Our principal at Oak Hill Middle School, Mrs. Friedrich, may be terminated due to our continuing program improvement (PI) status, even though we have made some progress on our state tests. Now we ask that the governing body listen to those whose voices are usually more passive. We ask them to listen to those whose choice is not to complain, but to offer a solution and a valid reason for that solution.
Since coming here in 1998, Mrs. Friedrich has set up Town Hall meetings and has worked with the parents in site council and many other programs. In the midst of dress codes, fluctuating school populations, changes in culture, new government programs with less government money, Mrs. Friedrich was a true leader.
We”ve changed curricula, added science labs, mainstreamed students, held our students to a strict code of behavior and academics despite some parents wanting it more lax and some wanting it more rigorous. Now there is a problem that, instead of restructuring the school to take us out of PI status, they may take the option of eliminating her as our principal. It is not a small decision. It will impact this community more than we know.
Please, my dear fellow community members, contact the KUSD office now. Superintendent Dr. Nan is a fair person who needs your input. If you have a child who is here now, or who has gone on to successes in high school, military or college, a child whose life was enriched because he or she had Mrs. Friedrich as a principal, speak up and let your voice make a difference. For any of my students, and the families of students who have loved my science classes especially you please write or call the district office. I am the kind of teacher I am because of Mrs. Friedrich”s guidance. Let your voices be heard.
Sue Chisam
Teacher, Oak Hill Middle School
Editor”s Note: The following contact information accompanied this: Konocti Unified School District, P.O. Box 5000, Lower Lake, CA 95457; www.konoctiusd.lake.k12.ca.us/contact/; Dr. Nan: lnan@konoctiusd.lake.k12.ca.us; 994-6475.
