Update From the Picket Line

Tonight the Rome School Board held its monthly meeting as scheduled. But it's what happened before that meeting that created the buzz. Members of the Rome Teachers Association along with parents and even students held an informational picket. The purpose of the picketing is to call for change concerning the renovations at Strough Middle School. On October 3^rd the school board voted 5 to 4 to go ahead with the 25-million dollar renovations. Tonight both sides still remain split on the best solution to this problem.

Rome Teacher Tammy Brement says, "We are asking that the board rethink the options and pick one that will benefit the most students with the least disruption."

School Board Member Mary Davis says, "The work that we have before us is to move on with the planning and organization for the move. We have a year but that year is going to fly."

In response to the protesting, Superintendent Jeffrey Simons tells Eyewitness News, "The Rome City School District's plan ensures the health and safety of our students and staff during the renovation period. This is a temporary arrangement which will maintain quality educational programs for students and staff."

            While the students will only be temporarily removed from normal classrooms, it remains to be seen if this issue is over.