April 26, 2018
Message from the Superintendent:
All schools in the Coolidge Unified School District are open and operational today April 26th through the cooperative efforts of every site. All classes are covered with either a certified teacher or a certified substitute. Most every absence was pre-approved so we were better able to plan.
Even though our teachers are supportive of the efforts of the #RedforEd movement and are dedicated to restoring full funding for Arizona public schools, they chose to send representatives from each site to the capital today in order for the youth of Coolidge to attend school. Our teachers, along with the rest of the district staff, are appreciative of the trust and backing of the parents and community, and we were apprehensive that closing the schools would put that confidence in jeopardy. Our staff reporting to work today was made on one reason only---they love the students and people of Coolidge. They didn’t want to let our public down.
Our teachers are planning to continue their walk ins before the start of school as a visual reminder that funding for Arizona schools is problematic. As you pass them, feel free to give a shout out honk to demonstrate your gratitude and encouragement.
Lack of funding is only one aspect of the challenging times our public schools and employees have faced this past decade. Lack of respect for the profession and the deception that public schools are failing are at the top of the list.
This has been a stressful period for all involved. Social media comments have not made it easier on our staff. Criticizing and condemning them for not walking out has been hurtful. Judging and censuring those that do is equally insensitive. Our staff has communicated and worked together to make sure the children of Coolidge are receiving significant instruction and supervision during this tumultuous and historic time.
Tomorrow, our entire staff, is receiving Active Shooter training to further our expertise in protecting the health and safety of children.
April 24, 2018
Message from the Superintendent:
I had a very productive meeting yesterday with about 50 staff members.
At this point, we still do not have a definitive decision about school
closures but we believe Coolidge schools will remain open. The
teachers are conflicted because they support adequate funding from the
state and they want to reinforce the efforts of their statewide
colleagues. However, at the same time, they know the importance of
children attending school and do not want to disappoint the parents and
residents of Coolidge. They have tremendous respect for their students
and community. Knowing this situation is new to all of us and it is
fluid—changing daily—at this point, we are planning on keeping schools
open. If we need to close a school(s) Wednesday evening due to teacher
absences, we will send out notices via phone calls, texts, e-mail,
Facebook. We appreciate your patience as we know it is stressful when
decisions are not finalized.
At this time, this is what we know about Thursday, April 26, 2018:
- We do not have a high percentage of verified teacher absences for Thursday. Therefore schools will be open.
- There
are teachers that are taking approved personal leave to attend the
education rally at the capital. They will represent their Coolidge
colleagues so the majority of our teachers will be ready to teach and
supervise at their sites.
If school(s) close, the entire district will not shut down:
- Mini Bears will be open and serving breakfast on Thursday. Parents, as usual, will bring the lunches.
- Busses to CAVIT will run as usual.
- The district will transport special placement students.
- The District Office will be open for business.
Our Coolidge teachers are in a difficult position and I cannot thank
them enough for their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to our
students and their academic success.
April 19, 2017
On the evening of April 19th, Arizona Education Association (AEA) and Arizona Educators United (AEU—Red for Ed Movement) announced 78% of the 57,000 educators that voted, support a strike beginning next Thursday, April 26, 2018.
We do know that Coolidge Unified School District employees had a very low turnout of votes cast so we are unsure of exactly where our teachers stand in their commitment. District and site administration plan to meet with our teachers on Monday to get a better idea of their intentions.
We are working to determine the impact on school operations. If we have too few teachers to safely supervise our students, we will probably close schools. We will give you as much advance notice as we can. You may have to consider an alternative plan for your child in the event that school(s) are closed.
We will notify you through our automated system of texts, e-mails, phone calls, and on Facebook. Please make sure your contact information is up to date by informing your school site.
It is our desire that teaching, learning, and attending classes continue through the end of the year as planned because any interruption will not only result in extending the school year to meet state law, we will have many classified employees that will not be paid during the strike.
Charie Wallace, Superintendent
Coolidge Unified School District #21