By Alfred Sanchez
Rio Grande High School Principal
I have kept my silence until reading "State Failed To Resolve Rio Grade-Change Issue" by Nelinda Venegas, retired APS associate superintendent.
I need to clearly state the following:
The curriculum assistant, Ben Santistevan, and I had several conversations with the student and his mother concerning the student's grade. We investigated all the findings and came to the conclusion that the grade should not be changed.
We met in Santistevan's office and advised the mother that the grade would not be changed. I informed the mother to contact my supervisor, Elsy Fierro, if she was dissatisfied with my decision.
We had a meeting with the mother of the student. Present were the student's counselor, the teacher, assistant principal, dean of students, principal and cluster instructional leader. We informed the cluster instructional leader of interventions, including putting the student on the failure list, sending failure notices, and sending— twice— a letter from Santistevan.
The Next Step Plan conference was scheduled with the mother, student and Santistevan for both Semester I and Semester II.
The mother did not show up for the Semester II conference.
During the Next Step Conferences advisers were given time to schedule and meet with an assigned group of students. These meetings were also advertised by our parent newsletter, automated phone system and school marquee.
I find it very disturbing that district leaders who retired or left the district would try to discredit our school, our teachers and the administration of Rio Grande High School.
Venegas asserted that I failed to address the issue. I did address the issue and met with the student's mother. I find it disheartening that our APS leaders would not support our decision.
As principal of Rio Grande High School, I make decisions on a daily basis. The decision not to change the grade was based on a thorough investigation. The teacher gave the student opportunities to make up the grade; the parents were informed and the issue was addressed.
Also as principal, I sometimes feel that I am out on a limb and stand alone. On this issue, however, I have the support of my teachers, parents, school administrators and, more importantly, the South Valley community. The day I feel that I do not have this support, I will leave.
I have endured a great deal over the years at Rio Grande and am still behind my desk being the principal, continuing to address all issues and working with everyone productively for the good of all. I have never received a reprimand or response from my supervisors indicating that I failed to address this grade-change issue.
I find it humiliating and discouraging that Venegas would publicly state that I failed to do my job by not addressing this issue. I have been very patient and quiet over this grade-change controversy for the good of the school and APS.
However, when Venegas attacks my work ethic and responsibilities, I feel obligated to respond.
Also, not one time have I corresponded with state Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia about this issue.
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