Pinellas school administrators have identified five elementary schools that could be closed next year as the district deals with budget problems and long-running enrollment declines. Parents are having their say here in the Gradebook and in the story comments section.

They're outraged that they can't speak at today's board meeting. They want board members to reduce their own pay. And they're defending their local schools.

A sampling of comments from this morning's story:

Disgusted: "The School Board is having a 5 hour workshop and they are not inviting the public to speak! This is outrageous and will be reflected in the next election! If the parents are not allowed to be heard, then we have lost our right to free speech."

Ga. parent: "As a parent of 2 of the 7000 students lost in Pinellas since 2005, rediculous start times, lengthy and unreliable busing, unruly and undisciplined students and apathetic teachers and administrators were the leading reasons for our decision to move."

David: "There is no way a school system the size of Pinellas should be run on a county basis. Let the cities run their own schools. Oh, and eliminate busing -- it didn't work then, and it doesn't work now. Get rid of those School Board degenerates!"

Your take?

[Times file photo]