Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 8:24 p.m.
Hi, (not you?) | Member Center | Sign Out
Posted: 10:08 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013
comment(4)
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —
Angry teachers, parents and young students rallied Thursday night in an effort to keep some Brevard County schools from being shut down.
Hundreds of protesters marched on school board headquarters. They all wore yellow shirts that said "Save BrevardĀ Schools." The superintendent and board members weren't there, only senior staff.
It was the last chance for parents to state their opinions before the board votes on the closures and boundary changes.
This group of parents and teachers isn't lying down when it comes to the Brevard school district's plan to close four schools.
"We're tired of educators kind of getting the raw end of theĀ deal. We want to see kids get a chance to get their school," said Bob Collins, a Brevard County teacher.
After a one-half-cent sales tax was narrowly rejected by voters in November, Brevard School District leaders said the only option was to close four schools; Clearlake Middle School and Gardendale, Sea Park and South Lake elementary schools.
"This is too much of a radical change to be made in such a quick time," said one parent
Other schools will have to take in students because of the closures. That could change several school boundaries.
"I think we can have up to 140 students added to our school very comfortably, but we don't want to see a ripple effect, a domino effect on all the beachside schools," said parent Tammy Romanisko.
Parents broke up into groups to go over the plans for proposed new boundaries, and to give input.
But those who see no other option than keeping all the schools open, took their thoughts to senior staff.
"This is a race to the bottom, this is not a race to the top," said one parent.
Some even suggested the county revisit the tax hike.
"I'm willing to stand up and lead the community in a campaign to raise the money needed by the school district to put on an additional election," said teacher Liz Mikitarian.
The school board will vote on proposed changes Jan. 22.
comment(4)
© 2013 Cox Media Group. By using this website,
you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices
.
Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationForm *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Already have an account? Sign In
{* #registrationFormBlank *} {* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* traditionalRegistration_displayName *} {* traditionalRegistration_emailAddressBlank *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordBlank *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirmBlank *} {* agreeToTerms *}We have sent you a confirmation email. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account.
We look forward to seeing you frequently. Visit us and sign in to update your profile, receive the latest news and keep up to date with mobile alerts.
Don't worry, it happens. We'll send you a link to create a new password.
{* #forgotPasswordForm *} {* forgotPassword_emailAddress *}We have sent you an email with a link to change your password.
We've sent an email with instructions to create a new password. Your existing password has not been changed.
To sign in you must verify your email address. Fill out the form below and we'll send you an email to verify.
{* #resendVerificationForm *} {* resendVerification_emailAddress *}Check your email for a link to verify your email address.

You're Almost Done!
Select a display name and password
{* #socialRegistrationForm *} {* socialRegistration_displayName *} {* socialRegistration_emailAddress *} {* traditionalRegistration_password *} {* traditionalRegistration_passwordConfirm *}Tell us about yourself
{* registration_firstName *} {* registration_lastName *} {* registration_postalZip *} {* registration_birthday *} {* registration_gender *} {* agreeToTerms *}