Dear Gov. Inslee: 'The education of our youth is at stake'

Dear Gov. Inslee,

As you may know on September 4th 2015 the Washington State Supreme Court issued a ruling that rendered charter schools “unconstitutional”. While for some it was a day for celebration and jubilee, for many such as myself it was a day of sadness and surprise. Sadness about how a system setup to protect the rights of the people could fail them us so badly.

For a majority of the last 9 years I have attended St.Therese Catholic Academy. While I was there I encountered countless teachers that helped me to become the man I currently am. Whenever I would encounter an obstacle -- for example not using pencils because I have sensitive ears -- they gave me an unofficial “IEP” and allowed me to put on headphones during tests to block out the noise so I could do my best. However due to some personal issues I had, I left and transitioned to my neighborhood public school.

I like to use the term "you don't really know what you have until you lose it" with the school I ended up moving to, Orca. Orca is a K-8 alternative public school located in Columbia City near Seward Park. As the weeks progressed after I was enrolled I became less and less excited about going to school. I would sometimes stare aimlessly at the clock waiting for the moment when I could leave. I felt as though I had given up on life and didn't really know who to turn to. I was just another number in the educational system.

As the months went on we realized that Orca was not prepared nor willing to help with any assistance or IEP’s either verbal or formal. From the time that we submitted the IEP form in September until the time that I left in March we received no inkling that we had anyone on our side. And that is unacceptable.  

This leads me to Summit Sierra, a charter high school located in the International District. I am going to be honest: when I started thinking about going to high school I dreaded the thought of being lost again. When we first met Ms. Burns I realized things were going to be different. She took the time to individually meet with each of the one hundred and twenty or so students who applied for the school, talk about their concerns and their questions and help them through them. She took the time to memorize our names, hobbies and family members.   

I chose Summit Sierra for a myriad of reasons, including their track record in their California schools and their commitment to diversity. In a recent 2013 - 2014 Seattle Public School district study, African Americans make up only 17.9% of the population yet they account for almost half of all disciplinary action taken against students. Correct me if I am wrong but no parent wants to see their child disciplined unfairly because of their race.

I respectfully ask that you sign the bill to overturn the State Supreme Court ruling and realize the damage that they have done. In a time and era in which students are required by law to attend school, shouldn't they have a choice? I understand that you are asked of things every day. However, when the education of our youth is at stake, is it not worth our time?

Sincerely,

Jalen Johnson
Freshman, Summit Sierra High School