After hours of debate, Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education Members decided the fate of two Lincoln schools.

Hawthorne Elementary will close to classes beginning next fall.

Dawes Middle School will remain open temporarily, and in 2010 board members will reevaluate what should be done with it.

Arriving at the final decision was hard for board members, as well as the parents and students who came to watch.

"It's a great school and they shouldn't shut it down," said Alyia Whitehall before the meeting. Whitehall is a Hawthorne student.

An LPS Planning Committee report suggested the declining student population around Dawes Middle and Hawthorne Elementary could be absorbed into neighboring schools.

Then using Dawes and Hawthorne for other school programs could increase district efficiency.

There was plenty of opposition to the plan. "When you created the bond issue, you said you would use schools to their fullest potential. What could be better use of a school than to use it for learning?" asked Katie Lamb.

Some cited overcrowding. "They gave you $250 million to keep attendance at our schools comfortable. And that closing schools makes them crowded," said Chip Stanley.

Some said the closing would be the opposite of efficient. "There would be costs for these other programs that would be proposed for these buildings," said Karen Lamb.

Some board members agreed with the school supporters. "These children are achieving at such a high level, there's something incredible inside that building," said Kathy Danek.

Others argued overcrowding wouldn't happen if the schools closed. "I truly believe the classes will be comparable to the size classes that you have currently," said Board of Education member Lillie Larsen.

Board members decided Hawthorne would close in fall 2008. They also voted to keep Dawes open until 2009 when they will again discuss the future of the school.

For many the day ended as uncertain as it began.

"I wanted her to be in the same school so badly but I'll have to figure out another place for her I guess," said parent Cheryl Whitehall about her Hawthorne student.

Some left -- certain they'd keep fighting. "We are organized. We are energized. And we're not going away," said Chip Stanley.

According to Board of Education member Ed Zimmer, in 2009 Dawes Middle School will be used as the temporary location for Goodrich Middle School as that building undergoes renovations.

All Dawes students will be welcome to attend their school alongside the Goodrich students.

In 2010 school board members hope to decide if they will keep Dawes open after the Goodrich renovation is complete.