Franklin County School Board meeting sees large attendance 

About 180 people are attending tonight's meeting of the Franklin County School Board, which is pondering how to close a budget gap of about $1.5 million.

During a public comment period, David Thorp, a teacher at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, said he is willing to sacrifice a proposed raise if doing so could help avoid some painful cuts under consideration.

Later, outside the meeting, Carla Tyree, president of the Franklin County Education Association, offered a different view.

"If we go another half a decade without a pay raise or a step increase we won't be able to attract or retain teachers," Tyree said.

Meanwhile, Adrianna Wilson, a high school senior who has attended the Roanoke Valley Governor's School, said the school's integrated and comprehensive curriculum offers students remarkable opportunities and deserves the county's continued support.

The school board has not yet started discussing budget cuts.

Read previous news coverage here and here.

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