To the Smith Valley School Board and Administration,

We, the undersigned parents, guardians, and community members of Smith Valley Elementary, are writing to express our growing concerns regarding the current leadership and overall school environment under Principal Dawn Matt.

Our concerns are not rooted in personal dislike, but rather in repeated experiences that suggest the school’s leadership is no longer effectively meeting the needs of students, families, and staff.

Specifically, we are concerned about:

A lack of appropriate support and advocacy for struggling students academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.

Disciplinary actions and punishments that often appear inconsistent or disproportionate to the situation.

Ongoing communication issues between administration and families.

A decline in trust among parents regarding fairness, accountability, and student-centered decision making.

Concerns about leadership qualifications, judgment, and effectiveness in fostering a positive educational environment.

As parents and community members, our priority is ensuring that students feel safe, supported, understood, and given the opportunity to succeed. We believe strong school leadership plays a critical role in achieving this.

We respectfully ask the district to conduct a thorough review of the current administration at Smith Valley Elementary and consider leadership changes that better reflect the needs and values of the students, staff, and families served by this school.

Our intention is not to shame or attack any individual, but to advocate for positive change and improved outcomes for all students.

Sincerely, 

the parents at Smith Valley School.