Last night, two parents spoke about MCOE student exclusion from campus communications and events. After those public comments, the superintendent of MCOE, Dr. Steve M. Tietjen, responded publicly and acknowledged the issue. I have included link to a video of those statements so everyone can see exactly what was said and how the district responded.

Here is the link to view all three comments: 

We are encouraged that the Board, the Superintendent, and district leadership are now openly acknowledging this problem. That alone is something families have been fighting for. Their comments last night show that they hear us and that this issue can no longer be ignored.

But the problem is not resolved. Families still do not receive the same school wide communications that every other MCSD family receives. Students in the MCOE programs still do not have guaranteed inclusion in campus events, field trips, and activities at the schools they attend every day.

We are seeing movement, and we are grateful for that. But we cannot efficiently or effectively advocate for our children without campus communications from our school district.

For that reason, we will keep this petition open until all MCSD students in the MCOE program receive full campus communications from the school they attend, just like their peers.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal access, equal communication, and equal belonging.

Thank you to every person who has signed, shared, spoken out, or stood beside us. Your support is the reason this issue is finally being acknowledged. We will continue pushing, respectfully and persistently, until inclusion is the norm and not the exception.

Please continue sharing this petition.We are moving forward, and we will not stop until communication is equal for every child.

— Margaret Sproule