| April 19, 2018
To MUSD Parents/Guardians:
Over the last several weeks, there has been a great deal of media coverage and social media activity about the Arizona Educators United #RedforEd movement involving teachers and others engaged in activities to bring attention to the issue of low public education funding in Arizona. Many Marana Unified School District educators and staff members have joined this movement in solidarity to demand clear, sustainable solutions to Arizona's educational funding crisis and to express themselves about the impact of the school funding issues in Arizona. You may have seen groups of staff assembling on public sidewalks near our schools and at other locations. These peaceful walk-in gatherings have continued to keep students as our top priority by not disrupting the school day, teaching, or student learning. We commend our teachers and staff for the professional way they have handled themselves and for the respect they have shown our students and families.
Governor Doug Ducey has proposed a plan to provide teacher pay increases and funding for District Additional Assistance (DAA). DAA provides monies for capital items such as buses, buildings, building maintenance, and classroom materials. The Arizona State Legislature would need to approve the Governor's proposed budget before the funding is assured. Additional information provided by the Office of the Governor. Despite the Governor's proposal, the Arizona Educators United #RedforEd organizers has moved forward with a statewide vote of all public school teachers and classified staff to determine the support for a staff walkout. We do not know if a walkout has been approved by those voting, any proposed length of time for a proposed walkout, or any identified dates. We hope that extreme measures will not be needed as our educators would much rather have the state legislature and Governor implement solutions to address salaries and public school funding. District Administration and our Governing Board do not support a walkout or any activity that disrupts instruction and negatively impacts our students and families; however, we continue to support advocacy toward greater funding for public education and salaries. If a walkout or strike is called, we will have contingency plans in place. Should a teacher walkout occur, Marana Unified School District will make every effort to avoid closing district schools. However, if we have too few staff members to appropriately supervise students and ensure their safety and well-being, we will be forced to close schools. School closures will not be determined school by school, but rather district-wide. This will impact preschool through high school.
• School closures due to a walkout would result in the cancelling of all before and after school programming, student services, student and club activities, and after school activities, including LEAP.
• Graduation ceremonies would be held as planned. Diplomas would be issued if and when all requirements, such as course completion and attendance, are met.
• Aligned with state laws and current policy, any day that a school is closed will have to be made up at the end of the of the current school calendar.
We ask that you consider an alternative plan for your student(s) in the event that our schools are forced to close. It is our hope that teaching and learning continues through the remainder of the school year as planned. If we are unable to hold school, further information will be provided and we will use all modes of communication to alert families to the closures including our parent alert system, emails, phone calls, district and school websites, and social media. Please make sure that your contact information is up to date at your child's school. We will keep you updated as information becomes available. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate this unique situation. Sincerely, Doug Wilson, Ed.D.
Superintendent Attached: Copy of Letter | 
LettertoParents04192018.pdf (190.3 KB)
