Highlights of the meeting I’d like to share with the public are: the huge amount of support shown for Michael Ackerman, as well as outrage about his elimination. One parent stated it perfectly when she said, “Who could replace the energy that Michael brings?” The response of the board was evasive, but memorable comments were: “We admit we screwed up,” and, “We could have been more transparent.”

The board president named a teacher as having input in this decision, and the teacher promptly denied any participation in the decision. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was clear the board made an unpopular decision, but what can be done about this?

Not much, except to start paying attention – to the fact when the AHS charter was written, it stated that board members must be elected by parental vote. The board has had more than a 50 percent turnover from the inception of the school, and there has never been an election.

Strategic eliminations/additions have been made over five years, and the result is a public charter school being governed by a few key players and mostly sycophants. Pay attention to the fact for a board to operate with disregard to its charter is illegal.

Why should you care? Because a school built on a foundation of empowerment and student ownership is being compromised by a lust for power.

There was an amazing force of energy that created this school, and it’s dwindling because you aren’t paying attention. Don’t give up your power to a board you never chose.

Look more closely at the ethics of this board. Set an example for our youth by stepping into your power now.

Shaina Forbush

Durango