This is a petition to keep Alpha High School open. MESD is now refusing to fund Alpha High School, which is leaving over 100 students without any education. Oregon is the 4th highest ranked in the dropout rate for high school students in the nation. With that being said, cutting the funds from Alpha High School is going to increase that dropout rate. Alpha High School is a second chance for students who want to do the right thing and graduate. Alpha offers a very unique school-to-work program that has worked very effectively with many students. Every student that attends Alpha leaves with new skills and improvements. The teachers work their hardest to help every student individually, making sure they reach their goal of success. 

The students at Alpha feel like they aren't being treated like normal students because they don't go to a "normal" school. This is not only unfair, but degrading. Alternative programs are extremely important for places in the Gresham-Barlow district. The students at Alpha High School are just as important as any other student at a regular high school. 

Supporting this petition would not only keep Alpha High School students in high school, but it will give them a better future and a better chance at higher education. Alpha has changed hundreds of lives, offering a second chance to anyone who needed it. So many students would have dropped out if it wasn't for Alpha and their unique program and amazing staff. 

Stop complaining about extremely high dropout rate for Oregon, especially Gresham-Barlow District (32%), and then take it away from the students who want it so badly, and need it to succeed.