The HS Student Survey & Dr. Hamilton's Letter to Parents

Dear WLEA Members -

A letter regarding the 7 period day will be sent to parents of high school students this afternoon by Dr. Hamilton.

A survey was given to the high schools students to determine their preference for a 6 or 7 period day. Dr. Hamilton has included the results of those surveys in his letter. The survey has shown that a majority of students have shown a stronger preference for the 7 period day. As I announced earlier this week, the agreement with Dr. Hamilton was: "The WLEA and the district have agreed that if a majority of students prefer a seven period day, discussion will continue."

The Bargaining Team met with Dr. Hamilton and a process was agreed upon that would involve a group of Core and Elective teachers meeting as a committee to discuss issues regarding the seven period day. Dr. David Barry and Dr. Greg Diamond will facilitate the committee.

After a high school structure is agreed upon, according to the WLEA Bylaws, the plan will be presented to the WLEA Bargaining Team who will then determine whether the plan should be presented to their WLEA Board of Directors. At that time, the WLEA Board of Directors, per our Bylaws and Constitution, would vote on the plan themselves, or vote to send it to a vote of the entire WLEA General Membership.

Dr. Hamilton's letter to parents is included below my signature line.

Terese Fitzpatrick, President
Walled Lake Education Association
teresefitzpatrick@wlcsd.org
tfitzjake@aol.com
Ofc: 248-553-8198

Dr. Hamilton's Letter -
Dear Walled Lake High School Parents/Guardians:

As you know, students provided input on the high school schedule via a survey that was given this week. This correspondence will summarize the results and discuss the process for our ongoing discussion between the WLEA (teacher’s association) and the district.

First, the student survey results:

Walled Lake Central High School: 62 % 7-period day; 38% 6-period day
Walled Lake Northern High School: 60 % 7-period day; 40% 6-period day
Walled Lake Western High School: 76% 7-period day; 24% 6-period day (second survey)*
*The Western student survey was administered two times. The results from both surveys showed the students preferred the 7-period day.

As you can see, student feedback indicates a preference for the 7-period day. As I said in my letter last week: “If the majority of students prefer a seven-period day, discussion will continue.”

Administration and the WLEA have agreed that discussion regarding the structure of the SRT as well as the specifics of what will happen in SRT begin next week. A collaborative process of two teacher committees; one group of elective teachers, and a group of core teachers will begin meeting next week to share their ideas on these issues. Dr. David Barry, interim assistant superintendent, and Greg Diamond, Northern High School principal, will facilitate this committee.

After a high school structure is agreed upon, according to the WLEA Bylaws, the plan will be presented to the WLEA Bargaining Team who will then determine whether the plan should be presented to their WLEA Board of Directors. At that time, the WLEA Board of Directors, per their Bylaws and Constitution, would vote on the plan themselves, or vote to send it to a vote of the entire WLEA General Membership. Our goal is to work collaboratively with the WLEA in an attempt to complete this process by the end of March. Please remember this issue is subject to bargaining. Currently the teachers’ contract stipulates a six period day.

Thanks for your patience and assistance regarding this important matter.

Sincerely,
William A. Hamilton, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools