It is unfortunate that Ms. Theriault isn't mature enough to handle the varying opinions on this controversial redistricting proposal without resorting to very mean- spirited name calling. There are case studies and the like to support both sides of this argument so varying opinions should be expected and be able to be handled with maturity. Ms. Theriault is completely missing the point when McMahon parents say "keep neighborhoods together"...what is being referred to with that comment is that the superintendent's proposal is recommending that two busses will be going down certain streets and the odd numbered houses will go to one school and the even numbered schools will go to another school. For example, kids who live across the street from each other on Birch Street will not be going to the same school. So one part of the argument is to keep those neighborhoods together, which is what they have right now. In addition, there is a desire to keep McMahon a neighborhood school and representative of the neighborhoods that surround it. That is what most school districts have...neighborhood schools with children attending them who live in areas that surround that school. Since most, if not all, of Maine school districts (those large enough to have multiple elementary schools) embraces the neighborhood school philosophy, this is simply about some McMahon and Geiger parent's desire to embrace that same philosophy. Let's try not to misrepresent the other side, Ms. Theriault, and try to really understand each other's concerns because BOTH sides have valid concerns.