We all feel the need to speak our minds. This issue will become center stage Wednesday when people stand up to talk about the closing of Byrd Elementary, School of Discovery and Phoenix School. These are the three schools slated for closure in 2013.

Members of the school board and administrators should expect people to fight fiercely for their community schools. Neighborhoods grow up around schools. Schools give neighborhoods a sense of stability.

People will speak passionately about their schools; especially those folks in Old Town who love Byrd. Those people are expected to make comparisons with other schools. Those are facts.

Both sides — advocates and school officials — need to remember their manners. No broad swaths and no shutting down of the facts.

We’re much better with everything on the table.