The regular meeting of the Altus School Board ended in heated debate Monday evening.

Board member Linda Buxton took on a crusade against the rest of the board regarding the school district alignment issue.

The issue is on the accomodation of all day kindergarten. The debate is on one of the proposals, which is moving the ninth graders to the high school.

"I was for this three years ago, but I felt like it was totally against public opinion," said Buxton. "I feel we put our public at an unfair advantage. We need to make the public aware of public meetings. They are not going to appreciate us making the decision without them having a voice."

Buxton went on to say that if the community is behind the board one hundred percent in decision making, they would be more apt to vote for taxes, etc.

The Junior High School principal, Robert Bowers, said in defense of the argument Buxton continued to present, "I have been known to change my mind when I weigh the facts. Would I want my three daughters in that situation? I wouldn't have a problem," regarding the ninth grade issue. "It is a good proposal -- it is a sound proposal, both academically and financially. I think that we can get a good solid education with this plan."

The matter has a lot to do with the use of portable buildings, which have a five-year life expectancy

Some of the portables are 20 years old, and they can't be secured.

"I think it's important you get the information out," said one mother, Susan Nelson. "I do not want my ninth grader isolated. I don't want my child physically separated if taken to the high school -- I want integration with the high school."

Board member Tom Buchanan said, "We have a proposal set before us," and continued to reiterate that "no decisions have been made."

More information will be put out to the community for participation in the decision making process.

A date of Dec. 8 was set for the next Board meeting. After that there will be a Town Hall Meeting.