Mrs. Laurie Pestar is a 30 year veteran secretary of the Cooperstown Central School District in Cooperstown, New York. Mrs. Laurie Pestar is currently fighting cancer. Recently, she requested a six month UNPAID leave of absence from work in order to focus solely on overcoming this deadly disease. She received a cold, brash heartless response letter from the Board of Education denying this six month UNPAID leave. I have decided to petition the Cooperstown Central School District Board of Education and demand they grant Mrs. Laurie Pestar her requested leave of absence and that a interim hire fills in for her. During my time at CCS, I learned that community comes first. I learned that when our friends, family, colleagues, brothers and sisters fall short and need help, that we act immediately. It is clear that Mrs. Laurie Pestar has dedicated her life to CCS for 30 years. The district owes this to her. I strongly urge anyone who reviews this petition to write a letter, comment your thoughts and share. Thank you very much.