Advocacy Update
Teacher Reinstated at Blaine!
We’re relieved to share that Catharine Blaine K-8 has been granted an additional elementary teacher position as part of district-wide staffing adjustments. This change comes after weeks of tireless advocacy from our families, staff, and community and we couldn’t be more grateful.
What Happened
At the start of the 2025–26 school year, Blaine was allocated fewer teaching positions than needed, resulting in overcrowded split 4th/5th grade classes of 32–33 students. Interventionist staff were reassigned, and specialist schedules were stretched thin to meet student needs. It was a challenging start for both students and teachers.
But our community took action.
What We Did
Families sent emails and made calls to district leaders
Parents spoke at school board meetings and shared their stories with the media
We coordinated efforts across schools facing similar challenges
Our community brought data, heart, and persistence to every conversation
The Result
On September 12, Principal Gray announced that Blaine would receive an additional elementary teaching position. While the reconfiguration process will take thoughtful planning, and changes may impact some students, this adjustment moves us much closer to providing equitable class sizes and preserving academic support for all.
What’s Next
Principal Gray is working with HR to begin staffing adjustments
Families will be contacted directly if their child’s class is affected
We will continue to monitor implementation and advocate for student needs across the district
Say thank you! Advocacy doesn’t end when we get a yes, it continues through gratitude.
If you reached out to district leaders or School Board Directors during this process, consider sending a quick thank-you note. Acknowledging their responsiveness helps build positive relationships and keeps the door open for future collaboration. As we find out more in the coming weeks, it also gives us a platform to amplify other schools’ needs as well and continue to support our whole community.
Why This Matters
This win is about more than just one school. It’s a step toward more responsive, student-centered staffing decisions and a reminder that advocacy works. Your voices made a difference.
Thank you for your commitment, your persistence, and your belief in what’s possible when we show up together.
Go Tigers!