“I know that the schools are looking for money anywhere they can. I think that if they shut down the Alternative High School, they should invest the money they save on programs like the virtual school.”

— Jon Hunt, research scientist, Lawrence

“No, probably not. Test scores don't always show what the kids are learning or what they know.”

— Suzanne Baker, Head Start teacher, Lawrence

“No, of course not. The purpose of the Alternative High School is to further people's education while ensuring they don't begin their adult lives branded as losers and future criminals. Our social categories are self-fulfilling.”

— Lee Basham, philosophy professor, Lawrence

“I don't think so. I think they are trying to save money in the wrong way. The Lawrence Alternative High School was a great benefit to our son and needs to stay open.”

— Diana Patterson, production worker, Lawrence