As  concerned parents and home owner, and community members living in Richmond, TX, We are deeply troubled by the proposed changes to school zoning and district leveling within our Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD). These changes will directly impact our children's quality of life and education. It is not just about shifting boundaries; it's about disrupting communities and diminishing property values for all affected homeowners.

Our children have built relationships with their teachers, classmates, and school staff. They are comfortable in their current environment where they are thriving academically. The proposed rezoning would uproot them from this familiar setting causing unnecessary stress and anxiety. In addition the lower rating for the proposed school would be detrimental to our students academically. Moving from a B rated school to a C rated or even a failing school that by TEA standards is not graded diminishes the quality of education our students will receive. 

In addition to the quality of education, there is a safety concern with moving students to a school in one of the highest crime rate areas of the district. 

Moreover, the potential for decreased property values cannot be ignored. According to a study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), properties located within preferred school districts have an average price premium of 2.4 percent for each 5 percent improvement in test scores above the median score. Therefore moving to a school with 70% lower test scores could have up to a 30% decline in property values for homeowners. This for just River's Edge alone could add up to over $30 million dollars in loss/damages to property values. 

We believe that any decisions affecting our schools should involve input from all stakeholders - parents, teachers, students - because these decisions shape not only our children’s futures but also that of our community as a whole.

We urge LCISD to reconsider its decision on rezoning and district leveling. We call upon all residents of River's Edge who share this concern to sign this petition. Together we can ensure that our voices are heard for the benefit of our children’s education and future.