Dear PIE Supporter,

We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has already written letters to the school board and superintendent, and who submitted public comment at the school board meeting on 2/14, to share input on how the proposed cuts of 2 FTE special education and 1 FTE counseling staffing would affect students in our community.

These proposed cuts will be voted on by the school board on 2/28, so please continue to send letters if you have not yet had the chance to do so!

What you can do: 

Write to the school board and let them know you oppose the cutting of two full time special education teachers and one full time counselor. If you feel comfortable, please share personal stories of how the elimination of special education teachers and a counselor will impact your child. 

Please write prior to February 28th to the school board at: schoolboard@piedmont.k12.ca.us. Dr. Hawn’s email is: jhawn@piedmont.k12.ca.us. Please cc PIE at piedmontpraisek12@gmail.com.

Some talking points may include the following:

- The loss of two full time special educators will have immediate negative consequences on all students, not just those with disabilities and learning differences. Special education teachers are already overloaded and further reducing staff will place additional work on general education teachers as they do their best to support students. 

- Reducing the number of special educators does not reduce the needs of students. Students with disabilities are entitled under federal law to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If the district does not provide appropriate services, it opens the district up to legal risk. 

- For those of you who are not parents of a child with a disability who want to show your allyship, you can write to the school board and emphasize how these cuts impact you because diversity and equity are important to you and your family and how creating an inclusive community also includes supporting students with disabilities. 

Thank you so much for your action to protect our students. If you have any questions please contact us. 

Sincerely,

Piedmonters for Inclusive Education