As parents and guardians of students at Sherman Elementary there are significant concerns about the permanent placement of Janet Gates-Cortez as our principal.

These concerns include:

• Student lunch periods frequently are cut short by nearly half, often giving students only 10 minutes or less to eat. (This violates WAC 392-157-125)
• Students frequently receive collective punishments of missing recess or running extra laps. (This violates RCW. 28A.230.295 and Tacoma Public School policy no. 2146)
• no solution-based adjustments to allow students full lunch and recess periods
• lack of solution-based outcomes to racial and gender discrimination 
• lack of engagement with students and families
• lack of relationship building with students

We request a thorough re-evaluation of the candidates eligible for the principal position at Sherman Elementary. This should involve input from teachers, parents and other stakeholders who understand what our school needs from its leadership.

Please sign this petition if you oppose the placement of Janet Gates-Cortez as Sherman Elementary principal.

Sincerely,

Parents and Guardians of Sherman Elementary Students

Link to parent/ guardian letters