Community members, parents, alumnae, teachers, TAs, administrators, administrative assistants, security guards, and support staff - let's put our voices together and work for positive change in our district!

If you agree with what is posted below, please take a moment to sign. 

I am a K-12 Nyack Graduate, Class of '91, with one child who graduated, and another in elementary school. I have taught for 24 years including seven in the District Office. 

Please step up for what is right for our community, especially our children and their future!

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Dear Nyack Board of Education Members,

We come to you as concerned parents and community members, with a pressing call for action. The unanimous vote of no confidence has highlighted the need for action on long-standing issues. We ask for a transparent plan and timeline to address the following points, reflecting our collective desire for the betterment of our district:

1. Leadership: We need a superintendent who is experienced, compassionate, and respects all community members, ensuring funds are used in the best interests of our students.
   
   
2. Involvement in Hiring: The hiring of the next superintendent and top administrators should involve teachers, administrators, parents, and community members alike. Our involvement will help to ensure leadership aligns with our community’s values. 
   
   
3. Board Representation: It’s crucial that each school has a voice on the board through a ward system. This ensures all parts of our community are heard and represented equally.
   
   
4. Fair Compensation: Competitive salaries and benefits are essential to retain the talented individuals who educate our children. Our teachers and support staff deserve market-based salaries to recognize their invaluable role in our children's education.
   
   
5. Support in Classrooms: The absence of teaching assistants in elementary classes is a glaring issue. Just imagine, classrooms bustling with energy but without enough hands to guide and support. We must rectify this to help our students excel, especially those facing the greatest challenges.
   
   
6. IEP Compliance: No parent should have to fight for their child's rights. Every student with an IEP deserves their services as a standard, not a struggle.
   
   
7. ELL Support: Our ELL students must have the resources to thrive, not simply survive. It's unacceptable for any child to falter due to a lack of language support.
   
   
8. DEI Appointment: Despite being a critical role, this position remains unfilled, and the program is labeled as “under construction” on our district's website. This delay is another stark example of our students' needs not being adequately met, underscoring the need for action to ensure inclusivity and equity within our educational environment.
9. School Trips and Student Experiences: Vital programs like LEAP, and meaningful student trips that provide education, extend learning, and build community outside of the classroom have been shut down, denying access to our students. This has denied our students crucial opportunities for growth, community building, and real-world learning, highlighting a significant gap in their educational experience.
   
   
10. Vaping and Substance Abuse: The closure of high school bathrooms as a vaping deterrent is not a solution. It's a band-aid on a problem that requires comprehensive strategies, not restrictive measures.
    
    
11. Lunch Schedules: Our high schoolers need a schedule that doesn't force them to eat lunch in overcrowded spaces. Let's create a lunchtime that nourishes both body and mind.
    
    
12. Facility Maintenance: The incident this past fall of children coming home sick due to inadequate air conditioning is a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and anticipatory decision-making.
    
    
13. Rationalizing Event Costs: The high cost of PTA events due to outsourced security and custodial services is draining funds meant for enriching student experiences. We must find a balance that maintains our community spirit without breaking the bank.
    
    
14. Curriculum Consistency: We need a stable curriculum that doesn't change unexpectedly, with input from those who work directly with our students.
    
    
15. Transparent Communication: Honest and ongoing dialogue about school issues is critical. We’re tired of hearing "We’re working on it" without seeing real progress.

This list is not exhaustive, but a starting point. We ask for a real commitment to addressing these issues and an open channel for ongoing, respectful dialogue.

Our district has immense potential. It's time to fulfill it, for the sake of our children's futures.

Sincerely,

The undersigned community members