I hope I’m not posting this question prematurely — but a Fan emailed me to let me know that a new Facebook Group popped up yesterday called “Keep James Gillette at Boulder City High School”.
It already has 248 members and the About page on the Group reads (in part): “James Gillette is being surplussed and removed from our school this Thursday…”
So if per chance, this is NOT the case and Mr. Gillette is NOT leaving BCHS this coming week, definitely let me know so I can send out a a correction without delay!
You can find the Facebook group in question by clicking here and a screenshot is below for ya:
UPDATE: The Facebook Group wall has been updated with some great news — that Mr. Gillette is now NOT being surplussed away from BCHS. I’m pasting a copy of a letter he wrote to some parents (and was subsequently posted on the FB Group Wall) for you:
Dear Parents,
First, I would like to say thank you so much for all of your support and kind words offered through this tough weekend. It really helped me stay positive through this tough ordeal. Now to the news…
I was called into Mr. Roberts office this morning. I was told that due to the reaction of the parents in the community and the band organization, and thanks to the Regional Superintendent and other educators higher than the school level listening, I will not be surplussed and will remain here for the duration of the year. They want to make sure that the program continues to grow and is even more successful than it already is.
This is where I could use your help. Please make sure that your students stay on track in the classroom and also in the band program. We need everyone to give 150% this season, since we know it was almost taken away. The harder we work and the more successful the program is, the better it will be to keep (or even add) programs and teachers at BCHS.
Again, thank you for your support and I am humbled to be teaching your kids the love of music.
James Gillette