To the editor:

Lawrence school board president Shannon Kimball’s words rang clear at the end of the hourslong board meeting over school closures. However, her frustration with concerned citizens was sorely misdirected.

The Lawrence school district has the opportunity to remember who we are and to stand for triumph through adversity. Built into this community’s core is the radical notion that we can rise above any circumstance, even complete decimation. We can hold true to these values and remember that it takes grit, innovative ideas and a willingness to stare down mountainous problems to implement world-changing solutions.

I understand and relate to Kimball’s anger. We must pay our teachers; the problem feels insurmountable. However, closing schools is a status-quo way to tackle it. This district needs more people coming to the table with ideas and solutions. If we expect leaders to make tough decisions, we can’t rest when things seem normal. Our community must be willing to challenge that status quo. And we need administrators and board members to hear and embrace innovative ideas.

During the meeting, our community schools were referred to as a beacon of light. We can remain that beacon, including for other districts around the country facing the same circumstances. But we must be proactive, not reactive. This is our opportunity.

Public hearings will be held in the school gyms of Pinckney (2 to 4 p.m.) and Broken Arrow (10 a.m. to noon) on Saturday, March 25. We need your ideas and your voices.

Melody Alexander,

Lawrence