More than 100 people attended Monday night’s school board committee meetings.

The board reconfigured its meeting space to allow more people into that room and provided a room for overflow seating nearby.

Many of the 60 visitors in the meeting room wore clothing showing their colors – Sheffield and Youngsville garb were scattered throughout.

A few people spoke, directly addressing the board’s stated interest in reconfiguring its schools.

Youngsville Borough Manager Wendy Wilcox asked the board to consider the safety, health, and education of the students.

Trudy Kiser of Youngsville said her grandchildren have learned valuable life lessons because they attend a relatively small school and “gladly” offered her cost-of-living increase if it would help keep the school open.

Kelly Sullivan of Youngsville said some students are already on the bus for an hour and closing the school would keep them on it for another.

She suggested that future public meetings on the subject of reconfiguration include a virtual element, so those who cannot physically make it to the location can participate.

Carl Lewis said meetings that are focused on Youngsville and Sheffield should not be held in Russell. “If the goal is public engagement, subsequent meetings should be held at Sheffield and Youngsville.”

“We are concerned,” Sullivan said. “Please hear us.”