I am a current student at Ligon Middle School, a place where I have experienced outstanding education opportunities that have fostered my love for learning. Ligon’s magnet program and arts offerings have challenged and inspired me beyond my expectations, enabling me to thrive both academically and creatively. However, I am concerned that future students may not have the same experience if the Wake County School Board does not choose the right option for our school's future.

Currently, the School Board is considering various options for rebuilding Ligon Middle School. One of those options, Option 3, proposes to rebuild Ligon on the existing athletic field. This alternative avoids using trailers as temporary classrooms and ensures the preservation and enhancement of our beloved magnet and arts programs. Maintaining these programs is crucial for developing well-rounded students who excel not only in core subjects but also in creative disciplines.

The magnet program at Ligon has been a beacon of diversity and excellence, bringing together students from various backgrounds to learn and grow in an environment that nurtures innovation and critical thinking. Placing students in trailers would not only disrupt their learning environment but also diminish the program's attractiveness and effectiveness. Additionally, reducing the focus on the arts would deprive students of the invaluable skills and creative outlets that these programs provide.

Rebuilding Ligon on the athletic field is a viable and realistic solution. It minimizes disruption to current students, maintains the integrity of our educational programs, and solves the issue of inadequate learning spaces. Importantly, this decision will ensure that future generations of Ligon students can enjoy the same enriching experiences that have made Ligon a cherished educational community.

I urge the Wake County School Board to prioritize the long-term benefits of Option 3 and to protect the educational excellence that Ligon stands for. By signing this petition, you are advocating for a solution that respects our educational legacy and supports our community's future by choosing to rebuild Ligon on its athletic field. Please help preserve the quality of education at Ligon Middle School; sign this petition now.