As parents, we chose Sela because of its mission to tackle educational inequity, racial segregation, and cultural isolation. Unfortunately, we believe the current leadership does not uphold this mission, nor do their actions reflect the values we want for our school. Many of us are deeply concerned about the school’s direction and culture, and some are even considering leaving Sela after this school year.
Key Concerns
Here are some of the main issues we’ve identified:
Leadership Culture: There is a troubling pattern of staff and parent concerns being dismissed or ignored. Women, particularly women of color, have often been silenced or disrespected. This culture of disregard is unacceptable in an institution that promises inclusivity and equity.
Declining Performance: Academic growth has stagnated, and the school’s OSSE report card reflects poor accountability scores. Enrollment numbers are declining, and the promised playground remains unbuilt.
Special Education: Families with children on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) have faced inconsistent communication and a high turnover of special education staff, leading to frustration and disconnection.
Staffing Challenges: Chronic understaffing has forced non-classroom staff, such as aides and specials teachers, to cover for classroom teachers. This disrupts learning and adds unnecessary strain to the entire staff.
Cultural Programming: Celebrations such as Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women’s History Month have lacked meaningful content, with some activities unintentionally reinforcing harmful stereotypes. Parents have repeatedly offered to collaborate on improving these programs, but leadership has not acted.
Outdoor Access and Physical Activity: The school is not meeting OSSE requirements for recess and physical education, which directly impacts our children’s well-being.
Why This Matters
We want our children to thrive in a school that values academic excellence, inclusivity, and respect. For this to happen, we need leadership that listens to staff and parents, supports teachers, and fosters a positive culture. Unfortunately, the current leadership team has shown an unwillingness to address systemic issues or take accountability for their actions.
How You Can Help
Sign Petition Here:
https://chng.it/NqpBspztZC