Hi, friends. We've reached over 300 signatures, and I've been busy reaching out to decision makers, their bosses, and their bosses' bosses. 

Could you please continue to support our elementary students by sharing this petition with your network? Here's the link again to copy and paste: https://chng.it/sJddWZrycr

Also, if you haven't reached out to the board, here's the link to contact them. Be sure to select "all board members": https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/about-us/board-of-education/contact-the-board

Here's an email template to edit to your liking: 

Subject: Urgent: Reinstate Elementary Behavioral Interventionists Immediately

Dear Superintendent Russo and Members of the Rochester Community School Board,

I am writing to express my deep concern and opposition to the recent decision to eliminate behavioral interventionists at the elementary level. This move is not just short-sighted, it is dangerous.

Our teachers, support staff, families, and most importantly, our students rely on the critical support behavioral interventionists provide. These professionals are a lifeline. They are often the first to recognize behavioral or emotional concerns, the first to build trust with struggling students, and the only bridge between a child’s emotional needs and their ability to succeed in the classroom.

Removing this essential role undermines your stated commitment to whole-child development and social-emotional learning. It risks pushing more students toward unnecessary IEPs, further straining limited special education resources, and ultimately costing the district more, financially and ethically.

I urge you to reallocate funding immediately to prioritize mental health and preserve these vital positions. Replacing hands-on support with detached consultation is not a solution, and it is an abdication of responsibility. We need dedicated reliable interventionists who give direct student interaction in each and every Rochester elementary school. 

Please reconsider this decision before more harm is done. The risks are too great, the cost too high, and the message it sends to our community far too damaging. Our children deserve better.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Information]
Parent & Advocate