Hi (Parent)

I think there is a lot of confusion and a certain staff member who is

being fairly vocal about her feelings. To answer your questions about
why Im not vetting some scenarios through our parents, heres my
attempt. Because were not changing any programatic things (kids still
get library and were bringing music back) I went ahead and made the
executive decision about staffing. We have a very short timeline and
the impact this has on the culture and climate of our building makes it
imperative that I communicate peoples future positions as quickly as I
can so that they can prepare for their next steps in life. There are so
many factors, including some that I cannot share due to staff data
privacy rights that helped shape my decision. Ultimately, I looked at
what programatic things help support our core values and priorities
here at Loring that we developed as a staff and as a site council. I
acknowledge that in the past there was more room for different
scenarios and input from all stakeholders. With a 2.5% budget cut I
had to make tough decisions while still maintaining a quality program
for our school. I think it will be much easier to discuss all this in
person. I really appreciate your understanding and asking those tough
questions. It helps me prepare for the big meeting with families next
week.

Here is the post that Im going to put out on the Loring and parent
Facebook page:

Dear Families,

In these difficult times where were asked to do more with less, it

causes us all to reflect on how we can maintain a world class academic
program for our scholars while also being fiscally responsible. These
are important questions to ask. Its also very important to adhere to
our core values and priorities while making difficult decisions. Our
Superintendent has stated that maintaining appropriate class sizes for
our scholars is a priority. I want you all to know that what families,
staff and students value here at Loring is a safe and rigorous
environment, where all kids have the opportunity to grow and learn to
their highest potential. We value our diversity and we work on hiring
staff who are highly skilled at doing many different things. We value
high quality academic programs. Loring School is all about family and
caring for each other and our environment.

Taking into account our core values and the reality of having a 2.5%
budget cut makes maintaining our program difficult, but I want you to
know that the budget and staffing that we came up with maintains our
core values and priorities. Ive received questions from parents about
why the decisions have been made without vetting it through them
first. With the budget and staffing model that I will present next week
we are able to retain all the current programs. The difference is that
we are losing some staff who in the past have fulfilled those positions.
Were just going to have to do more with less. On March 14th from
6:00-7:30 I invite all of you to come hear about our current budget and
staffing plan for next year. This will be a great time to discuss your
concerns and questions as a community.

Again, I appreciate all of your support over the years and am very
interested in hearing your thoughts and ideas about the future of
Loring Community School.

Sincerely,

Ryan Gibbs

Principal
Loring Community School
Ryan Gibbs
Principal
Loring Community School
2600 44th Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55412
612-668-2060

We are ALL here, ALL the time, for ALL children!

From: (Parent)
Date: Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 10:18 AM
To: Minneapolis Public Schools <ryan.gibbs@mpls.k12.mn.us>
Subject: Loring Budget

Hi Ryan,

I know youre busy and are probably getting a lot of emails from
parents, since we heard about Nancy/library being cut for next year on
the parent Facebook page. I appreciate you moving the LCC meeting
up to next Tuesday, so we can address questions and concerns and
provide additional feedback.

With the news about library/Nancy, Im concerned and confused about

how the budget process is working, since it appears that a plan for
next years budget is already being implemented and action is being
taken. I was under the assumption after the last LCC Exec meeting that
we were providing feedback, then we would see the budget when it
was available, then we would meet again and review and provide input
on scenarios on cuts and changes, then other parents would provide
feedback at Spaghetti Bingo, and then final decisions would be made
and action taken. With library/Nancy already being cut, Im worried
that parents and LCC havent even seen the budget yet, or had an
opportunity to review scenarios or changes. Are there other changes
and cuts that you have already moved forward with? Is next Tuesday
too late to review the budget and provide feedback? Do you already
have an action plan in place?

I know the budget situation is a challenge. I can personally relate, as

we are facing a similar situation at my workplace, and there isnt an
easy solution. I know tough decisions need to be made. I just thought
parent and LCC input and review was going to be part of the process
before changes were made.

I appreciate your time and clarification on the process. Thank you.

(Parent)