Schmitz (Ballston Spa School District website)
Parents and students are rallying to save the job of a popular high school assistant principal that helped form the Ballston Spa School District’s International Baccalaureate program.
Dozens of persons mobilized in support of Laura Schmitz, the district’s “IB” coordinator, at Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, according to those who were there. Responding to reports that the district was moving to fire Schmitz, parents and students told school board members she should stay because of her commitment to the job.
“I think it is a complete slap in the face to every parent and student,” Mary-Beth Taylor, a mother of three, said in an interview. “I think there’s petty politics going on, and she’s pawn in it.”
The district would not discuss if it was moving to dismiss Schmitz. In a statement, district spokesman Stuart Williams acknowledged concern over the IB program, but said the district could not comment on specific personnel decisions. Parents said they were frustrated by the lack of information, and would come together to back Schmitz. Some in the district contributed to a hashtag campaign on Twitter titled “#saveschmitz.”
In an interview, school board President Kevin Schaefer refused to discuss Schmitz’s future. He said Schmitz was still employed by the district, but would not disclose if the board discussed her work status when it met in executive session Wednesday, or if it planned a future public vote.
Reached at her home, Schmitz declined to discuss the matter.
Schmitz worked as a English and Spanish teacher in the district before she was promoted to assistant principal. She was a driving force in creating Saratoga County’s first International Baccalaureate program at Ballston Spa High School, which offers juniors and seniors a choice to pursue advanced curriculum that is recognized by colleges and universities across the world. IB diplomas appeal to international families considering relocation. The district brought the model to Ballston Spa to provide additional academic courses for an increasing number of new students transferring to the district, as well as existing ones, Williams said. The computer chip giant GlobalFoundries of Malta launched the two-year program with an initial pledge of $20,000.
As a junior, Zachary Pinto, 16, has worked nearly halfway toward an IB diploma. He called Schmitz the kind of teacher who gave students her cell phone number and told them to call her anytime if they needed help. “I just think someone who cares that much about us deserves to stay in the school,” Pinto said.
Williams said the district remained fully committed to the IB program. “The amazing staff of teachers who deliver the IB curriculum in the classrooms remain fully supported and committed to the program,” he said in a statement.
But for some parents, that wasn’t the issue. Zachary Pinto’s mother, Sally, and Grace Dillon of Malta said in separate interviews that they wanted Schmitz to stay at the school district to guide their children.
“I know she’s one of the best educators my kids have ever had, and I would hate to lose her,” Dillon said.