The Following Release Is Being Issued by Rosemary J. Shockman: New Way Learning Academy...

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.
SOURCE Rosemary J. Shockman

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