Greg Hein, who has a child at Danville Elementary, said, "Taxpayers are taking a hit whatever decision is made."

He said costs are continuing to climb and "we're in a recession. This is not the time to take on a project of this magnitude."

Saying his family is not low-income, as alluded to at a previous board meeting when Danville Elementary families were discussed, he said Danville Elementary is "a great school with great teachers and a great staff."

The past three years, the board has wasted time and money, he said.

"When is enough enough?" he asked.

Joann Gray, who chose to have her daughter attend Danville Elementary, said it has "fine educators and a fine principal. Let's work together. I want tax dollars spent wisely whether it is consolidation or four elementaries and in the best interest of everyone."

Board member Kellie Krum, who voted to close Danville Elementary and renovate the two other schools, said she opposed consolidation because she believes the site near the high school is a poor one.

"DES is the most saleable, is in the best shape and is landlocked," she said. "At least we would have two smaller schools."

Board members Steve Schooley and Krum argued over studies about class size, with Steve Schooley telling her "you take and twist research."

Board President Allan Schappert had to stop them because the discussion came during time for public comment.

Martin Kessler said Danville Elementary is the only school in the borough and questioned why the school was singled out to be closed.

Resident Roxanne Patton said it is called the Danville district.

"There should be a school in Danville," Patton said. "Close the worst one, not the best."

Later in the meeting, Raup said: "We aren't going to do this without thinking. Here we are back to square one again and we are stopped again."