Morton District 709 school board discussed possible school facility changes during a committee-of-the-whole meeting March 31. And, closing Jefferson School has become more of a serious topic than just an idea after board members finished talking that night.

The possible closure of Jefferson School will most likely be a controversial decision as the time nears. Board members recognize this.

School board president Linda Menold and superintendent Roger Kilpatrick expressed the importance of opening discussion in the community — not just among hundreds of residents, but thousands.

It is immensely important for the school board to set up a line of communication between its members and the residents of Morton while such an important decision is pondered.

Equally important, residents need to show up and express their concerns, whether they support facility changes or not.

Communication is the key to finding reasonable solutions to a developing problem in District 709 schools — deteriorating facilities, minimal space and outdated design.