Letter: Shonto Preparatory School is not in danger of closing

To the editor:

My name is Sheena Greenstone and I am the Public Relations Coordinator at Shonto Preparatory Schools in Shonto, Ariz. I am writing in response to the article titled "Poor Student Performance could Cause Shonto School to Close" in the Gallup Independent May 19-20 weekend edition.

First and foremost, Shonto Preparatory Schools is not in danger of closing nor has it ever been in danger of closing. In fact, the high school's charter renewal application was approved for the next 25 years on May 14 in Phoenix, Ariz. As explained during the school's presentation at the public forum at Shonto Chapter House, our school has only made AYP once in 10 years and, though the data does show gradual improvements, we are still significantly below our target.

It had been recommended last summer to non-renew the instructional staff contracts, however, Sharon Singer, Superintendent, wanted the opportunity to work with the staff another year as she believes in teachers. The school has collaborated with the best consultants available in the education field to bring research based strategies and data driven instruction to improve our students' performance.

As part of the restructuring process, the school will not be renewing any instructional staff contracts; however, all instructional staff has been encouraged to reapply for these positions. It is important to note this decision is made in the best interest of our students and we understand our employees have many years of service as the only employer in a rural area.

Because of this decision, the current administrators are suspected of misusing school funds, which are based on stolen financial documents inappropriately distributed to the community. These stolen documents included identifiable personal information. Shonto Preparatory Schools has policies and procedures from which it operates and this controversy arises from disgruntled employees who chose not to follow these policies or procedures. Additionally all grievances, concerns, questions, and comments need to be submitted in writing to the building supervisors to be properly addressed.

In summary, there is a lack of community support for the move to improve our children's education and we are asking all community members, employees, parents, and stakeholders to respect this decision as it is made in the best interest of our students. For further questions and concerns, I can be contacted at sgreenstone@shontoprep.org or (928) 672-2652.

Sheena Greenstone

Public Relations Coordinator

Shonto Preparatory Schools

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