with new policies and strategies implemented by the current district administration.

We, the Peninsula School District community, are expressing our deep concern and disappointment in the district administration regarding the recent changes and concerns including, but not limited to:
- the strategy to regularly rotate teachers and principals without prior communication, transparency, or opportunity for parent/staff involvement
- the negative effects of Staff Expression Policy 5254
- the lack of community trust and district transparency
- the disconnect between the community and the district administration
- the removal/reduction of vital programs at multiple schools

Razones.

As engaged members of the PSD community, we believe that consistent leadership is vital to well-being, consistency, and academic growth at our schools. Effective principals and teachers are trusted, supportive, and effective leaders who build strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Relationships take time to build, and the plan to rotate school staff will significantly hinder our students' academic success.

Furthermore, staff cannot speak openly given the district’s current staff expression policy put into place by this administration earlier in the school year. Fear of professional retaliation is real. If staff felt safe, the volume of dissent would be far greater.

To make such significant changes without consulting or informing the parents and staff undermines the collaborative spirit that a successful school community depends on. We feel blindsided and left without answers to questions that affect not only our day-to-day experience but the long-term culture under the stewardship of this school district administration.

We respectfully request the following:

1. Reversal of the Staff Expression Policy 5254 - PSD staff should not have to choose between job security and their voice
2. Transparency: A clear explanation from the district about the reasons for the mandatory reassignments and special program cuts.
3. Removal of mandatory rotations for principals, vice principals, and teachers - we do not approve of the strategy to rotate staff for the reasons given by PSD and do not believe this strategy is in the best interest of its students or staff and should not remain in place for our district.
4. Community involvement: A commitment to involving staff and parents in future decisions that directly impact our school’s leadership and climate.
5. Retain full STEM programs at Minter Creek and Vaughn Elementaries

Our voices matter. Our school matters. We ask that the Peninsula School District public servants to work with us—not around us—to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of PSD schools.

Muchas gracias por su apoyo, Minter Creek Elementary PTA, Gig Harbor, WA

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Detalles de la petición

Petición iniciada: 11/04/2025
Fin de la colección: 21/06/2025
Región: Gig Harbor
Categoría, Tema: Educación

Noticias

Todas las 14 noticias

Message about a completed petition

el 20/06/25

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We have stood together, raised our voices, asked hard questions, and made sure we could not be ignored. The community is more engaged, and individuals who care deeply about our children are stepping up to run for the school board, ready to make a difference.

This year, we encourage you to learn more about the parent candidates running for school board - Matthew Bruhn, Jonathon Appleton, and Emily DuCharme. These candidates are volunteering their time and energy because they care about the health and future of our district. They are stepping up not for recognition, but out of a deep commitment to our students and schools. Most importantly, please vote. In two years, the remaining three board seats will be up for election as well.

According to the Peninsula School District website, the school board is responsible for:

Policy Development: Creating and implementing policies that uphold high educational standards and equity.

Budget Oversight: Ensuring financial resources are used wisely to support student learning and well-being.

Superintendent Supervision: Overseeing and collaborating with the Superintendent to achieve district goals.

Curriculum and Instruction: Approving curricula that meet the needs of all students and prepare them for success.

Community Engagement: Involving parents, students, educators, and community members to foster a strong, inclusive school community.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your voice and your vote matter. Let’s keep moving forward together.

With gratitude,
Minter Creek PTA
Changes to the petition

el 20/06/25
Subscription period active - IMPORTANT UPDATE - Staff Expression Policy 5254 Suspended by PSD Board

el 21/05/25

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If you missed the May 20th PSD Board meeting, we encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the public comments. The voices of teachers, parents, the union representative, and a courageous student from KPMS left a strong impression.

Key moments to watch:
2:34:00 – Public comment on agenda items
2:52:00 – Consent agenda, including the suspension of Staff Expression Policy 5254
2:56:00 – Public comment on non-agenda items

One of the most significant outcomes from the meeting was the suspension of Staff Expression Policy 5254, which had created a climate of fear among staff members. Its removal reflects the power of community engagement and the importance of clear, supportive policies.

Be sure to stay through to the end to watch a phenomenal student speaker from KPMS close the evening with a powerful message.

If you're interested in a deeper understanding of the PSD budget, Ashley Murphy gave a detailed presentation during the meeting. It begins at 2:13:00.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and continues to support positive change in our schools.

www.youtube.com/live/PaVPJhlPYkY?si=0gRS0XxDZS9_NGmr