To Superintendent John Carmello and the Troy Board of Education,

We the undersigned Troy parents, residents, and neighbors urge you not to eliminate the entire district’s Reading Department and its 25 reading specialists, a majority of which have worked in Troy City Schools for over 15 years. In a district where 71% of students are reading below grade level, this proposal is reckless and will negatively impact all Troy students. We understand the unprecedented nature of this moment the district finds itself in, with looming cuts from the state as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. These past few weeks alone were challenging enough for Troy students and our community. If the Board approves this proposal, It will only increase their struggles when we (hopefully) return to the classroom in the fall. Instead, we call on you to explore other ways to close its budget gap, including tapping more into its reserves, combining or reducing the number of newly created administrative positions, or working collaboratively with teachers and staff to reduce the district’s costs while minimizing the impact on Troy’s students.