I am a resident of the rural Rutherford county, where our children's education is under threat. Our county commissioners are currently proposing that our school board either shut down four rural elementary schools, Mt. Vernon, Pinnacle, Sunshine and Cliffside, or face inadequate funding for the upcoming school year. These schools, which serve as the cornerstones of education in our county, have also been recognized as top academic institutions in the state.

The budget that the Rutherford County Board of Education has requested is paramount to maintaining employee stability, supporting our local sports programs, and most importantly, retaining our school safety officers. The implications of such closures extend beyond education; they affect every child, every family, and every community member.

Furthermore, providing an adequately funded budget is crucial to prioritize vocational education in our schools. Doing so would help develop a more robust workforce and ensure a brighter future for Rutherford county. The county commissioners have an opportunity to analyze and set a wholehearted budget during April, for approval at the May commissioners meeting.

We must insist that they fully fund the request from the Board of Education. Our children's education, and by extension, our community's future, depends on it. Please, let's come together as a community to stand up for our schools and our kids. Sign this petition and show the commissioners that we prioritizing education is investing in our tomorrow.