Kevin Summerfield is more than just an educator; he is a pillar of the Sheldon High School community. For years, Mr. Summerfield has served as a resource for students, who has been offering a safe and supportive environment for those feeling overwhelmed or unheard in our schools and outside of school.
"It's all about the kids," Summerfield has said. "I want to be that water that waters them, the sun that shines on them, and watch them grow." (Miranda Cyr reports on education for The Register-Guard)
With an already known career that includes working with at-risk youth at Bailey Hill Instructional Center and serving as a campus supervisor and equity consultant at Churchill High, Mr. Summerfield brings a level of expertise to our classroom, he knows what he's doing and it is why so many people trust and come to him. In a faculty of roughly 240 members, he is one of only two Black teachers at Sheldon. His absence creates a significant gap in representation and actual mentorship for our diverse student body.
We, the students and community members, are deeply concerned by the recent decision to place Mr. Summerfield on unpaid leave. We believe his track record of professionalism and his dedication to student success speak for themselves. 
We call upon the administration to recognize the positive impact Mr. Summerfield has on our school climate and urge a swift, fair resolution that returns him to his classroom, where he belongs. Also acknowledge a recent growth in unfair treatment from Wesley Flinn towards Kevin that may be in spite of Kevin Summerfield's race. Please bring this to your attention and bring back Mr. Summerfield.