We the parents and guardians of the scholars in the Odyssey Program formally request the Odyssey Program to remain at Neely O'Brien Elementary for the 2026-27 academic year. Furthermore, we urge the administration to retain Ms. Ramoie and Ms. Wright to ensure the instructional stability and continued academic excellence for our scholars. 

We the parents and guardians of scholars enrolled in the district’s Highly Capable (HiCap) program are here to formally request the program to remain at Neely O'Brien Elementary. And to raise concerns regarding  staffing changes, specifically the removal of two teachers with training and experience in gifted education from the HiCap program.

Under RCW 28A.185.020, access to accelerated learning and enhanced instruction for highly capable students is defined as part of basic education, and districts are required to provide programs that meet these needs. In addition, WAC 392-170-078 requires that services provided to Highly Capable students be appropriate to their academic needs.

My concern is that the removal of a teacher with specialized training in gifted education may significantly impact the district’s ability to provide appropriate instruction, including differentiated curriculum, accelerated pacing, and depth of learning. These elements are essential to meeting the legal standard for Highly Capable services.

Since this staffing change, we are concerned that our children's Instruction may no longer reflect the level of acceleration or depth previously provided. Replacement staff may not have comparable training or experience in gifted education. Program consistency and quality may have been diminished. Students may not be receiving instruction aligned with their demonstrated academic needs. Because Highly Capable services are part of basic education, any reduction in service quality or appropriateness raises concerns about compliance with state law.

We respectfully request:

-The Odyssey program to remain at Neely O'brien elementary.

-A written explanation of the rationale for this staffing change.
-Information regarding the qualifications and training of the current teacher(s) assigned to HiCap students
-An explanation of how the district is ensuring continued compliance with RCW 28A.185.020 and WAC 392-170-078.
-A description of the specific services currently being provided to ensure continued accelerated learning and enhanced instruction.
-Any available program evaluation or monitoring data related to this change.