The dance teacher at Glenfield Middle School, Mrs. Sprung, was just informed by Interim Principal Vargas that he has recommended not to renew her contract for next year. This is not for any budget-related reasons. 

She hadn't been given any negative feedback or coaching from the immediate administration about her choreography or any other artistic choices related to the Dance Concert. She's even received nothing but glowing reviews and positive commentary and feedback from community members ranging from parents and families, students, faculty, and other professionals in the arts and dance fields for both the Dance Concert and the Musical Production performances. 

Why is it that one or two negative opinions override the majority of positive opinions from students, parents, faculty, and the community, and years of hard work and dedication?

Mrs. Sprung has been at Glenfield for three years and within this time she has not only made me want to join dance inside and outside of school but has taught me how to become a better dancer -- and I know this to be true for many other students as well. When I was a sixth grader, from the second that she first taught me a dance in the musical, I knew that I wanted to be a dancer. She creates a welcoming and caring environment for anyone who wants to be in dance. Mrs. Sprung is also always there for people who need someone to talk to and will listen and help. In the musical when she is teaching, she takes her time and helps the people who may not be dancers outside of school.

She is not only a spectacular and inspiring dance teacher but an amazing person too. Especially as a homegrown raised in Montclair, Mrs. Sprung is engrained in the community with deep ties, and is the perfect fit for Glenfield and the Montclair district. Now that I am an eighth grader about to graduate, I am so thankful to have had her as my teacher. I know Glenfield will not be the same without her.

We are calling on Mr. Vargas to reverse his recommendation that Mrs. Sprung's contract not be renewed for next year. 

If he refuses to do that we are then asking for Interim Superintendent Cooper and the Montclair Board of Education to reject Mr. Vargas' recommendation and allow Mrs. Sprung to stay at Glenfield Middle School.