HYDE PARK, Vt. -
A hot topic that has many in the county of Lamoille divided. It's over the decision of whether or not to say the pledge of allegiance before every school board meeting.
The Lamoille Union School Board meeting started with the pledge of allegiance, but that sound of people reciting it, in unison, is one you won't again hear at every meeting. It was a decision that had many get up from their seats and walk out.
"The pledge of allegiance means something to me," said, Everett Demerick, who served in Korea 52 years ago.
He feels the decision is appalling, "This is the blackest mark on American history in Lamoille County."
After hearing comments from the crowd of more than a dozen in support of saying the pledge, the board voted. The outcome was 3-3 with chair of the board, Steve Reber breaking the tie and voting against the motion. Some members on the board who voted against it say, it was because of a feeling of being forced.
"I consider myself a great patriot and I'm willing to say the pledge but I don't want to feel obligated," said a member of the school board who voted down the motion.
And the superintendent of the district, who is ineligible to vote, says he understands both sides and hopes somehow they can find common ground, "I think the vote has been taken and now we do our work and see where it goes," said Joe Ciccolo, Superintendent of Schools.
But Demerick has other ideas on how to solve the problem, "I want to see 2/3 of the board replaced."
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