As parents with children in the Martins Ferry School District, we feel personally affected by the proposed cuts. These alterations, while designed to address financial hardships, will detrimentally impact our children's education. Our kids deserve the best education possible, and these drastic measures threaten to strip away necessities. They will result in larger class sizes, loss of integral programs, and the removal of critical electives and assistant principals.

In the past, such drastic educational cuts have proven to negatively impact students' progress. A study by the American Educational Research Association in 2014 showed that students in schools with tight budgets that cut key staff and programs suffered in their academic achievements (American Educational Research Association, 2014). Moreover, according to the National Education Policy Center, larger class sizes significantly undercut students’ engagement, attention, and overall learning experience (National Education Policy Center, 2016).

We understand the need for financial decisions. However, we believe alternative solutions exist that do not rob our children of their right to the best education. This is a call to all the families in the Martins Ferry school district, let's stand together, let's fight these proposed cuts. Please sign this petition to make your voice heard.