It was brought to the attention of families in the Berkley Schools community this week of the intent to consolidate classes next year effectively displacing  valued members of the district teaching staff. I say that not even knowing which teachers will be impacted, but I can tell you from experience of volunteering in the district that EVERYONE will be impacted. The teaching staff in Berkley is amazing and revered by our community and to say we are disappointed in this decision doesn’t even cover it. 

We understand tough decisions get made but in a school district, they shouldn’t ever be made at the expense of our children’s educational welfare. 

District Vision

Our inclusive culture will inspire, empower and lead all learners to realize their full potential and make a positive difference in their future and community.

• In support of the district vision for all learners to realize their full potential, it is incumbent upon the district to provide an optimal learning environment that doesn’t include overcrowded classrooms. Increasing student to teacher ratios will have a direct impact on individual learning plans (e.g.; IEP, 504), adding unnecessary burden to the teaching staff. 

District Mission

Student engagement, learning and growth are at the center of all we do.

• This plan is in direct opposition to the district mission as overcrowded classrooms cut down on student engagement and growth. 

Portrait of a Learner

Critical Thinker, Creative, Collaborative, Communicator, Curious, Courageous
In support of your portrait of a learner, I implore you all to:

• Think critically about what this does to the educational landscape in our district.
• Be creative in how you manage the funds needed to keep these amazing educators in place where they’ve been collaborating as a team for years.
• Remember that communication with the school community is imperative to hold the trust of those who have entrusted you with their children.
• Be curious enough to look beyond a budget cut and make the courageous decision to do what is right by your students. 

In support of the new strategic plan and guiding principles for district operations, the taxpayers passed the bond for increased funding. This funding was to improve educational facilities and offerings to the student population, part of that commitment is proper staffing ratios to foster inclusive learning environments for all. A quality education doesn’t hinge upon new furniture, it is grounded in dedicated and compassionate staff. I guarantee there isn’t one parent in this district who would vote for new furniture over appropriate staff ratios, and I also guarantee that a colleague would prefer to save a job over that new furniture. 

The Berkley Difference is what draws people to our community for their children’s education and our teachers are second to none. Don’t allow the Berkley Difference to take on a negative connotation when you have it within your power to lead and make the right decision.