Months later, school closing vote still sensitive

A vote in October by the Oconee School Board set the closing of the county’s smallest high school for the end of this academic year.  But it remains a sensitive issue, as evidenced by last night’s public comment session at the board of trustees’ meeting.  All five speakers expressed hope the trustees will reverse their decision.  Failing that, they implore the district to make meaningful change to assure that Tamassee-Salem students feel welcome next year as students in Walhalla schools.  Lynne Martin, whose legal challenge to the school closing is to be heard next month, said, “We’re asking for something for our students for our school, something.”  Mascot and name changes have been suggested for the one-year old Walhalla High School but those ideas, so far, appear to have picked up little traction.  Last night other Tamassee-Salem supporters gave trustees copies of social media conversations which they say are counter-productive to a blending of Walhalla and Tamassee-Salem students.