We must shine a light on these bullying and strong-arm tactics and demand change. Our hospital, schools, transit and local attractions should be considered priorities by the Restaino administration. The fact that employees from these entities are afraid of retribution if they speak to the press, speaks volumes as to how Mayor Restaino conducts business.  WHY withhold funds from our schools in a time of economic crisis? WHY withhold funds from the only hospital located in our city? WHY withhold funds from the Underground Railroad Museum, which attracts thousands of tourists every year? The train station is already operating at a $130,000 annual deficit because the city has failed to properly utilize event space adjacent to the museum. WHY withhold funds from the NFTA when many of us rely on public transportation to get from home to work and back? Mayor Restaino's actions only make sense when viewed through the eyes of a greedy miser.

On February 25th, 2025,  the Woodburn School Board failed to pass Resolution 25-001, Reaffirming Safe and Welcoming Schools for All.”  We need community support to pressure elected officials to defend the safety of all students, especially students being affected by current federal immigration enforcement.  This is the first step to ensuring we have a strong and representative leadership in our schools. 

As part of the Project 2025 assault on basic and essential government functions, President Trump is dismantling the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Congress is not fighting back for us.. With recent firings at NOAA announced, information that is a lifeline in a weather emergency event is at grave risk. And, the potential that they may eliminate free public access to weather forecasts, hurricane tracking, wildfire alerts, and more would not just decimate the nation's premier climate science agency, it would undermine public safety and put lives at risk. People in the United States have invested tax dollars in NOAA for generations. It belongs to us, not the Trump administration. Don't let President Trump and Congress  dismantle this life-saving agency. Tell Congress to protect NOAA.

Renaming the Department of Special Education to the Department of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is an important step toward fostering a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering environment for all students. The current term, “Special Education,” while functional, often carries outdated and limiting connotations, potentially focusing more on what students can’t do rather than highlighting their unique strengths and potential. Switching to the term Exceptional Student Education not only reflects the diverse abilities and potential of these students but also aligns with modern educational practices that emphasize inclusion, equality, and a positive outlook on diversity. This shift in language can change perceptions both within schools and throughout the community, leading to a more supportive environment where students are seen and treated as exceptional, not defined by their challenges. Supporting this change empowers students with disabilities to be seen for their abilities rather than their challenges. It gives students a sense of pride and encourages them to recognize their strengths. Renaming the department also reflects a deeper commitment to inclusive education and creating a community where all students are respected, valued, and have equal opportunities to succeed. This aligns with the principles of equity and diversity that many schools and organizations are working to strengthen. Furthermore, changing the language surrounding education can have a ripple effect on the entire community. If the department’s name is reframed, it could encourage positive perceptions of students with disabilities among teachers, parents, and the community at large, which can lead to greater understanding and support. As our understanding of education and disability evolves, so should our language. By advocating for this change, we are joining a larger movement toward a more forward-thinking educational approach. This is an opportunity to reshape the way we approach special education and position our students for success in an ever-changing world. When you join this campaign, you show others that advocating for meaningful changes—no matter how small they may seem—is crucial to building a better and more inclusive society. The more people who speak up, the stronger the message becomes that language matters and that all students deserve recognition for their exceptional abilities. Together, we have the power to create change. Your voice, whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or community member, contributes to an essential movement that aims to better serve and empower students. This is an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than just a name change—it’s about shifting the narrative for exceptional students and ensuring that they are recognized and celebrated for who they truly are. Your support will show that this is more than just a minor change—it’s a critical step toward transforming how students with disabilities are viewed, treated, and supported in our community. Join the campaign today, and together, we’ll make a meaningful difference!

Due to the increased number of school shootings all over our country children feel unsafe to seek further education ,as well as parents fearing for their children ranging from kindergartens to high schoolers. This domestic threat on my fellow classmates and I ,as well as so many children who attend schools everywhere violates the constitutional right to liberty and pursuit of happiness.  The right to education and safety are now teetering as nothing is done. Many children in the United States attending school have self harmed or attacked their schools because nothing was done to protect them from bullying and social outcasting, many students have harmed others for their right to exist, which can be linked to mistreatment at home, upbringing and lack of care from school officials.  It is important the elephant in the room must be addressed to insure a bright future for all students like me. 

Immigrant students are an essential part of our UH community, yet many face unnecessary barriers due to restrictive policies and lack of institutional support. By joining our campaign, you can help push UH to take action—ensuring immigrant students have the resources, protections, and advocacy they deserve. Together, we can make UH a truly inclusive and supportive environment for all.

Increased funding for mental health services in schools is crucial for several reasons. First, mental health issues among youth are on the rise, with many students facing anxiety, depression, and other challenges that can significantly impact their academic performance and overall well-being. A recent study revealed that a large percentage of educators (93%) report a high level of concern for student mental health needs, and 85% expressed the need for further training in mental health. By investing in mental health services, schools can provide early intervention and support, helping students navigate these challenges before they escalate. Second, mental health awareness in schools fosters a supportive environment where students feel safe to express their feelings and seek help. When schools prioritize mental health, it reduces stigma and encourages open conversations about mental well-being, leading to a healthier school culture. Lastly, increased funding allows for the hiring of qualified mental health professionals who can implement comprehensive programs tailored to the needs of students. This ensures that every student has access to the resources they need to thrive, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and healthier communities. For these reasons, we urge stakeholders to support increased funding for mental health services in schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed both academically and emotionally.

Join me in the fight because WE are their voice! 

Other people should join this campaign for change because health is a human right, not a business transaction. When pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over people, lives are put at risk, and justice is often denied. By standing together, we can: 1. Demand Accountability – Holding pharmaceutical companies responsible ensures that no one else suffers due to corporate negligence. 2. Push for Fair Compensation – Victims of harmful drugs deserve financial relief for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. 3. Strengthen Consumer Protection – Stricter regulations and transparency will prevent future harm to individuals and families. 4. Ensure Legal Fairness – The legal system should work for the people, not protect corporate interests at the expense of public health. 5. Create Lasting Change – Collective action leads to policy reforms that can improve healthcare justice for generations to come. This is not just about one person—it’s about protecting our communities, our families, and future generations from preventable harm. Every voice matters. Together, we can make a difference. Join us in the fight for health justice!

The children of our state deserve every single educational opportunity we can provide. This cannot be achieved through a voucher program. We instead need to make sure our public schools are fully funded. We need to invest in our children because they are Tennessee’s future.

Teachers are the glue that hold a community together. Great teachers can save a community from itself and be what holds our children together when they slip through our fingers. Sign the petition to help bring back Mr. Gioia!! 

Since COVID, our community has increasingly relied on online learning platforms, particularly in our middle and high schools. While online learning offers valuable flexibility, the current lack of organization within our district is creating chaos and hindering student success, especially for neurodivergent students and those with ADHD. Like many students in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), my son struggles with ADHD and executive functioning. Despite being a good student with a strong desire to succeed, he feels let down by the system as he constantly grapples with finding, tracking, and submitting his assignments. The use of multiple online LMS platforms like Schoology, Google Classroom, and others, across various subjects, simply adds to the chaos and confusion. There is no consistency at a school level that mandates a single system for this purpose. We believe doing so will increase student success and build their desire to learn and actively participate. Our children deserve an education system that is streamlined, standardized, and conducive to learning for all types of learners. Currently, the BVSD lacks a unified online system, leading to unnecessary complexity and stress for students, especially those with learning differences. Consider this: In a school environment where each teacher uses a different online platform for the syllabus, resources, and assignment tracking/submission, students with ADHD or those who struggle with executive functioning bear the brunt of this lack of uniformity. It ultimately hampers their academic performance and emotional well-being. To solve this problem, we propose that the BVSD mandate all schools within the district to adopt a single online platform, per school,  that teachers are required to use as a hub for the class syllabus, resources, assignment tracking, and submission. This will enable students to manage their schoolwork more effectively and alleviate the pressures they currently face, thereby promoting their academic success and overall mental health. Let's push for this needed change in our local education system. Your signature will make a difference in the lives of our students. Please, sign this petition. Sincerely, Sarah Colomina mother to 2 BVSD students