To the Salem-Keizer School Board:

We, the parents, guardians, educators, and community members of Salem, Oregon, are requesting that the Salem-Keizer School Board reconsider its proposal to close Richmond Elementary School.

Richmond Elementary is more than a building. It is a place where our children learn, grow, build friendships, and develop meaningful relationships with teachers and staff.

Closing Richmond could disrupt students’ education, separate established school communities, increase transportation burdens, and create additional challenges for working families.

We understand that Salem-Keizer Public Schools faces financial and enrollment challenges. However, we believe every reasonable alternative deserves thorough consideration before a neighborhood school is permanently closed.

We are asking the Salem-Keizer School Board to:

1. Reconsider the proposed closure of Richmond Elementary.
2. Release the enrollment, financial, and facility data supporting the recommendation.
3. Explore alternatives that would allow Richmond to remain open.
4. Evaluate the impact on students, families, and the school’s dual-language program.
5. Include Richmond families in meaningful discussions before the final decision.
6. Consider delaying the December 8, 2026, decision if additional analysis and community engagement are necessary.

Our children deserve stability, educational continuity, and a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their futures.

We respectfully ask the Salem-Keizer School Board to keep Richmond Elementary open.