Tuesday, February 7, 2012

About four dozen parents and children stood together against proposed school boundary changes tonight.

"I'm really kind of sad and I really want to save Emerson," said Megan Fleming, a fifth-grader at Emerson Elementary.

Adults and children were on hand to talk about the reasons why their school should not be on the chopping block.

"I used to not be really great in reading. Now, since I'm in a smaller school, I get more time with the teacher and I can really focus on my reading and learn about my reading," said Fleming.

A room full of parents, mainly from Emerson Elementary, came up with ideas to only save their school but also others. Parents were glad to see more than a handful of people present.

"It's always been a smaller number because everybody thinks everybody else is taking care of it. Just having a large number of people show up for one is a positive outlook," said Brandie Van Arsdale, parent of Emerson students.

The group came up with ideas for protests, including a rally set for Feb. 13th before the school board meeting.

They also came to a consensus that they want answers from school board members as well as more time before they close these schools.

"I'm hoping that they'll give us more time to show the numbers that they need or to show that there is other ways of keeping these school open," said Van Arsdale.

The Wichita School Board will vote on the boundary plan on Feb. 27th.