Our goal is a ‘win-win’ situation with Orcas public schools

We are moved to write because a group of committed parents would like to start a Montessori elementary program in the public school. Recently, we have become aware that there are several misconceptions and mixed messages surrounding this idea. As this is a win-win opportunity, we would like clear up these misconceptions, clarify our intent and provide a brief history of our efforts. 

Two months ago, at the January school board meeting, we proposed a Montessori classroom within our public elementary school.  This classroom would be available to all children regardless of socioeconomic status. It would also help our public school meet its mission, which, in part, says “to serve the community, provide a challenging learning environment, and to produce self-directed, compassionate, responsible world citizens, alive with the love of learning.” This is also the essence of a Montessori education.

Because there is no anticipated teacher opening and due to budget cuts beyond our control, we knew we would need to raise the funds through grants and from the private sector to pay for a teacher.  Since the beginning, we have stated that our intent is for this program to be a win-win partnership with the school and staff. In January the school board enthusiastically gave its approval and our efforts intensified. Since we are raising the funds to pay for the Montessori teacher, we are enhancing educational diversity within our public school without taking money from the current public elementary program.   There are three obvious ways this benefits the school.  First, we are helping to reduce class size by absorbing a number of students already in the public school, but not taking their revenue since we are supplying our own funding.  Secondly, we are bringing in children who would not otherwise be at the school, thereby providing new revenue. Finally, and most importantly, we are providing an excellent new educational choice that meets the needs of children who thrive in a more self-directed, independent learning environment.  This is a win-win, no lose opportunity for the school. 

When the school board gave us their verbal approval, they stated it would be a pilot program within the alternative classroom jurisdiction, similar to the already successful OASIS program.  They even gave us the go-ahead in February to place an ad for a teacher, providing we made it clear this was a new partnership with the school, it would be privately funded and that funds were still forthcoming. Lastly, the board said that when there was a teacher opening and if the program proved successful, it would be financially integrated into the school.

Since the January board meeting our committed group of parents has worked to create a non-profit corporation and file for 501c(3) status, create a brochure and informational packet to educate parents and potential donors, and meet countless times with school administrators and various board members to progress this partnership. Also, we have offered to fund Montessori training for any current public school teachers who would be interested in teaching this new class. For personal reasons these teachers have declined the offer.  Please understand that our intention is in no way to have this Montessori program threaten the jobs of our already hired teachers. 

In Seattle there are several public schools that have Montessori classrooms as part of their programs.  We visited one of them, Daniel Bagley Elementary in the Green Lake area.  This lovely old school was a breath away from being boarded up due to declining enrollment.  It so happens that there are several private schools in this area and enough money for choice.  The superintendent transferred a principal who has 12 years experience starting up Montessori classrooms in the public school to specifically do just that.  It has been three years since Ms. McShane arrived, and the school is thriving.  McShane firmly believes that by providing both learning styles you can meet the needs of a much wider spectrum of children.  Educational diversity within a school makes for a stronger institution.  Montessori is not for all kids, in the same way the traditional program does not meet the needs of all learning styles. 

This school has opened its doors to us and offered to be our “sister school” through this process.  The wheel has already been invented and fortunately for us, McShane is willing to help in every way possible; including coming to Orcas.  She will be here the week of April 8 to talk with interested board members, teachers, administration, and parents.  For open meeting times, look for specifics in the What’s Happening section of the Sounder closer to that week.

Our Orcas public school needs this diversity within its walls. We may not be at the brink of boarding up our school due to lack of enrollment, but we are faced with children leaving the public system to seek education alternatives, as there are now private choices on our island. I propose we have the courage to offer quality choices within our public school. We have an excellent team of teachers offering a wonderful program.  The Montessori option will strengthen our school. Let’s support it and give it a chance! Interested parents please call for more information.

Kristen Zbornik is one of the parents working to create a Montessori class in the public school.

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