Dear Colleagues & Friends:
I am writing to request your support of our Public Schools in Plainfield at this evening’s Board of Education Meeting.
As has been well documented, our district recently approved the 2017-18 budget - one that reduced funding for students and their educational needs by $8 Million Dollars due to flat funding by the State of New Jersey and declining enrollment due to five (5) growing charter schools in Plainfield.
Despite this crisis, our Board of Education has failed to provide our school community with a strategic plan for improved academic excellence, a marketing plan to compete with our competition, or stable leadership who would be charged with implementation of their goals and vision.
It remains “business-as-usual” in Plainfield despite the “Titanic-like” crisis we face.
Over a week ago, nearly one hundred fifty-two (152) association members received “letters of non-renewal” - the majority based on budgetary reasons.
This evening, there are eight (8) administrative positions up for abolishment. This is consistent with the budget recommendations approved by our Board of Education last Monday evening.
The writing is on the wall … it’s NOW or NEVER.
This plea is about saving our public schools and demanding our School Board to address our concerns.
We are no longer the only option in town … our parents (and their students) have choices.
What is the Board’s plan?
When will that plan be shared with its stakeholders?
and, will it be too late by the time they do?
Updates
May 16, 2017
The growth of this petition reached a point that forces the Board to acknowledge our collective position. I am currently finalizing a formal letter of demand that I will deliver to the superintendent office tomorrow morning.
Reached 100 supporters
May 16, 2017
40 Comments
We need leadership. It's right under our nose & already employed in the district. BOE needs to think about WHY they were elected, their promises and leave egos, politics behind. You'll never leave a good legacy behind with what is going on right now. Focus on what's best for the students, the staff, the community.
This is disgraceful! This would not occur in a prominent and affluent community. I recently moved to Plainfield and regret it! Especially learning that I can't trust this district with my children! I am disgusted and hope change will come.
Dr. Sheard seems to be making sense of the chaos, if she was deemed worthy to be hired in Sept., what has she done to sully her reputation since. I have a 46 year window on Plainfield education...I can't imagine why the board feels that Dr Sheard's contract should not be renewed. I would hope you would reconsider your vote and allow Dr Sheard to do what she deems educationally sound for our district. She is changing the culture of incompetence to one of meritocracy. I wonder if those who are against her are protecting their own incompetence. The Board sets policy...she is the educational leader, allow her to do so.
It starts with us, parents. We need to take control of our future, our kids. We need stability in our schools with a plan in hand . I feel that Dr. Sheard will accomplish this and more.
Plainfield Board of Ed needs to listen to its stakeholders who put them there and do what is in the best interest of our community. They need to hire Dr. Shepard as superintendent or assistant superintendent.
It is truly unfathomable that because four out of nine members on the board have personal issues with a woman who is clearly attempting to erect a change within the district that vendettas have been set off. There is clear dysfunction among the board members , true lack of cohesiveness and no value or regard for the welfare of the children. Not to mention they are representatives of the city. Some of US voted for them. No thanks, I'd rather have a seat at the devils table. As this is an election year the next few weeks will be interesting to say the least. Especially since several members of the board are tied politically one way or another to those in office and those running. Hmmm, why? Since when did politics start having a front seat in the classrooms? When will we stand up for our children and take control of how they are educated and cared for while under the direction of the Board of Education? Dr Sheard, Plainfield needs you. Please don't let the ignorance of a few incompetent, uneducated board members force you out.
Please keep Ms. Sheard on.
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Dear Colleagues & Friends:
I am writing to request your support of our Public Schools in Plainfield at this evening’s Board of Education Meeting.
As has been well documented, our district recently approved the 2017-18 budget - one that reduced funding for students and their educational needs by $8 Million Dollars due to flat funding by the State of New Jersey and declining enrollment due to five (5) growing charter schools in Plainfield.
Despite this crisis, our Board of Education has failed to provide our school community with a strategic plan for improved academic excellence, a marketing plan to compete with our competition, or stable leadership who would be charged with implementation of their goals and vision.
It remains “business-as-usual” in Plainfield despite the “Titanic-like” crisis we face.
Over a week ago, nearly one hundred fifty-two (152) association members received “letters of non-renewal” - the majority based on budgetary reasons.
This evening, there are eight (8) administrative positions up for abolishment. This is consistent with the budget recommendations approved by our Board of Education last Monday evening.
The writing is on the wall … it’s NOW or NEVER.
This plea is about saving our public schools and demanding our School Board to address our concerns.
We are no longer the only option in town … our parents (and their students) have choices.
What is the Board’s plan?
When will that plan be shared with its stakeholders?
and, will it be too late by the time they do?
Updates
May 16, 2017
The growth of this petition reached a point that forces the Board to acknowledge our collective position. I am currently finalizing a formal letter of demand that I will deliver to the superintendent office tomorrow morning.
Reached 100 supporters
May 16, 2017
40 Comments
Students (& teachers) need consistent , quality leadership like Dr. Sheard. This district has had too many weak, ineffective leaders, and we should be grateful to have her. Please keep her!
We need leadership. It's right under our nose & already employed in the district. BOE needs to think about WHY they were elected, their promises and leave egos, politics behind. You'll never leave a good legacy behind with what is going on right now. Focus on what's best for the students, the staff, the community.
This is disgraceful! This would not occur in a prominent and affluent community. I recently moved to Plainfield and regret it! Especially learning that I can't trust this district with my children! I am disgusted and hope change will come.
Dr. Sheard seems to be making sense of the chaos, if she was deemed worthy to be hired in Sept., what has she done to sully her reputation since. I have a 46 year window on Plainfield education...I can't imagine why the board feels that Dr Sheard's contract should not be renewed. I would hope you would reconsider your vote and allow Dr Sheard to do what she deems educationally sound for our district. She is changing the culture of incompetence to one of meritocracy. I wonder if those who are against her are protecting their own incompetence. The Board sets policy...she is the educational leader, allow her to do so.
It starts with us, parents. We need to take control of our future, our kids. We need stability in our schools with a plan in hand . I feel that Dr. Sheard will accomplish this and more.
Plainfield Board of Ed needs to listen to its stakeholders who put them there and do what is in the best interest of our community. They need to hire Dr. Shepard as superintendent or assistant superintendent.
It is truly unfathomable that because four out of nine members on the board have personal issues with a woman who is clearly attempting to erect a change within the district that vendettas have been set off. There is clear dysfunction among the board members , true lack of cohesiveness and no value or regard for the welfare of the children. Not to mention they are representatives of the city. Some of US voted for them. No thanks, I'd rather have a seat at the devils table. As this is an election year the next few weeks will be interesting to say the least. Especially since several members of the board are tied politically one way or another to those in office and those running. Hmmm, why? Since when did politics start having a front seat in the classrooms? When will we stand up for our children and take control of how they are educated and cared for while under the direction of the Board of Education? Dr Sheard, Plainfield needs you. Please don't let the ignorance of a few incompetent, uneducated board members force you out.
Please keep Ms. Sheard on.
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Students (& teachers) need consistent , quality leadership like Dr. Sheard. This district has had too many weak, ineffective leaders, and we should be grateful to have her. Please keep her!