Reversal of CUSD Decision to Relocate Two Beloved Teachers from Forest Hill Elementary

To the FH and CUSD Administrators and Board:

We want to express our disappointment and concern regarding the recent notice of planned transfer of two Third Grade teachers out of Forest Hill Elementary School.

We, collectively as the FH community, value the stability and continuity that these dedicated educators bring to our children's learning environment. The decision to transfer these teachers has left us feeling unsettled for many reasons.

First, both teachers have been instrumental in fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere within the school community. Their commitment to academic excellence and their ability to connect with students on a personal level have had a profound impact on the educational experience of many students, including our own.

Secondly, the timing of these transfers, on the heels of the resignation of Forest Hill’s third principal in five years and many teacher retirements, further disrupts the stability of our students' learning environment. A volume of turnover like this can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, particularly for students who may already be facing challenges in their academic or personal lives. Couple this with the educational, emotional and mental stressors and set-backs already presented following COVID-19; this seems to be a decision made against the best interest and in poor judgement of our (and YOUR) students.

We understand that staffing decisions are made with careful consideration of various factors, including resource allocation and staffing needs. However, we urge you to prioritize the well-being and educational continuity of our Forest Hill students in reconsidering the transfer of these two teachers.

Moving forward, we respectfully request more transparency and communication regarding such significant changes within our school community. Providing parents and stakeholders with a clear rationale for staffing decisions can help alleviate concerns and foster trust in Administration and decision-making processes.

In closing, we would like to emphasize the importance of retaining experienced and dedicated educators, such as these two teachers, who have demonstrated their commitment to our students' success both in and out of the classroom. We hope that our concerns are taken into account, and that these transfers can be reviewed and rescinded.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will consider our feedback thoughtfully and take appropriate action to ensure the continued success of our school community.