Collective Parent Statement Regarding Proposed MMA Principal Appointment

Dear Members of the School Board,

We, the undersigned parents, caregivers, and community members of Montessori Academy (MMA), are writing to express our deep concern regarding the proposed appointment of Ms. Sears as principal for the 2026–2027 school year. As a collective group invested in the stability and success of this school, we believe this decision poses significant risks to the culture, continuity, and long‑term health of a program that many families intentionally chose for its strong leadership and authentic Montessori environment.

MMA’s current leadership team — Jess Lane and Katie Cousins — has been instrumental in building the school’s positive climate, supporting teachers, and maintaining the integrity of Montessori practice. Jess holds two Montessori certifications and is scheduled to receive her principal certification in November, making her uniquely qualified to lead a Montessori program. Despite these credentials, she was not granted an interview for the principal position.

This lack of consideration for internal, highly qualified candidates is troubling.

Appointing someone new to the district and with no Montessori background to lead a specialized program undermines the very foundation that has made MMA successful. The 7/8 program, now in its second year, has already undergone complete staff turnover. Removing the leadership that has held this program together threatens its stability and jeopardizes the progress that has been made.

We are also concerned about the predictable consequences of this decision. It is unreasonable to expect experienced, credentialed leaders to remain in positions where they are asked to train and report to someone with significantly fewer relevant qualifications. Should Jess or Katie leave — a possibility many of us believe is likely — the school’s culture, climate, and continuity would be immediately and profoundly affected.

Families have chosen MMA over private and charter options because of its strong leadership and the trust they have built with the current administrative team. Undermining that leadership does not serve students, does not support teachers, and does not align with the district’s stated goals of retaining families and strengthening public education.

For these reasons, we collectively urge you to vote NO on the approval of Ms. Sears and to reopen the hiring process. Internal candidates — specifically Jess Lane and Katie Cousins — deserve a fair and transparent opportunity to interview for the role they have already demonstrated the capacity to fulfill.

Our children deserve stability.
Our teachers deserve respect.
Our community deserves leadership decisions that protect — not destabilize — a thriving program.

We respectfully ask that you reconsider this appointment in the best interest of the students, staff, and families who depend on MMA’s continued success.

Sincerely,
The Undersigned Parents and Community Members of Montessori Academy

Rebecca Keeton    Contact the author of the petition