Pfeuffer said he expected to feel relief about the district’s financial problems, but instead his plan was rejected.

           “I would use the term shocked,” he said. I was very surprised.”

           Pfeuffer expected the governing board to approve his recommendation to possibly close Wrightstown, Rogers, Corbett and Ochoa Elementary Schools. The district still faces a financial crunch.

           “We’re in a difficult situation,” Pfeuffer said.

           Hundreds of people crowded into the board room, including teachers, staff, parents, and students. They succeeded in convincing the school board to keep their schools open.

           Mary Belle McCorkle, a former TUSD board member said, “It’s very hard to see young elementary school children begging their school.”

           McCorkle said superintendents usually expect the board to go along with recommendations they make

           “I’m sure Roger believed he had three votes,” she said.

           Pfeuffer said he feels the change of heard may have come when the board changed its agenda. Board members decided to vote at the beginning of the meeting instead of at the end.

           However, Pfeuffer says that vote just delays inevitable cuts.

           “School closures are part of the future of TUSD,” he said. Pfeuffer hopes the board will reconsider. TUSD is millions of dollars in debt and will be for the next two years, according to projections. Without cutbacks, Pfeuffer’s concern over the district’s future will remain.