Me and many other students of White Bear Lake are very upset with the unjust denial of Benjamin Lattimore's tenure and are asking the administration to reconsider their decision to deny tenure to Mr. Benjamin Lattimore, a deeply respected teacher who has made a lasting impact on our lives.

Mr. Lattimore has taught at our school for three years. A teacher's opportunity for tenure is based on performance during that time. Teachers during those three years have a supervisor from Admin who tells them if they’re not up to par with the standards, usually in the fall. However, Mr. Lattimore was not told anything about his performance not being up to expectations until February of 2025, his third year, just one month before the administration made its final tenure decisions in March. That gave him no real chance to address the issue, improve student grades, or meet the standards expected of him.

This isn’t fair. A single month is not enough time to show growth, especially when the system failed to give him proper notice. He deserved clarity and support, not a rushed judgment.

Mr. Lattimore is more than a teacher. He is someone who listens, makes time for students, helps students succeed, creates an entertaining and engaging class, and gives us a place to feel safe and welcome.

Mr. Lattimore is a very good teacher. I was in his law class during my Junior year. I was not yet diagnosed with ADHD or medicated for it. I averaged D’s and C’s in all my classes, except for Law. Lattimore made class engaging, Fun, and helped me end the semester with a B. I’m certain I am not the only student who has positive lasting memories of Lattimore, the help he gave in class, and the enjoyable work and leasons he offered. If you ask any student who had Lattimore for a class, you will find almost all of them will say he is a great teacher and deserves a tenure. 

When me and some of my friends were in Mr. Lattimores class for a free period, he told us about being denied tenure, and how he will not return next year. When explaining to us the unfair situation, He tried to downplay his feelings but was visibly frustrated. Though he didn’t name anyone involved, it was clear he was hurt and felt the process was unjust.

We’re asking for a re-evaluation of his tenure decision or a tenure offered to him all together. This petition is not just for him, but for every teacher. Every teacher deserves a fair process. Please sign this petition to show your support for Mr. Lattimore and to stand up for what’s right.