The majority of the discussion at Monday’s Ligonier Valley School board meeting concerned the possibility of Laurel Valley Middle-High School closing.

Parents and community members have been asking the board the same questions for several months, after the release of a study by Ohio-based Warner Concepts recommended the consolidation of Laurel Valley Middle-High School into Ligonier Valley middle and high schools.

The report calls for Laurel Valley sixth- to 12th-graders to start attending the Ligonier schools starting in fall 2010.

“We don’t ever get an answer to anything. Why are we even here if you’re not going to listen to us? You just sit up there and shake your heads and look back and forth from one another. When are we going to get a chance to get our questions answered?” New Florence resident Tess Altimus asked the board.

Board member Bruce Robinson replied, “It’s hard to give you answers when nothing’s been decided.”

Former board president Irvin Tantlinger appointed members Ray Beam, John Maier, Bruce Robinson and Kevin Pahach to research the pros and cons of implementing the Warner plan. Board members were asked to look at transportation, facilities, education and finances. They will present their findings at the Oct. 19 meeting.

Before the board can vote on the consolidation, there will be a public hearing where Robinson said citizens’ questions will be answered.

Board members appointed Robinson president until Nov. 30. Kevin McLaughlin was the only board member to vote against the appointment. There were no other nominations.

Tantlinger resigned as president at last month’s meeting, citing illness and threats made against his family as his reasons for leaving the post.

(Original post)