There was quite a discussion at the hearing regarding closing Caln, centering on issues of safety; cost effectiveness; home values in Caln; the value of the elementary school to the Caln community beyond its use as a school; and whether or not the move is a “done deal.”

Do you feel I've left any out? Did the hearing change your opinion? What do you think will happen next, and what should happen?

Also, what did you think about this discussion:

Resident Jim Caldwell:  

"I had hoped tonight this would be a real hearing in the sense of the word. I had hoped that you would be open for listening to more ideas that you could put into the pot. ...I'm not very encouraged. You tweaked the presentation but...(this won't work and) Ron Miller's won't work... All things may be lawful, but not all things are helpful. I guess I don't get that sense (that anyone is listening)."

Board member Tonya Thames Taylor:

"Initially I said I was going to come in and listen. But when you basically are attacking someone's character, I have a problem with that. ... One person got up and said they didn't think they were getting a fair hearing. Just because someone may not agree with you, does not mean they're not listening. To indict someone's character and accuse them of not listening is unethical and cowardly."

Chat comment from reader "In d ville", copied and pasted as written:

"Tonya Thames Taylor's comment about concerned citizens being unethical and cowardly was uncalled for. Those folks have a right to be heard. The way of Cville politicians in the past has been to talk down concerned citizens. Times are changing. There are many new folks moving to Cville that aren't intimidated by this kind of bluster. The folks in Caln may not get what they want, but at least they've made a stand. It's a start."

What do you think is the real issue here - both in this discussion, and in the hearing overall? What do you think is the driving concern?


Click here for the document to which board member Robert Knecht was referring at the end of the meeting: Responses to Alternative to Closing Caln...

Click here for agenda and copy of PowerPoint slides

Click here for "Playground Exhibit: Scott Elementary School"

Link to CoverItLive chat: http://bit.ly/cgIO75