Follow-Up on Board Action Regarding TIDE Academy -- Certificated Staff(1 messages)

Dear Edith - SDTA Union President,

I wanted to follow up directly after this evening's November 12 Board meeting to ensure you have clear, timely information about the Board's action related to TIDE Academy and what it means for certificated staff.

At tonight's meeting, a Board Committee reported on its review of enrollment, program offerings, and the District's long-term fiscal health, including TIDE Academy. After that report, the Board did not vote to close TIDE Academy. Instead, the Board voted to direct the Superintendent to develop a plan for how the District will discuss and consider a possible closure of TIDE Academy, including communication and community engagement. That process plan is scheduled to be shared with the Board on December 10.

This formal direction is part of a longer arc of work: for several years, the District has been examining its structural deficit and reviewing enrollment trends at TIDE as part of a broader look at small schools and long-term program sustainability. Given TIDE's small size and the structural deficit, there are real questions about per-student costs and the ability to maintain a broad enough set of classes and programs for students there over time.

At the same time, I want to underscore a few points for your members:

• No decision has been made to close TIDE Academy.
• The November 12 action is about creating a transparent, student-centered process, not about predetermining an outcome.
• No decisions have been made about certificated positions, assignments, or layoffs at TIDE or elsewhere as a result of this action.

If, at some point in the future, the Board were to consider actions that affect certificated staffing, the District will adhere to all applicable provisions of the certificated collective bargaining agreement, including notice, assignment, transfer, layoff, and timeline requirements. We would engage with the Association through our established bargaining and consultation processes before implementing any such changes.

I fully recognize that the possibility of school closure raises profound concerns for teachers and other certificated staff -- about their students, their own assignments, school identity, and professional plans. I also know your members may question when they were informed and how they will be involved going forward. My intent is to be as clear and forthcoming as I can about each step from this point on.

As we develop the December 10 process plan, I want to ensure that certificated staff and their union leadership are included as key stakeholders.

TIDE Academy Staff Meeting with the Superintendent
Date: Thursday, November 13
Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Or

Date: Tuesday, November 18
Time: 2:45-3:45 p.m.

Location: TIDE Academy Cafeteria

At this meeting, I will:

• Recap the Board Committee's report from November 12.
• Explain what I have been directed to bring forward at the December 10 Board meeting.
• Share what we know now about the proposed process and timeline.
• Answer as many of your questions as I can, and identify where we will need to follow up with more information.

I strongly encourage you to attend if you are able.

I deeply value the role that you and your members play in supporting students, and I know this news will be difficult for many of them to hear and hold. My commitment is to maintain open lines of communication with you, to be clear about what we know and what we do not yet know, and to ensure that certificated staff are seen and heard as the Board considers the future of TIDE.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership.