The Following Release Is Being Issued by Rosemary J. Shockman: New Way Learning Academy - Parents Seek Resignation of Executive Director and Board

PHOENIX, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- New Way Learning Academy of Scottsdale, Arizona is a school devoted to the education of children with learning disabilities.

"Many of the children at New Way could not survive in a public school environment," said parent Rosemary Shockman. Adding, "Some have sad, bruising experiences in public schools or in other private schools. For them, New Way is their only chance at an education."

New Way has historically fostered an environment of caring and closeness, enabling children with special needs to feel safe, take learning risks and blossom. The atmosphere of New Way has been coupled with exceptionally talented, devoted and well qualified teachers.

Dawn Gutierrez has been the Director of Education at New Way for a number of years and held other leadership positions at the school for 20 years. Dawn has been the primary force in perpetuating the unique, positive atmosphere of New Way and has also been instrumental in attracting, retaining and inspiring the wonderful teachers. Most importantly, Dawn is loved by the parents, teachers and students of New Way.

On Friday, March 14, 2008, Mrs. Gutierrez was fired by Dr. Jeff Watkins, the Executive Director. Dr. Watkins, who has been at New Way for only a few months, acted with the support of the four person Executive Committee but without the knowledge of the full Board of Directors. No reasons have been given for the termination.

The Executive Committee is headed by Lisa Keegan. The other three members are Steve Nestor, Noreen Cravener and Linda Cosme. The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors select themselves without the vote of any parents or teachers and are not accountable to anyone.

Mrs. Stockman said, "Parents and teachers at New Way have been shocked and appalled at both the termination of Dawn Gutierrez and the way it was handled which runs counter to the fundamental values upon which the school was founded. Parents have circulated a petition expressing their overwhelming support for Mrs. Gutierrez and are seeking her immediate reinstatement and the immediate resignation of Dr. Watkins and the Executive Committee."

New Way has approximately 128 families with children attending the school. A few students at the school have their tuition paid for by public school districts, are on scholarships or have parents employed at the school. Understandably, these parents fear that reprisals may be taken against their children if they sign the petition.

Of the parents who pay tuition to send their children to New Way, nearly 80% have signed the petition seeking the reinstatement of Mrs. Gutierrez and the immediate resignation of Dr. Jeff Watkins and the Executive Committee.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Rosemary J. Shockman

CONTACT: Rosemary J. Shockman, +1-602-955-2465; or Edie Simpson,
+1-480-654-6198, or Kerry Wangberg, +1-480-893-2794

2008-03-18 20:30:36 0315686 PRNEWSWIRE