From: Nishihara Jeremy
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2015 2:27 PM
To: Blue Hills Teachers; Collins Teachers; DeVargas Teachers; Dilworth Teachers; Eaton Teachers; Eisenhower Teachers; Faria Teachers; Garden Gate Teachers; Muir Teachers; Lincoln Teachers; McAuliffe Teachers; Meyerholz Teachers; Montclaire Teachers; Portal Teachers; Nimitz Teachers; Regnart Teachers; Sedgwick Teachers; Stevens Creek Teachers; Stocklmeir Teachers; West Valley Teachers; Cupertino Teachers; Hyde Teachers; Lawson Teachers; Kennedy Teachers; Miller Teachers
Cc: All Principals
Subject: West Valley Teaching Opportunities

Dear CUSD Teachers:

I know the end of the school is upon us and I would like to thank you for your efforts and hard work this year for the benefit of our students. Before your summer begins, I want to inform you of a decision that has just been made that may shift the current composition of the West Valley Elementary School staff.

The District has become increasingly aware that staff dynamics and the school’s interaction with the parent community need improvement. This awareness was brought about by stakeholder feedback regarding desires to improve the school culture, community/staff relations, and the overall learning environment.

Since becoming aware of various stakeholders’ experiences and concerns, the District has examined the situation and attempted to resolve the concerns. Through this process it became clear that a change was needed. In an effort to prevent the evolving school climate issues from ultimately impacting the student experience, the District is immediately engaging in a plan to re-invent the school.  This is a unique circumstance and action, and does not represent a normal course of action.

This change process will provide a unique opportunity for developing a vision where West Valley Elementary School will reflect a collaborative community that values innovation, ingenuity, inspiration, and inclusion of all stakeholders.

Existing West Valley staff (both teachers and support staff) will be asked to apply and successfully interview for an assignment at the school. All candidates will need to be interested and commit to learning and growing continuously, building and supporting a positive culture of learning and growth for all, and developing a school community culture that practices empathy and caring for all stakeholders. Existing staff members that do not choose to apply, or are not selected, will be transferred to another school site vacancy in the District.

Principal Theresa Johnson has expressed interest in, and has accepted a vacancy as a Coordinator of Instruction in the District Office, where she will help implement English Language Arts curriculum across the District.

I have already identified a highly capable leader to guide this transition process. I am pleased to introduce Robin Robinson as the new principal of West Valley Elementary School. Currently the principal of Eaton Elementary School in the Cupertino Union School District, Robin is a veteran school administrator and outstanding instructional leader whose experience will serve the school community well. Specifically, Robin has experience in successfully launching a new school from the ground up and believes that a successful school is built on collaboration between students, staff, and parents.

As such, all interested teachers in the District are invited to apply to be a part of the re-invention process of West Valley.  Additional information will be forthcoming later this afternoon from Doug Baughn, Director of Human Resources.

Sincerely,

Wendy Gudalewicz
Superintendent