We moved to the neighborhood surrounding Wilkinson Elementary School with a vision of walking our kids to school, watching them ride their bikes to nearby friends, and embracing all the fantastic programs the school offers. For families like ours, Wilkinson Elementary is more than just a school – it’s a cornerstone of our community.

Wilkinson Elementary offers unique programs such as the beloved Safety Patrol and its STEAM Academy, which focus on innovative, hands-on learning that has positively impacted our children. These programs are not just extras – they are essential elements that have contributed to our children's growth and education. Closing this school would mean displacing our kids to three other schools, stripping them of the opportunity to experience these unique learning environments and disrupting the fabric of our community.

The Sarasota School Board’s proposal to close Wilkinson Elementary and redistribute its students is not just an administrative decision; it’s a decision that uproots families and disrupts our way of life. With Sarasota’s population steadily growing, ensuring each neighborhood maintains its school ensures a higher quality of education and a stronger community bond. Studies have shown that neighborhood schools foster better student performance, increased parental involvement, and a strengthened community spirit.

We ask the Sarasota School Board to consider the long-term impacts of closing Wilkinson Elementary. Instead, let's focus on enhancing the educational infrastructure and resources in our area to accommodate growth without displacing families or disrupting children’s education.

Please join us in standing for our school and our community. Sign this petition to urge the Sarasota School Board to keep Wilkinson Elementary open and preserve the vibrant educational experience our children deserve. Your support is vital in keeping our neighborhood and schools strong.