We, the students, parents, and supporters of iTech @ Thomas A. Edison Educational Center, are calling for the immediate reinstatement of Ms. Perry Richardson, a teacher who made an undeniable impact on our academic success, growth, and school spirit.

Despite joining late in the school year, Ms. Richardson led the majority of her U.S. History students to score a 5 on the EOC exam — more than all other score categories combined. Her dedication to student learning and her ability to connect with us so quickly did not go unnoticed. She not only raised performance, but she created an environment where we felt seen, motivated, and prepared.

Ms. Richardson also had clear plans for the next school year — including sponsoring a debate club and helping add a communications class to help students overcome public speaking anxiety and develop leadership skills. Her removal was sudden, unjustified, and deeply disappointing to many of us who were excited for the opportunities she was building.

This petition is a call to action: to ensure that excellence, student success, and dedicated educators are protected — not pushed out. Her firing sends the wrong message to students and educators alike.

We are asking the Miami-Dade County School Board and District 2 Board Member Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall to do what’s right: reinstate Ms. Perry Richardson for the following school year and give iTech students the opportunity to keep learning from a teacher who clearly wants the best for us.