Brevard parents rally in effort to save schools

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Some Brevard County parents are furious that some schools could close. A group of them gathered Thursday, demanding the district find a way to keep them open.

"It's extremely discouraging to see so much effort in informing people about the school closure when it hasn't officially happened yet. You would think you shouldn't have to fight so hard just to get people to do what's right," said parent Mike Nunez.

Nunez is one of the many parents fighting the proposed closures of Clearlake Middle School, and Gardendale, Sea Park and South Lake elementary schools. He said he'll be part of the March for Education Thursday evening. 

Brevard Public Schools is trying to address a projected $30 million budget shortfall with cuts to schools, staff and programs. In November, voters rejected a one-half-cent sales tax referendum that could have shortened the list of proposed cuts.

"Maybe we didn't do a good job of educating ourselves, or others about the sales tax, but we're here together now. We're unified and we want to save the schools and programs," said Nunez.

Parent Misty Belford said it's not too late to either revisit the sales tax referendum, or the proposed list of school cuts. If nothing changes, she said she fears it won't just be the kids who suffer.

"Our community really needs to understand not only do we need a good educational system for our kids," said Belford. "We need good schools to bring businesses to our community."

The Brevard  County School Board is expected to vote on the school closures Jan. 22.

WFTV