Halifax County commissioners this evening began discussions of the document, which recommends more than $11 million in cost-savings across the three school systems.

Three commissioners, however, had reservations about moving forward without the inclusion of the boards of education.

“I don't see how productive a discussion is going to be if it's just us and not including the school systems,” said Commissioner Carolyn Johnson.

Commissioner Marcelle Smith said he had no objections to discussions on the report, which was released in October of 2012. “Looking at this in my spare time, I think a lot of recommendations hinge upon decisions made by the three school systems. A lot of the decisions hinge on what the superintendents will do.”

Commissioner Patrick Qualls said he agreed with Johnson and Smith. “I think the board chairman has got us to sit down and talk about it … I think our job is to facilitate.”

Board Chair Vernon Bryant has been an advocate of studying the report, which cost the county $100,000.

“As far as the superintendents,” Johnson said, “Some have said some of it is doable and some is not doable.”

Halifax County Schools Superintendent Elease Frederick told the board, “It's going to have to be something to bring the boards together. You don't see that camaraderie. We've made some changes.”

Roanoke Rapids Graded Schools District Superintendent Dennis Sawyer told commissioners there are some things the three systems are sharing like transportation. “Some of the things are very challenging to incorporate.'

Smith said he would like to see a list of what the school systems have and haven't tried to implement from the report. “Sometimes you can't make children play together. Trying to force kids to play, it doesn’t work.”

Commissioner Rives Manning said he would like to see what has been accomplished thus far. “We get shot at every month,” he said, referring to representatives from the Coalition for Education and Economic Security who speak at each first-of-the-month meeting, “And I'm getting tired of it.”

Qualls said, “Discussions have to start somewhere. We can't start with our swords drawn. Some of the things don't make sense. Some save a lot of money. I think we need to start talking.”

Bryant said he believes what needs to happen next is for the superintendents to get back with the board to see when a joint meeting can be held.

“Conversation is always better than mediation,” Smith said. “I think this could be very easily be solved by talking together.”