Quite simply, we would like for Mr. Stange, one of Westminster's best teachers, to be able to have his contract renewed. While we recognize that this effort on our parts may not be effective, we do wish to be heard. What we know about why Mr. Stange is not being rehired: 1) During one of Mr. Stange's ceramics classes, two students talked privately about bringing guns to school. Mr. Stange did not hear the conversation. However, some students did and reported the threat. The administration argued that Mr. Stange had not performed his duties as a teacher and reported the threat, in spite of his not hearing it. 2) Mr. Stange had his ceramics class clean the art room as the final exam. He cleared this with his department head, Mr. Tiemeier. The administration argues that Mr. Stange made a mockery of the practice of giving final exams. 3) During election time, Mr. Stange verbally expressed his views on Barack Obama. Mr. Stange said Obama forwarded socialist ideas and that he supported partial birth abortion. Two students brought an argument against Stange to the administration. He refused to rescind his statement. While these reasons may not be the true reason for Mr. Stange's termination, these are the ones we are aware of. At the very least, Mr. Stange should be allowed to know why his contract is not being renewed. Sincerely, The Undersigned