OPEN MEETING: MONDAY, APRIL 11 6:30 at LLUMC (room TBA)

We, the parents, invite the board and executive director to a meeting with the parents on Monday, April 11 6:30 P.M. LLUMC (room TBA) to answer our latest questions. For reference, see the email from the board at the end of this message.

• It is our understanding that Ms. Ahrens had agreed to be hired and had already signed a contract. We understand she withdrew only when, in subsequent conversations, the board changed the agreement as promised in the final interviews for the Artistic Director position to make the Operations Director a 40-hour position.

• It is a widespread truth among we parents that during the hiring process the next Artistic Director was told they would be hired with a 40-hour per week Operations Director position to aid in running the organization.  We know this is currently a 30-hour position held by Mrs. Susan Tomlinson? Why was this position changed to half-time (20 hours per week)?

• The board canceled the Gala although, historically, this event has been the most significant fundraiser of the year. As a parent, I understand this to mean money and funding are healthy and not an issue going forward. Will you please speak about this decision?

• We understand Ms. Ahrens signed the contract at a lower salary than the existing position holds. We would like to know why the salary and retirement package offered was below the previous artistic director's salary, below Ms. Ahren’s current take-home pay, and below her retirement package from the Teacher Retirement System of Texas. Why did the Board feel this was appropriate given the assumed health of the CCGD finances?

• We learned of the details noted above before the Board hired a lawyer. Is my child’s choir tuition and/or fundraising meant for singing now being used to pay for the Board’s lawyer?

• The Artistic Staff notified the Board on March 1 that resignations would take place if the board did not take action to make the Operations Director position a 40-hour position as promised. One month later, the Staff followed through with their response and resigned. What was the Board’s response on each date?

Before we make decisions for our children’s CCGD participation next year, we need transparency and clarification and hope the Board will comply.

Heather Aldis, 12-year CCGD parent

EMAIL MESSAGE SENT TO CCGD FAMILIES 4/9/22:

Dear Parents and Guardians of CCGD Singers,

We wanted to follow up on our previous email and clear up some misinformation that you may have received about the organization.

Our mission has not changed. We remain deeply committed to providing Dallas-area young people the experience of artistry and excellence through choral singing in a group that reflects the area's diversity.  Our first priority is, has always been, and remains the children and families we serve.

In reference to our efforts to fill the Artistic Director’s position, after accepting the position, the candidate withdrew and resigned. This candidate later countered with some new demands that were not in line with non-profit budget guidelines. When we could not meet them, the candidate chose to walk away.

Like some parents and staff have expressed, we didn’t want that to happen. And even though we were disappointed that the person to whom the AD job was offered decided to walk away from the position, we continue to think highly of the candidate’s past work for CCGD and wish the person the best.

We appreciate the connection the candidate forged with our part-time staff and the families we serve. As we search for a new candidate, that quality will be an important factor.  We are confident we are going to find someone within our allocated budget who aligns with our mission and who has the talent, experience and organizational skills needed to be successful in the position.

We are excited about our May 1 Season Finale concert at the Meyerson, and we look forward to seeing many of you there. And, don’t forget that auditions for the Fall will be held April 23 - May 23.

Sincerest regards,

Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas

Board of Directors