An attempt to lock the Sto-Rox school board into keeping the Foster Kindergarten Center building in Stowe open for the 2008-09 school year failed last night as a majority of board members said they wanted to hear the pros and cons at a June 4 meeting.

Some district residents, hundreds of whom have signed petitions, oppose the closing because they don't want children transported to the elementary school in Kennedy, several miles away.

More than 40 residents attended last night's raucous meeting, which was disrupted numerous times by board members yelling at one another and arguing with audience members.

Board President Kevin Kochirka said administrators at the June 4 meeting will spell out the educational and financial advantages of closing the center and examine a timeline for such a move.

"I want to keep my option open to [close] it this year," he said, "if it's best for the children and best for the community."

Member Edward Maritz sought the board's commitment to keep the center open another year while the problem is studied and public input is sought. He said the board was rushing to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

"I would like to look at data," he said. "What's driving this? We're not at critical mass. We don't have a violence problem, we don't have an asbestos problem, we don't have a crowding problem. This is a solution in search of a problem."