Dear Sterling Administration and LHU Board,

We, the undersigned, were dismayed to learn of the recent decision to not renew the contracts of several outstanding teachers at Sterling for the 2022-2023 school year.  Numerous Families have benefited a lot from these three dedicated teachers.   They made extra miles for their students, both academically and spirtually.   You name it: Once a month field trip, actively participating stop hunger activities, accomodating different level of learnings.....

As signers of this petition, we can attest that these were excellent teachers and have done a phenomenal job teaching through the incredibly difficult circumstances over the last 2 years. As parents of children at Sterling, we have cumulatively decades of first-hand experience working with these staff members, and all of us can attest to the high quality of education and dedication to going above and beyond the minimum expectations of a teacher.

In the current environment, where recruiting high quality teachers is a challenge, it seems inexplicable that Sterling would choose to eliminate good teachers without a good reason. We believe the Board and Administration owes the community an explanation for these decisions, beyond generic emails implying a mutual decision (which is clearly not the case). Confidence in the school, the board, and the administration is not currently very high – in the vacuum of information, it is easy to assume the worst. As stated above, all 3 teachers not being retained were excellent in the classroom, and fierce advocates for their students. 

We strongly urge the board to step in and exercise their discretion to oversee the decisions. Only then can we ensure that irreparable harm is not done to the school. 

Best Regards, 

Sterling Parents