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Public split on Paoli-Whitebead annexation; residents cite governance, transportation and identity concerns
Summary
Twelve community members spoke. Some urged annexation citing student opportunities while others raised concerns about who would serve on a new board, tax and transportation impacts, and preserving Whitebead's identity.
Twelve members of the community addressed the board during public comment, expressing a range of views about the proposed annexation. Deanya Brobst opened the comment list expressing concern about who would serve on the new board. Ed Tillery said he saw no benefits for Whitebead and listed concerns including transportation, transfers, tax increases for Whitebead property owners, added maintenance and uncertainty about board composition. Everett Plummer echoed those concerns and encouraged the board to engage auditors to review both schools' financial information; he supplied a handout to the board.
Other commenters emphasized support or affection for both districts. Peyton Manning said he favored annexation because his experiences in the smaller Paoli schools provided opportunities in sports and leadership, and Ricky Manning described Paoli asking Whitebead to annex as "a compliment to Whitebead." Several speakers, including Lisa Whitman, urged preserving Whitebead's identity — the minutes record simply, "Lisa wants Whitebead to stay Whitebead." The comments highlighted community division on governance, finances and local identity, with repeated requests for more detailed financial review and clarity on who would sit on a future board.
