Open Letter to the Leadership of the New School of Lancaster

Both of my grandson went to the New School of Lancaster from preschool to 8th grade. I was always in awe of the faculty and caring attitude of everyone there. It saddens me that over 50% of the teachers have resigned since the new head of school has come. This is very telling that something is not right. How can you have closed board meetings when this school's foundation is built on community? Something needs to be done for the sake of the children. Deborah Healey/concerned grandparent.

As an alumni of the school I hope that through all the tension and confusion going on that the students are one of, if not, the top priority for staff including teachers, board members, and other positions when it comes to decision making over education and preparation. When I went through the school it prepared me for many things, for instance high school, dealing with others who may not agree with my opinion and standing on my own two feet. The New School has, for many students, been a major stepping stone in helping build character and useful skills for later on in life. I hope no matter what changes in the program or overall in the community that the students are still taught and given great opportunities and lessons as myself and many students before me have been given from amazing teachers and over all a warm and safe community.

Rising Kindergartener

My oldest son recently wrapped up 8th grade after nine wonderful years of Montessori education at NSoL. I've got another one on his way into 3rd grade this fall and hope to be able to look back on his time at the school, six years from now, with a very similar sentiment. The events of this past year have cast some doubt on the realities of seeing that through. Out of a genuine concern for the future of this beloved institution I attach my name to this letter.

I am nothing but an advocate for the New School and it has been my greatest honor to have been the Admissions Director for 10 years. I have faith that our educated, committed, passionate parents and the overwhelming majority of the staff will be able to find the resolution sought and that the school will continue to offer students the best Montessori education in an environment that fosters respect, independent thinking and peaceful conflict resolution.

One of my grandson’s is in the 6-9 class so this of great concern to me.

As a parent first and also as a former board member, it is my observation that the journey our two children have had as toddlers, primary, and now as elementary students is something that has been nothing less than extraordinary. I am continuously awestruck by the powerful beauty of the school’s prepared environment, firm facilitative approach of teachers, the level of engagement shown by its students, and the robust energetic nature of its community. It is unsettling to hear about the challenges that the School is confronted with -- unusually high turnover, reduced transparency, and sadly eroded trust. These are headwinds that threaten this extraordinary journey. This petition is an important inflection point and I’m optimistic that its constructive tone will help heal, and perhaps yield a stronger School, a stronger community.

The New School has been a central part of my children's lives for 13 years, and I credit the outstanding dedication and skills of the teachers at every level to their educational success. We feel fortunate to have been a part of the New School community and have witnessed many changes over that tenure. The recent departure of several longtime faculty is unprecedented in our experience, and this petition attests to parental investment in the success, culture and educational environment at NSoL. A public meeting to address these concerns is certainly reasonable, and would be a forum for all stakeholders to discuss measures to ensure the sustained excellence and culture of the school. It would be an opportunity for parents to better understand the impetus of recent changes to the Board's bylaws and the implications of those changes.

I sincerely hope all of these concerned voices will be heard and changes will be made accordingly.

I went to the New School of Lancaster for nine years and the teachers that have taught me have all been incredible and it makes my heart hurt to see so many teachers leaving.

As an alumna of the New School, I can’t believe what is happening. I appreciate the concern of parents, teachers, and other alumnae as these efforts are made to keep the student interests first. I love the New School and would hate to see it go.

As a part of the NSoL community for 13 years, I have appreciated the value of many coming together as one. While we don't always agree, being able to voice our observations, concerns, and desires and feeling heard was an asset our community shared. It seems we have lost this.... or perhaps we can embrace this as an opportunity to reengage our collaborative circle. Collaboration occurs when inclusion, willingness to listen and foster engagement are prioritized. All are equally important in a circle and all voices need to be heard, valued, and respected. Therefore, Board meetings need to be open. Exit interviews need to occur. Administration needs to listen before staff feel their only option is to resign. Community members appeals to the Head of School and the Board must be heard. The schools surviving and thriving are dependent on it. Collaboration brings us to a space that allows everyone to win.

Our experience at the New School throughout the past nine years has been overwhelming positive and is directly related to the amazing teachers and staff, many of whom have departed over the past two years. As I saw the first few leave, I didn't question their reasoning as some had been at the school since its inception and were near retirement age. However, as the rate of attrition increased quickly over a short period of time, my concern for the future of the New School has been growing. A mass exodus is indicative of an issue that must be addressed or what was once an educational oasis in a relatively bleak landscape of schools that "teach to a test" will be lost. I do not pretend to know from where the issue stems and I believe that there are still many teachers and staff members who are committed to the success of the school. However, it is clear to me that action must be taken or the school will founder.

We have been at NSoL for nine years and have watched our children thrive in the Montessori environment. With the leadership transition, I expected a focused intentionality around transparency, community building and authentic collaboration. We are losing wonderful teachers and families at the expense of a board and leadership team's unwillingness to engage and communicate openly with anyone who has a vested interest in the school. For this, I sign this petition with a heavy heart and in full support of the greater NSoL community, teachers and most importantly, kiddos.

As an alumni of the New School, I had a wonderful experience throughout my 13 years at the school. It is hard to see such a beloved school, and safe place, go through this. I had many amazing teachers and every class prepared me in some way for the future. I sincerely hope that current students and future students receive the same quality education as I did. I believe that more transparency and a community effort is necessary in providing the support and learning environment that each student needs.

Basic non-profit governance requires board accountability and term limits. Some staff transition is normal during a leadership change, but there should be a safe exit interview process and opportunity to share. It sounds like the long and short term health of the school as well as it's governance is in jeopardy. I think it is wonderful and a testament to the school that so many families care enough to speak up and to present such thoughtful suggestions of a route forward.

I support every one of the points in this post, but feel even more strongly about #4. ALL board meetings used to be open, and I would like to see a return to that policy, or every other meeting at the very least.

I was a student for many years and it breaks my heart to hear about this

My daughter graduated this year and I want to make sure the students of the future have the same benefits leadership and Core teaching group that my daughter was able to learn with and from.

As a father of 3 NSoL children (Primary, Upper Elementary, and Middle School) it is particularly concerning to me that I received a different end of year e-mail for my Primary child...excluding teacher departures. The reasoning provided was that these departures weren't relevant to Primary and Toddler families and therefore were not shared. We are one school Community...this lack of transparency in communication is counter to our culture and divisive. I am disappointed and concerned because we intentionally searched and hired as a community for leadership that would maintain our strong collaborative culture and New School identity. I support this Open Letter and believe in the power of Community.