Thank you all for your support! The Special Administrative Board meeting went exceptionally well. More than anyone could have predicted.

We had five speakers to represent the many aspects of this proposal, and two people sent in statements that we read on their behalf. Many others were in attendance to show their support. There was a surprise supporter too! Richard Gaines (one of the three members of the SAB) actually stood when I asked for supporters to stand with me during my time to speak. I thanked him and continued. After we all spoke, Mr. Gaines wrote himself in to make a comment as well. He spoke eloquently and frankly about why he agrees with renaming Kennard CJA for Betty Wheeler. He is fully in support of the proposal and even pledged his vote!

Betty sure knew how to make an impression. 

We are going to follow up with the Special Administrative Board (SAB) by submitting a letter thanking them for their time and requesting an official vote on our proposal.

We ordered a copy of the DVD of the video recording of the meeting, as SLPS does not provide a digital copy. The families at Kennard CJA may want to view the portion of us speaking to spread awareness about Betty and how deeply she impacted our lives. Since many of them do not hold a personal connection, and there is very little on the internet for research, this might help them to see why this proposal is so important to alumni of Metro and CJA, and everyone who knew Betty.

Here is a brief recap of what we've done since we started this petition in November.

1. Petition goes live, gets over 1000 signatures in just a few days. 

2. Interview with the Riverfront Times for the story on this petition.

2. Met with Dr. LeFlore, principal of Kennard CJA, and a few staff members, also with one member of the Equity and Inclusion Committee.

3. Presented at the SLPS Elected School Board Meeting as part of the official agenda. Answered questions from the Board. Followed up with a resolution for our proposal for the Elected Board to submit to the Special Administrative Board (SAB). 

4. Met with the core working group of the Equity and Inclusion Committee to discuss a possible collaboration. 

5. Presented to the SLPS Special Administrative Board during the public comment section. Gained the pledge of one board member on the spot.

Whew! It's been a whirlwind couple of months. Thank you again for your support!