It was a small turnout for Thursday's community forum with Bay County school Superintendent James McCalister, but a good discussion nonetheless.

McCalister held the first in a series of forums on the school budget process. Audience members asked questions ranging from the operational costs at the Nelson Building to re-purposing and closing schools, and everyone seemed to have an opinion.

Some expressed concerns over middle and high students riding the bus together. Others are worried about school start times changing, a four-day school week and eliminating a contract with the junior museum.

Whether or not those issues will make the actual list of cuts remains to be seen, but those who attended say they got the answers they were seeking.

"There were a couple of questions I had but I didn't feel comfortable bringing it up in the more formal meeting with the county officials, but I got my questions answered this evening and I think the other folks did too," said Tom Duke, a Jinks Middle School teacher.

"I think it was very helpful. It's a painful concept to think about cutting any budget for any reason. Everybody feels like what they're doing is very important and they don't want it touched," said Cecile Scoon, a parent.

"Some of the concerns were individual in nature because of special interests someone may have. At this juncture with budgets we have to put special interests aside and look at the common goal," said Brenda Lewis-Williams, a concerned citizen.

If you couldn't make it out Thursday and you'd like to participate, you still have a few more opportunities to hear from the superintendent this month.

Next week McCalister will be speaking at Arnold High School. On the 19th he'll be at Parker Elementary and on the 26th at Waller Elementary. All of these forums will start at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.