As a parent of two Skyview Middle School students, I am concerned about losing our Dean of students next year. I have witnessed multiple times the kindness, efficiency, and connections the Dean of Students, Navarre Kerr, has provided for our entire student community and their families. His main role and passion is to act as the first point of contact for students in academic and non-academic matters. For Deans, every student at their school is their student. There is no separation by grade, alphabetical order, class, caseload, etc. At a moment's notice, they support students in need all day, every day. Losing him would also mean adding to the already very full plates of the school's staff, leaving them to fill in the blanks.

Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, his position and the positions of 10 other Dean of Students across the Northshore School District will be eliminated next year. District leadership has already been presented with other cost-saving solutions such as reducing district administrative pay so that cuts do not impact school-level supports. One of the guiding principles created by the district when addressing budget cuts is "minimizing the impact on students both in the classroom and in their educational experience". Eliminating the position of the Dean of Students does not align with this principle at all. Skyview is growing at a rate that will surpass our smallest high school in size next year, with already 1,200+ students this year. 

By taking the Dean's role away from Skyview, we take away valuable support and guidance from our students. Please help us keep our Dean of Students by adding your name and sharing this petition to ensure every student at Skyview Middle School continues to receive the support they need to succeed. Thank you!