The Roosevelt High School Issues

UPDATE: January 30, 2007 - Principal Myrtle Dixon at center of grade changing allegations (Read the story here) 

On December 20, 2007, at the request of more than 20 Roosevelt staff members, 98% of who are teachers, Alliance/AFT made a public school board presentation. The presentation was the first time we had gone "public" regarding the issues at Roosevelt. However, we deemed the concerns to be serious--enough to warrant a public statement. Below is the full text of the presentation made.

Following the meeting Leslie Williams, the administrator in charge of Roosevelt, made a commitment to us that, following the winter break, he would personally go to Roosevelt. At that time he said he would talk to the teachers and school employees, without the presence of the principal.

Additionally, at the actual school board meeting, Lew Blackburn, Trustee for the geographical area which includes Roosevelt, made it abundantly clear that he did not want to hear of retaliation against the employees for coming forward.

I personally was very proud of the individuals who attended the meeting and were willing to stand up for their school. We need more courageous, passionate people like these. I am optimistic that the issues will be addressed.

The following is the text of what was read to the Board:

President Lowe, Superintendent Hinojosa, Board Members.

My name is Aimee Bolender. I am president of the 10,000 member Alliance/AFT, which is the elected chair of the consultation organization for teachers and non-administrative school employees.

There is a lack of belief among the teachers and staff that anyone really cares about what is happening at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School. It appears to them that while they have stepped up to the plate with legitimate issues, no one cares enough to take swift action to make much needed, systemic changes. The following are the concerns that the teachers and staff have asked me to express to you on their behalf:

In a letter/petition, dated November 9, 2007, concerns were outlined and addressed to specific administrators of the district; however, no response was received. These concerns include (1) Violations of the Code of Ethics, (2) Blatant disregard for State and Federal laws (3) Manipulation of the collaborative periods and (4) Retaliation against active union members.

1. An attendance committee was compiled by the Principal, which did not include any staff in the attendance or data office. The policy manifested in such a way the teachers were directed to falsify legal documents. Some of the directives are: (1) not to give grades lower than a 65 for a grading period, (2) students who withdraw shall not receive anything lower than a 70 (though some may have absences exceeding 20 days (3) no zeros can be written in grade books. These few directives alone are in direct violation of local and state policies. Because of coercive manner that has been displayed by the Principal, she is violating the Code of Ethics.

2. The Principal has blatant disregard for taxpayers’ dollars and federal and state laws, specifically No Child Left Behind. She has taken it upon herself to create self-contained classes. Special Education teachers are used as substitutes, daily, consequently, leaving the inclusion program short of teachers and the special education students are not being adequately serviced. Special Education has affected AYP for Roosevelt.

3. Highly qualified and certified teachers are also being used as substitutes or floaters in areas that affect AYP, math and English specifically.

4. The collaborative planning period has been maliciously manipulated and misused according to district guidelines. The result has been a division amongst areas within the CORE subjects, thus a lack of effective planning.

5. Our academic program is suffering because teachers do not have access to needed resources and students cannot be issued textbooks per directive.

6. This week alone, coincidentally, teachers have been placed on professional growth plans for no valid reasons. These targeted members of the faculty have attended union meetings.

The selection process for hiring the principal at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School has failed the staff. The Principal was not in the pool of candidates to be considered as principal. We implore you to make it right. A change in leadership is needed in order for our school to be successful.

I am providing you with documentation to support our assertions.

My experience with the administrator in question is that she will begin a campaign of trying to discredit the complainers. She will liberally distribute formal reprimands to them. She may then paint the complainers as unwilling to change, unwilling to get with the program or as poor teachers and employees. Be aware of this strategy. It has worked for her in the past.

The current status quo at Roosevelt is not acceptable to us. Further, those passionate about turning round our district should not tolerate it. The current situation at Roosevelt is an example of where Dallas Achieves and reality should come together to make a difference for students. It is time for quick action, not words.

Another school in crisis continues to be Hulcy Middle School. Yesterday there was a riot of Hulcy students in the cafeteria. This occurred at breakfast time. Students were standing on the tables and kicking each other. The estimated number of students involved is in the hundreds. This is not the first time I have expressed concern for Hulcy.