Statement of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Education

Seattle – February 23, 2011 – The Board of Directors of the Alliance for Education has released the following statement concerning today’s Washington State Auditor’s report:

“The findings released today by the State Auditor’s Office are deeply disturbing. The alleged actions of a small group of mid-level school district employees and their associates represent an egregious breach of public trust.

As an independent non-profit supporting all students in Seattle Public Schools, we take seriously our role as a steward of private dollars augmenting the District’s resources. We are reviewing the District’s response to the investigative report and are evaluating the set of corrective actions management has indicated it has taken or will take to address the underlying issues. Finally, we are considering what actions we may take to support greater third-party financial oversight and accountability at the district.

Let it be noted that this episode should in no way negate or tarnish the truly heroic efforts of the teachers, principals and other dedicated staff throughout the system who work each and every day on behalf of students.

Through what is sure to be an intense public conversation in the wake of these developments, we call upon all Seattleites to stay focused on our children. Our collective obligation to the 47,000 students in Seattle Public Schools is profound. Each and every one of them deserves no less than our full attention and support.”