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Parents fighting to keep some Brevard Co. schools open

The fight to keep Brevard County Schools open has left parents like Michelle Speisman frustrated.

The county and city of Titusville asked the court for a temporary injunction Monday to halt the closures of Clear Lake Middle School, and Gardendale and South Lake Elementary Schools.

"It's just been emotionally draining. It's been time-consuming. It's kind of taken over our lives, I feel like at times," Speisman said.

Members of the School Board's Capital Outlay Committee testified about the group's recommendation to delay the closures. The judge didn't find reason to grant an injunction. But the legal wrangling isn't over yet. The district is still facing a second lawsuit and a second injunction hearing over the school closures.

"Is it possible for the school district to open those schools again?" asked Scott Knox, Brevard County attorney.

"Well, we haven't yet closed them. But it would be possible, but very challenging," Brevard Public Schools Superintendent Brian Bingelli said.

Civil rights attorney Shayan Elahi said he believes the school board acted out of discriminatory intent.

"We think they should be stopped," Elahi said.

That is an allegation the district has denied and will address in next month's hearing, with plaintiff Saundra Campbell and others.

"I will live to fight again," Campbell said.

The plaintiffs in the second lawsuit have been asked to post an injunction bond, which could lead to awarding of damages if a false, or wrongful injunction is filed against the school district.

Their attorney said it's money his clients don't have.