Save Maple Street Magnet School

Recent signers:
amber small and 10 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Maple Street Magnet School serves approximately 120 students in a close-knit community built on strong relationships among students, families, educators, and the broader community. At MSMS, there is a shared culture of partnership, where students, parents, and staff work together to challenge and support a generation that learns to persevere, innovate, collaborate, and lead for the betterment of our global community. Its small size, Boundless Exploration Program, and emphasis on project-based learning, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning have created an educational model where students consistently thrive.

Sadly, MSMS is at risk of closing. Proposed district budget cuts include the possible closure of Maple Street Magnet School, a decision that would eliminate a proven program and dismantle a supportive community many families rely on.

Maple has demonstrated strong academic outcomes and meaningful student growth, driven by dedicated educators, engaged families, and a learning environment that prioritizes connection and individualized support.

Closing Maple would place students in larger schools where many may lose the individualized attention, stability, and sense of belonging they currently experience. The consequences would extend beyond academics, impacting students’ social and emotional well-being.

We urge our school board to reconsider this closure and explore alternative approaches to budget challenges that do not involve eliminating an effective small-school model.

By signing this petition, you are supporting an educational program that works and a community worth protecting. Please sign and share to help keep Maple Street Magnet School open for current and future students.

In addition to this petition, please consider sharing how MSMS has impacted your White Tiger(s) and family. Post about it on social media, create an Op-Ed for the newspaper (happy to help with this), send an email or make a phone call to your School Board representative, and share your story during public comment at the next School Board meeting!

avatar of the starter
Sarah GentilePetition StarterMSMS parent

417

Recent signers:
amber small and 10 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Maple Street Magnet School serves approximately 120 students in a close-knit community built on strong relationships among students, families, educators, and the broader community. At MSMS, there is a shared culture of partnership, where students, parents, and staff work together to challenge and support a generation that learns to persevere, innovate, collaborate, and lead for the betterment of our global community. Its small size, Boundless Exploration Program, and emphasis on project-based learning, critical thinking, and a genuine love of learning have created an educational model where students consistently thrive.

Sadly, MSMS is at risk of closing. Proposed district budget cuts include the possible closure of Maple Street Magnet School, a decision that would eliminate a proven program and dismantle a supportive community many families rely on.

Maple has demonstrated strong academic outcomes and meaningful student growth, driven by dedicated educators, engaged families, and a learning environment that prioritizes connection and individualized support.

Closing Maple would place students in larger schools where many may lose the individualized attention, stability, and sense of belonging they currently experience. The consequences would extend beyond academics, impacting students’ social and emotional well-being.

We urge our school board to reconsider this closure and explore alternative approaches to budget challenges that do not involve eliminating an effective small-school model.

By signing this petition, you are supporting an educational program that works and a community worth protecting. Please sign and share to help keep Maple Street Magnet School open for current and future students.

In addition to this petition, please consider sharing how MSMS has impacted your White Tiger(s) and family. Post about it on social media, create an Op-Ed for the newspaper (happy to help with this), send an email or make a phone call to your School Board representative, and share your story during public comment at the next School Board meeting!

avatar of the starter
Sarah GentilePetition StarterMSMS parent

The Decision Makers

Rochester School Board
10 Members
2 Responded
Anne Grassie
Rochester School Board - At Large
I have seen the petition, and share feelings of dismay that the school may have to close. As a long time supporter of MSMS, participating in the work that created this school, I know about all the benefits of this unique attempt to re-design how we do public education. I have fought for many budget seasons to keep the school as part of the Rochester education experience, always hoping to find a way (and the money) to expand these benefits to all our elementary schools. Sadly we only managed to find the money to keep the program at the one school. In my effort to keep the school alive I have recently toured and investigated the building, realizing the enormous and expensive work the building needs. I can't speak for the whole board, but we are going to have to make some difficult budget decisions in the next few weeks, Maple just being one of many hard choices, that even overspending the tax cap, will have multiple year ramifications. You and your petition supporters should know we don't do any of this easily and not without agonizing. We love and support the kids and staff in all our buildings. Anne
Lisa Carlberg
Rochester School Board - Ward 4, Seat B
Hello, I know there are strong feelings surrounding Maple Street, and I deeply respect the families and staff who care about the program. As we approach significant budget decisions, I want to be clear about my approach: I am not prepared to make any determination until I have clear, comprehensive information. That includes: • Verified long-term facilities cost projections • Multi-year budget implications • Enrollment and sustainability data • Legal and compliance considerations • What viable alternatives would look like, if any These are complex decisions with long-term impact on students and taxpayers alike. I owe it to the community to ensure my vote is based on complete information, not urgency or emotion. I am continuing to review the data carefully and will do so before any final vote. Lisa Carlberg, Ward 4.
Matthew Pappas
Rochester School Board - Ward 3, Seat B
Nick Bellows
Nick Bellows
Rochester School Board - Ward 1, Seat A
Kelli Campbell
Kelli Campbell
Rochester School Board - Ward 6, Seat B
Jared Fulgoni
Jared Fulgoni
Superintendent of Schools - Rochester School District
Katharine Anderson
Katharine Anderson
Rochester School Board - Ward 1, Seat B

Supporter Voices

Petition Updates

Share this petition

Petition created on February 9, 2026