Dear Dr. Miller:

I'm writing to express my concern about recent transfers of 3 teachers (Eduardo Martinez, Mike McDonald, and Thomas Prather) at Downer Elementary School.   As I care deeply about education and educational policies, I feel compelled to write you today.    

As a Richmond City Councilmember representing families served by WCCUSD, I am writing not to disparage, but to encourage the District to operate with transparency in terms its dealings with the teachers at Downer.  Our teachers provide the key level of interaction and engagement with our children within the educational system.  Anything short of honest, just and reasonable discussion with our children's teachers is not in the interest of anyone.  

Perhaps, being new to the District, you are trying to make sense of how best to deal with a difficult situation. I would urge you to examine the situation with an open mind and a willingness to do whatever you can to truly resolve a problem situation whereby excellent teachers are being targeted AS the problem. 

Real solutions can only emerge by way of a just and transparent approach. Toward that end, the principled approach would be to provide requested information and detailed explanation of the reasoning applied by the District in the matter of these transfers to the teachers involved ASAP.  I see no reason for withholding such information and explanation (to a point in time to be determined by the District).   We should never fear an open and transparent divulging of information.  In fact, it is only from such a responsive style of communication that problems actually get resolved and conflicts can begin to be mended.  It is the lack of such a process that portends a worsening of the problem not only with regard to this specific situation, but by way of fostering a greater disconnect between administrators and teachers in general.

Every child deserves an education that awakens their spirit, curiosity, and intellect.   I urge you to not deprive the children at Downer from continuing to benefit from these 3 wonderful teachers who are committed to actually bring about this awakening.

Sincerely,
Gayle McLaughlin
Richmond City Councilmember