Letter to editor: Use attrition, magnet school to keep middle schools open

Esteemed Superintendent and MUSD Governing Board Members;

Please know that you have been in my prayers to make good decisions based on the best information provided. I have been in your situation, so I know that of which I speak. It is difficult to make these decisions because after all, it affects our community. It is necessary to find the balance of legislating, while keeping emotion and facts in check.

Definition of magnet school: A magnet school is a public elementary or secondary
school that provides unique or specialized curriculum in such a way as to attract a racially diversified student body. Traditionally, magnet schools are distinct from other public schools because they offer specialized academic focuses or themes, known as a magnet program. They are open to students outside the normal school district boundaries (to offset segregation) but offer rigorous, yet competitive, programs to attract high-caliber students.

Definition of attrition: The unpredictable and uncontrollable, but normal, reduction of workforce due to resignations, retirement, sickness or death.

Decisions need to be made, and not at the expense of our students.

Where does MUSD go from here? I have pondered the options to meet the $1 million deficit and still meet the needs of all of our students. I would suggest going with options No. 1 and No. 4. Keep both middle school sites open, with some changes. Here are my thoughts:

Create a magnet school

Redefine Maricopa Wells as a magnet school, see above definition. Because MWMS has larger classrooms and a better life skills set up, use that site to house the district’s seventh- and eighth-grades life skills students.

How many students within MUSD have been tested and identified as “gifted?” How many are we losing to neighboring districts because MUSD doesn’t provide a gifted program? How many state dollars is MUSD losing because it doesn’t adequately identify and educate its gifted population?

Attrition

I believe that staffing reduction will be a natural process. We won’t need to RIF (Reduction in Force). MUSD loses quality staff due to lack of administrative support. The idea that it is because of low pay is some part of their decision to leave, I am sure. But it isn’t the only reason. Does our staff truly feel valued? Do they have a true outlet to express their frustrations?

Closing a school sends a message that instead of finding real solutions in the best interest of all, the district will dissolve what for many students and staff is their home – a -comfort zone. Feeling that sense of insecurity can have long-lasting effects on a school population and the community as well.