Basham wasn't the first to talk consolidation..that was going on as early as the late 80s. He just got the albatross hung around his neck for trying to see it through. Really he's not a bad guy..as anyone familiar with him would attest. One thing we can all agree on is that this issue needs to be settled in an equitable manner..and the only way to do that is through a countywide vote. Money is the reason for both action and inaction on this issue. So, IMO, county residents should be TRUTHFULLY informed on what it will cost to consolidate and what it will cost to continue to operate six high schools. Any grants or aid available for each proposition should be revealed as well. Then, residents should be presented the total cost for each plan PER TAXPAYER PER YEAR PER EVERY $5000 OF GROSS INCOME(that way total cost will be shared by all residents based on income)..and stress that no taxpayer will be exempt for his or her share for any reason. Then you will see how many folks are willing to put their money where their mouth is. And then, let the residents decide in November. That is the only fair way to go about this issue...the school system should have to open their books to show where their money has gone over the past decade, because really they haven't presented any evidence which either proves the dire financial situation of the county schools or a concrete net savings annual amount that consolidation would supposedly provide. They just expect us to swallow everything they tell us just because they say so. And, that's not how to win support for this issue. In this amount they should consider the initial cost as well. IMO There is something in the books the school system is trying to hide. Whether it is past allocation of funds or evidence that shoots down the consolidation argument..who knows. But there's something there they don't want folks to see or they would have already opened them by now. But, they need to understand that what they are trying to do is the same as if someone was trying to sell a house for an unknown price. And, all they had to show the potential buyer was a badly drawn picture. That's an impossible sell..and until the county school system becomes transparent with their finances and speaks honestly to the residents on the actual costs associated with this issue, the whole thing will remain a no go. It's time to quit the whining, biotching, and excuses on both sides and put this before the county voters in November or sooner.