There was a strong showing tonight at the board meeting and lots of brave parents and community members stepped up to share their opposition to the middle school. Here were some notes:

• Dr. Pearson presented the budget sustainability committee's vote as 41 for the middle school and 9 opposed. We need to let the board know we reject this as a true representation of the community's desires. In the actual survey to the community, it was 51.3% in favor of maintaining the K-8 model to 46.0% in favor of a middle school, 2.7% undecided.
  
• 12 out of 14 public speakers were opposed to the middle school proposal.
• The next board meeting is Monday, December 9th. We know it's a very busy season for people, but please try to make it so we can show community solidarity for our kids! The more voices, the bigger the impact on school board decision day! The board meeting takes place at the District Office at 6 pm. PLEASE bring friends and family to show support. You don't have to speak, just showing up is helpful!

NEXT STEPS:

Take 5 minutes to write an email about why you want Burlington-Edison to remain in the K-8 model. Great talking points are:

• If you are a BE alumni, what things about K-8 have positively impacted your life?
• What are your concerns about middle schools? (Safety, social-emotional, etc.)
• If the middle school project goes forward, will this affect your decision to keep your kid(s) in the district?
• What do you love about the K-8 model?

We recommend writing an email and sending it to all board members. The email addresses are:

Elli Haddick ehaddick@be.wednet.edu

Roger Howard rhoward@be.wednet.edu

Rich Wesen rwesen@be.wednet.edu

Ken Axelson kaxelson@be.wednet.edu (new board member, email not verified)

Shayna Campbell smcampbell@be.wednet.edu