Dear Ms. Koo,
My name is [REDACTED], and my son, [REDACTED], is a 10th grade student at TIDE Academy. I am writing in response to the Board's action on November 12, in which you supported placing a discussion of TIDE's possible closure on the December agenda.
As a parent, I am extremely concerned by the lack of prior communication and by the speed with which this recommendation has been brought forward.
TIDE Academy was intentionally created by SUHSD, funded by voter-approved Measure A bond money, and built as a long-term investment in innovative STEM/STEAM education. Reopening the question of its existence after only five years is a serious contradiction of the commitments made to families and taxpayers.
Given your long-standing public emphasis on transparency, community trust, and responsible governance, I respectfully ask you to ensure that:
- all data used to evaluate TIDE is released publicly,
- financial assumptions and cost models are clearly explained,
- alternatives to closure are fully explored before any further steps are taken,
- and families are included meaningfully in the process from this point forward.
For students like my son, TIDE has been transformative. After years of struggling in other schools, he finally found a safe, supportive environment where he is thriving -- socially, academically, and emotionally. Closing or destabilizing a school like this would cause real harm to students who depend on its structure and community.
I will be present at the November 19 meeting and expect a transparent presentation of the data and reasoning behind this recommendation. Families across the district will be paying close attention to how Board Members uphold their stated commitments to equity, inclusion, and public accountability.
Sincerely,
[REDACTED]
TIDE Academy Parent
[REDACTED]