Tamassee-Salem supporters bend the ears

Tamassee-Salem supporters returned last night to Pine Street.  This time they were on the other side of the street to address the Oconee County Council.  During council’s public comment session, nine speakers requested the council play hardball with the school district’s budget and exercise leverage in the hope that the school trustees will reverse their decision to close the middle/high school at the end of the current school year.  Salem Clerk-Treasurer Kim Alexander and others floated the idea of a charter or private school—in the event the district gives the town the building.  Members of council expressed sympathy with the school supporters, but admitted their oversight of the school district budget is limited.