We, the undersigned students, parents, teachers and staff of Corliss STEM high school, come together to express our collective concern regarding Principal Coppage’s recent request to retire or resign early in the school year due to unsupportive staff conditions. We believe that this decision could adversely affect our high school community and the quality of education for our students.

Principal Coppage, has been an integral part of our school for three years of service, demonstrating exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to fostering a positive educational environment. Under his stewardship, our school has seen mention of any achievements, new cluster classroom programs initiated, or improvements made. However, it has come to our attention that unsupportive staff dynamics have influenced this request for early retirement/resignation.

We understand that managing a school involves a collaborative effort among all staff members. However, it is disheartening to learn that discord among staff may have created an environment detrimental to Principal Coppage's ability to lead effectively. We believe that the solution lies not in losing our principal but in addressing the staff issues constructively to create a more supportive workplace.

Our Concerns:

• Impact on Students: Losing our Interim Principal until he is Elected or a permanent principal is established mid-year could destabilize the high school environment, affecting students’ academic performance and emotional wellbeing. Students thrive under consistent leadership and support.
• Leadership Stability: Frequent changes in administration can disrupt the educational process. It takes time for new leaders to build relationships and understand the needs of the students and staff, further hindering development.
• Need for Solutions: Instead of accepting the resignation, we urge the school district to prioritize resolving internal conflicts, fostering better communication among staff, and providing necessary support to our principal.
• Support for the Principal: We believe that with proper support and conflict resolution measures in place, Principal Coppage can continue to be an effective leader for our school community.

Our Request:
We respectfully request that the Chicago Public District & School Board take the following actions:

Hold Discussions: Convene a meeting with Principal Coppage, the staff, and select parent representatives to discuss the concerns and seek solutions to the reported unsupportive staff environment.

Provide Resources: Allocate resources for team-building activities, conflict resolution, and professional development opportunities aimed at fostering a more supportive and collaborative staff environment.

Rescind the Retirement/Resignation: Encourage Principal Coppage to reconsider his decision to retire or resign prematurely and reaffirm his commitment to our school.

Conclusion:
We believe that with collaborative efforts and support, we can help create a positive and encouraging environment for both staff and students at Corliss high school. It is our collective hope that the CPS administrators value the leadership of Principal Coppage and take the necessary steps to resend his request for retirement from Corliss high school.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We stand united in our support for Principal Coppage and the vision he has for our school.