If you haven't seen it yet, our new site is live: esdparentsunited.org — huge thanks to John M. and Cheryl A. for pulling that together. This is now our central hub — one place for parents, media, and any individual or organization who wants to understand this issue and get involved. Research, talking points, the petition, and ways to help all live there now.
Now, an update on where things stand.
Assistant Superintendent Greg Schwab sent a detailed response to one of our parents's questions - you can read the full thing on our Facebook page — short version: the district is standing by its process. Demographics weren't used to assign tiers, the surveys were adequate, five options were considered, and the recommendation was the best fit within cost and four-tier constraints. He does acknowledge Title I schools ended up disproportionately in the earliest tier, and that families will feel it unevenly — but treats that as an unavoidable tradeoff, not something to fix.
And in that response, he referred us as "some parents". The board member also asked whether we are "vocal minority." That's exactly what we need to make untrue by September.
The board hears this again at the September study session. The only thing that makes those two phrases impossible to say with a straight face is numbers — real ones, growing, undeniable.
Here's what helps right now:
- Continue to show up at the board meeting - the next one is on Aug 11.
- Get people to sign the petition, especially people outside our usual circle. Point people to the website (esdparentsunited.org) so they can see the research for themselves, not just take our word for it. You can also download flyer from the site.
- Reach out to your local legislators — let them know this affects their constituents and ask where they stand.
- Contact child health and sleep research organizations, unions, child services organizations — ask them to weigh in or lend their voice in support. Independent support from groups like these carries weight the district can't wave off
Every signature, every public comment, every legislator contacted, every outside voice that joins us is one more reason nobody can call this a "vocal minority" — or "some parents" — again.
Find us:
Join us:
WhatsApp — ESD Parents United: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ChLYVwzssRS0qyIm50UEO8
Facebook — ESD Parents United: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HrXD5fx6Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
— Yizhou