November 3, 2011
Dear Members of the SMMUSD Board of Education–
I am a parent with children at PDMSS and MHS. I couldn’t agree more with Ann
Hoover’s thorough assessment of the situation (see her letter below). The
process needs to be transparent. We need to see per student spending and
line-by-line budget comparisons across schools to understand where the
inequities lie. Only then can we make things better for all children in the
district.
Taking away control from PTA’s to better their schools is absurd and counters
the mission and goals of the PTA. I have served on various PTA Boards for 7
years. The national PTA mission is: “To make every child’s potential a reality
by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all
children.” One of the PTA’s many goals is “to develop between educators and the
general public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the
highest advantages in physical, mental and social education.” This means that
the SMMUSD Board needs to work openly and collaboratively with the parents,
teachers and public. This shrouded rush to the table is disturbing at best.
I am hopeful that the Board will come to the tonight’s meeting with open ears
and minds, realizing that the decision made will have an enormous, potentially
disastrous, impact on all children in the district. This is no time for making
a political decision. This is about the children…period.
Amy Young
MHS PTSA Co-1st VP
Advocates for Malibu Public Schools 