PETITION TO MAINTAIN CHURCHILL ELEMENTARY AS A K–2 SCHOOL

We, the undersigned parents, residents, and community members, respectfully request that Rochester Public Schools and the School Board reconsider the proposal to discontinue Churchill Elementary School as a K–2 neighborhood school.

Churchill serves as more than a school building. It is a cornerstone of our neighborhood where young children begin their educational journey, families build connections, and community activities take place. The school provides a safe, walkable, neighborhood-centered environment that supports student learning and family engagement.

We believe Churchill should remain a K–2 elementary school because:

• Churchill's K–2 model provides a uniquely nurturing environment as smaller schools and can help young children build stronger relationships with teachers, staff, and classmates, fostering a greater sense of belonging and security during their earliest school years.

• Neighborhood schools strengthen communities and encourage family involvement in education.

• The proposed transfer of Churchill students to Hoover Elementary raises concerns about potential crowding due to increased enrollment, transportation impacts for families affected, and how the quality of the educational experience will be maintained for all students.

We support Rochester Public Schools' efforts to serve students with diverse educational needs. However, we believe those goals can be achieved while preserving Churchill's role as a neighborhood elementary school and protecting the benefits that its K–2 model provides to young learners.

We respectfully ask the Rochester School Board to vote against the proposal to close Churchill as a K–2 school and to pursue alternatives that preserve elementary education at Churchill.

Feel free to leave comments in the comments section if you are unable to attend the next school board meeting on June 9th and have any additional comments or questions you would like brought forward.