Illinois Education Association Minooka Region issued the following announcement on Oct. 3.
More than 100 teachers, community members and parents plan to rally in honor of Dr. Paul Gordon. The rally comes after more than 800 community members signed a petition in support of renewing Dr. Gordon’s contract with Glen Ellyn School District 41.
Dr. Gordon’s contract is up at the end of this school year; however, the District 41 Board of Education (BOE) has yet to attempt to renew his contract.
“Dr. Gordon truly puts our students first. He’s moved mountains for our schools and communities in the past few years. His leadership is a strong unifying force amongst all schools and grade levels,” Glen Ellyn Education Association (GEEA) Co-president Dina Sbarra said. “We would like the board to move immediately to renew his contract and acknowledge the great work he’s already done while giving him a chance to continue to uplift Glen Ellyn students in the future.”
Since he started in District 41 in 2013, Dr. Gordon has reduced the student achievement gap; launched a comprehensive study into special education services; increased teacher planning time to allow staff to better collaborate and created a comprehensive facilities plan that will ultimately replace 32 portable classrooms with permanent additions. In fact, Dr. Gordon has come so far so quickly, he achieved 77 percent of his long term goal this year. The BOE recognized that by awarding him 77 percent of his performance bonus.
“He’s turning the tide for public education in Glen Ellyn,” GEEA Co-president Tracy Guerrieri said. “Dr. Gordon is investing in our students and our community. He makes us feel like we are a part of something bigger. We don’t want to lose him to another district that’s why we’re planning the rally and asking the board to act immediately.”
“The community support has truly been overwhelming,” Dr. Gordon said. “Every superintendent wants to work in a district like Glen Ellyn. The parents, teachers and staff are working side by side with me to make sure we are improving public education for all our students. I would love the opportunity to continue the work I’ve started here.”
On October 1, community members presented this petition with more than 800 signatures in support of Dr. Gordon at the BOE meeting. The rally for Dr. Gordon is set for 6:15 p.m. on Monday, October 15 outside the District 41 Central Services Office (793 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn). Immediately following the rally, GEEA members, community members and Dr. Gordon will attend the 7 p.m. board meeting at the same location. During the BOE meeting, the GEEA will present the board with a letter requesting Dr. Gordon’s contract be renewed immediately.
Original source can be found here.
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