Keeping Rachel Carson Elementary open is deeply personal to me. Not only did I attend this remarkable school, but all three of my children have also had the privilege of walking its halls, learning, and growing in an environment filled with dedicated teachers and vibrant community support-- making this school a multigenerational cornerstone of my family’s life. For 23 years, I've been an active volunteer and member of the PTA, investing my time and energy into a school that is more than just an educational institution. It's a foundational cornerstone for our multigenerational community.

Rachel Carson Elementary holds a special place in the hearts of many within our community. With its potential closure, we're not just losing a building; we’re risking the fracturing of a community hub that binds us together. Schools like Rachel Carson are irreplaceable—they create bonds that go beyond academic learning, fostering unity and shared values over generations.

The importance of keeping Rachel Carson Elementary open cannot be overstated. The school not only provides high-quality education but also fosters inclusivity and diversity, values our district should preserve. This school nurtures creativity and innovation, evidenced by its many awards for academic and community excellence. Losing it means losing a part of our community's identity and compromising future generations' educational opportunities.

Rachel Carson Elementary is an essential lifeline for approximately 200 students and their families, many of whom face significant barriers already. Nearly 26% of students at Rachel Carson are identified as English Learners, meaning more than one in four children is actively working to acquire English proficiency while keeping up with grade-level learning — a process that takes years of consistent instruction and support. Additionally, roughly 40–44% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, reflecting that a large portion of our families are low-income and rely on the school’s accessibility, community programs, and supports to ensure their children can access a high-quality education. 

Closing Rachel Carson would create an immediate and disproportionate hardship for low-SES and EL families, removing the stability, familiarity, and trusted relationships that are essential for English Learners’ academic progress and for families who already face transportation and economic challenges. For students in Special Day Classes (SDC), who depend on continuity and relationships with trained staff and peers, losing their school would be especially destabilizing. The positive environment fostered through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) further strengthens social-emotional growth and a sense of belonging that cannot be quickly replicated elsewhere.

Families also depend on after-school programs like ROCK and the YMCA, enrichment offerings like Math Night and Literacy Night, and the many opportunities funded by a dedicated PTA — including arts, field trips, and assemblies — all of which enhance learning and family engagement beyond the regular school day. Closing Rachel Carson Elementary would not simply redistribute students; it would fracture a community and remove critical equity supports that low-income, EL, and special education families rely on every day. Preserving this school is not just an administrative choice — it is an urgent commitment to equity, continuity, and the well-being of our most vulnerable students.

Our district administration needs to offer a proposal option that allows Rachel Carson Elementary to remain open. It's critical that we explore alternative solutions.

At a time when community and connection are more important than ever, we must rally together to save this vital institution. Stand with us in advocating for a solution that allows Rachel Carson Elementary to continue serving our community for years to come.

Please sign this petition to demand a proposal from our district leaders to keep Rachel Carson Elementary open.