Now, continuing coverage of the showdown between parents and the Montgomery County School Board.
The two sides went at it Tuesday night, as they fight to keep one school from closing.
The meeting was packed. The legal limit allowed in the room is 210 - WDBJ7's Orlando Salinas counted more than 350 people.
So many parents, students and teachers packed the second floor meeting room, that police had to clear the doorways, just in case there was an emergency.
Once the overflow crowd moved, one by one eventually, more than 80 people spoke their peace. So many wanted to be heard, that the school board voted- but not unanimously- to hear them all.
"I don't want my kids to be bused from their home school," one parent said.
School board members are facing an ugly choice, close down Auburn Middle School for at least two years and save the county about half a million dollars. Or possibly cut teaching positions, some classes, and services.
The board chairman was forced to slam his gavel, trying to stop the crowed from clapping as their supporters took to the microphone, hoping to make their case for keeping their school open.
Even kids walked up.
"I'm going to be in the 6th grade next year and I'm really looking forward to middle school next year," Carson Perkins said. "I want to cherish my my middle school memories with my friends I spent elementary school with."
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Right now, parents in Riner are gearing up, for what some Montgomery County school leaders admit could be an ugly evening.
They are discussing the potential closing of Auburn Middle School
But before that happens, there has to be a final public hearing, that's not scheduled until next month. The school board says closing down Auburn Middle for at least two years- could save the county half a million dollars.
But that's not what parents from Riner want to hear. They say the school board should keep the middle school open because it gives the students a sense of community.
School board officials say they don't like the prospect of closing down Auburn elementary even on a temporary basis, but it can't ignore the budget shortfall of $4.2 million dollars.
There's a lot of school construction going on right now in Riner.
A new High school is being built, the current high school is being renovated into a new middle school that won't be ready for two more years, and the current middle school is supposed to be torn down.
I spoke with one parent who said he can see both sides, but neither wins outright.
If the school board goes with the plan to shutter Auburn middle, 8th graders would be sent to Auburn high to finish out the year, while 6th and 7th graders would be sent to Christiansburg Middle School.
School officials don't expect Tuesday night's meeting to make anyone happy.
