To Whom It May Concern,

As a former student of Ridgeview Middle School, I am submitting this petition out of serious concern for the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and overall environment of the school. With the recent video surfacing showing law enforcement being blocked from entering Ridgeview during a bomb threat, the public is finally seeing what many of us lived through—this is why I’m speaking out now.

Natalie James served as principal during all three of my years at Ridgeview, and her leadership consistently failed to prioritize student and staff safety. She created an atmosphere of fear, tension, and avoidance—not one of learning and support. Many teachers openly voiced their discomfort with her leadership, and concerns about her judgment and professionalism were common among staff and students alike.

The bomb threat incident shown in the body cam footage is just one example. Officers from the Columbus Division of Police were called to Ridgeview and were blocked from entering the building immediately due to a policy reportedly created by Ms. James. That delay could have put lives at risk. These officers stated that in all their experience with other Columbus schools, they had never encountered something like this.

Even more alarming is the history of Ms. James refusing to cooperate with law enforcement when teachers were physically assaulted by students. In Ohio, this can qualify as a felonious assault. When teachers tried to get the support they needed, they were often stonewalled or left unsupported, despite the principal being the one responsible for school safety.

On top of that, court records show that Ms. James was charged with domestic violence and assault in 2022 (Franklin County Case No. 2022 CR B 019403). Although the charges were dismissed, her sudden disappearance from Ridgeview during this time left students and staff confused, without answers, and without leadership. There was no transparency from the school or district.

Throughout my time at Ridgeview, I witnessed countless situations where Ms. James failed to support students, neglected the voices of teachers, and avoided taking accountability. Now, with public proof highlighting what many of us already knew, the community deserves to speak up and be heard.

We, the undersigned, demand the following:

A formal investigation and public review of Ms. Natalie James’s conduct and decisions during her time at Ridgeview Middle School.
Transparency from Columbus City Schools regarding leadership changes and safety issues.
A commitment that future principals placed in our schools will be properly vetted to ensure they put the safety and well-being of students and staff first.
Our schools should be safe spaces. Places where emergency responders are welcomed, where teachers are supported, and where students can feel protected—not silenced.

Please sign this petition if you believe that Ridgeview—and every school in our district—deserves better.