Let’s stand together for our kids, our community, and do what’s right!

Sign to support Cash’s continued education at Berkley Schools and help change policies for future students 

I am reaching out to you not only as a concerned mother but as a passionate advocate for the future of our children — including my son, Cash. I am asking for your support in signing this petition to help protect the emotional well-being and educational stability of students like Cash, who are at risk of being uprooted due to the limitations within Michigan’s School of Choice 105 policy.

My son, Cash, has been a dedicated student in the Berkley School District since kindergarten. For nearly nine years, Berkley has been more than just his school — it has been his community, his support system, and the foundation of his academic growth. It is the only school home he has ever known. I have lived in Berkley for 12+ years and am working in Berkley for going on 14 years.

Now, because we made the decision to move just beyond Oakland County lines — after being directly reassured in an in-person conversation by Berkley Schools’ enrollment office that Cash would be “grandfathered in” — he is being stripped of everything he has worked for. I trusted the people in charge. I trusted the system to do what was right for children. I regret more than anything not documenting that conversation, but no parent should have to document promises made in good faith by school officials they trust.

In an effort to protect his place in the district, we reached out to the enrollment office and knowing the situation but never taking accountability for falsely telling us we were fine no matter where we moved, they told us to apply for the Berkley Schools of Choice Scholarship Program, submitting heartfelt letters of recommendation from his teachers and principal. Within two months I received intent to return forms and Cash enrolled at the High School on my parent school portal. Over the moon we reached out to enrollment to verify and they told us the scholarship actually does not apply to him as he lives outside the county. Again we felt lied to. This has been crushing for my son, who has strong academic achievements, no disciplinary issues, and a genuine connection to his school.

We even explored other options — including having him live with his grandparents, who still reside in Berkley and pay taxes within the district. My Dad grew up in Berkley, went to Berkley High. We have our family roots in Berkley. Unfortunately, this request was also denied. The policy currently in place is failing children like Cash, and without change, it will continue to disrupt the lives of countless others.

We are speaking up not just for Cash, but for every child who could face this same heartbreaking situation. We believe that children who have invested years in a school and community deserve to remain in that community — even if they live just beyond an arbitrary county line. A student’s history, emotional ties, parents past tax dollars spent towards the school and success should matter more than geographic boundaries.

That’s why we need your help.

We are calling on all citizens to join this petition to revise the School of Choice 105 policy in Michigan. By signing and sharing this petition, we can raise awareness and show lawmakers, state representatives, school boards, and anyone who can make a difference that this issue matters. Our children’s well-being, stability, and future should not be compromised by outdated and arbitrary policies.

This petition is not only about protecting my son, Cash, but also about ensuring that no other child is forced to face the emotional distress and educational upheaval caused by policies that fail to prioritize the well-being of students.

Together, we can make a difference.

Please add your name to the petition, spread the word, and help us gain the attention of those in power to create real change. Our children deserve better.

Thank you for your support.