Dear IDS families of the past and present,
We are heartbroken to share with you all some unfortunate news. It has recently come to our attention that the administration of IDS has made an unfortunate mistake in jeopardizing the positions of our beloved “Specials” teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. In most cases, both hours and pay have been reduced by at least 25% and in some cases, the position will be phased out over time. Teachers affected by this decision include: Janet Sisson, Carrie Boyce, Jane Mills, Madeline Smith, Michael Pestel and possibly one other. This decision was made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and not only could result in these amazing teachers leaving our community, but it will most likely present hardships to them should they decide to return. Although remaining hopeful and wishing to work something out with the Head of School, Ms. Sisson has had no choice but to distribute her resume and explore other options… we can only imagine that this is true of the others as well. Therefore, we are asking for your help in appealing to the Board of Trustees and Head of School to reconsider this decision and look into other options such as implementing a lower-impact, school-wide salary reduction, special fundraising events, or even shifting responsibilities among teachers.
Specifically, I think you would agree that teachers like Ms. Sisson have been the “heart and soul” of IDS for the past 31 years. She has been tirelessly devoted to caring for and supporting each and every student who has ever crossed her path, and she is the reason many of us who have graduated are still connected. She is an incredible treasure to the IDS community and already fulfills the de-facto role of alumni and development liaison. After speaking with Ms. Sisson, sadly, we know that she has already tried to approach the Head of School and propose a transition into this role (much to the delight and anticipation of us alums) only to fall on deaf ears. I know I would be more likely to donate to the IDS Annual Fund and keep in touch if she were the one in charge. We simply cannot imagine an IDS without the infectious joy, knowledge and dedication of Ms. Sisson.
We are heartbroken to share with you all some unfortunate news. It has recently come to our attention that the administration of IDS has made an unfortunate mistake in jeopardizing the positions of our beloved “Specials” teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. In most cases, both hours and pay have been reduced by at least 25% and in some cases, the position will be phased out over time. Teachers affected by this decision include: Janet Sisson, Carrie Boyce, Jane Mills, Madeline Smith, Michael Pestel and possibly one other. This decision was made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and not only could result in these amazing teachers leaving our community, but it will most likely present hardships to them should they decide to return. Although remaining hopeful and wishing to work something out with the Head of School, Ms. Sisson has had no choice but to distribute her resume and explore other options… we can only imagine that this is true of the others as well. Therefore, we are asking for your help in appealing to the Board of Trustees and Head of School to reconsider this decision and look into other options such as implementing a lower-impact, school-wide salary reduction, special fundraising events, or even shifting responsibilities among teachers.
Specifically, I think you would agree that teachers like Ms. Sisson have been the “heart and soul” of IDS for the past 31 years. She has been tirelessly devoted to caring for and supporting each and every student who has ever crossed her path, and she is the reason many of us who have graduated are still connected. She is an incredible treasure to the IDS community and already fulfills the de-facto role of alumni and development liaison. After speaking with Ms. Sisson, sadly, we know that she has already tried to approach the Head of School and propose a transition into this role (much to the delight and anticipation of us alums) only to fall on deaf ears. I know I would be more likely to donate to the IDS Annual Fund and keep in touch if she were the one in charge. We simply cannot imagine an IDS without the infectious joy, knowledge and dedication of Ms. Sisson.
Organizer and beneficiary
Janet Sisson
Beneficiary