Last Monday, the Colquitt County School System announced that schools would be closed Dec. 12 and 13 due to complications surrounding the state championship football game, in which the Colquitt County High School Packers will face Milton High. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, in Atlanta and will result in the team getting back to Moultrie around 3 or 4 the following morning. School Superintendent Doug Howell cited concerns about logistics, transportation and personnel in explaining the decision.

The Moultrie Observer posted the story about the closure to its website Monday, updated it Tuesday evening, and published it in Wednesday morning’s print edition. Because the online stories were already generating a great deal of commentary from the public, we asked in our print edition for people to send us letters to the editor expressing their views on the schools’ closing.

One person responded. Her short letter appears below.

In addition, many people commented on our website and on our Facebook page. Selected comments from those sources appear in no particular order below the letter.

The Observer values the opportunity for local people to express themselves in our Opinions section. Please email letters to kevin.hall@gaflnews.com, submit them through this link, or mail them to The Moultrie Observer, P.O. Box 2349, Moultrie, Ga. 31776.

Football unites community

This is a class act and very logical move. Football is a community uniter. Yes, it brings all together. I heard from friends from around the country that still support the Packers and they say we really lucked up to have such a Superintendent. Go Packers!

Cooka Pippin Hillebrand

Online comments

Now is not the time to debate the local school board’s decision to close school for the state championship football game.  Now is the time to get behind the players and coaches who have dedicated untold hours in preparation to win a state championship for themselves, their families, teammates, school, and community.  The distraction caused by a terrible decision of the Georgia High School Association should not hinder the team’s quest for their goal.  As a community, we should do whatever is in our power to support these young people to achieve their goal of a championship.  When they return, we should be equally zealous in insuring that they receive the best education possible.

Dan Jeter

Damned if they do, damned if they don’t. Can’t please everybody! Some folks just like to complain.

Leslie Thomason

I think it was a great idea. All of these people that are complaining need to complain to the GHSA. It was their decision to have it on a school day and not a weekend. Complain to them not our school system.

Carlton Kristen Kiser

In Colquitt county football comes first then education.

Jessie Lee Aysh

The county extorted millions of tax dollars from poor people to build this new school so that your young people could learn. It should be open.

Ryder Newton

We were closed for the flu for a week so why not? Look, how many kids wasn’t going to school those days anyways? Our football team was going to miss classwork and it is important that the teachers can support their students.

Cynthia Wise

He shouldn’t have to explain why. Our community should respect his position. It’s the best football program in any surrounding area. I’m grateful these boys have such an amazing administration!! Colleges are handing out scholarships to some of the boys because they are the best of the best. People don’t understand it’s so much more than just football!!

Torrie Perry

Not sure how many of the these complainers have student athletes but I do (not football). But I see the dedication it takes. These athletes give up a lot and put in a lot of time, hard work and blood, sweat and tears. They practice everyday and still have to keep up their grades and schoolwork. How about instead of griping and complaining about any and everything, we encourage and support these students! They have worked hard and deserve our support!! Go Pack!!

Amanda Taylor

How about us working moms. Maybe jobs should be closed also! A baby sitter for 3 for 2 full days is not cheap!!!

Shana Nicole Bryant

This just doesn’t make sense at all. You want to put parents in court because a child has missed school being sick but didn’t go to doctor.

April Dickerson Simon

If you guys that are against this, and knew how much money our school system profits for these playoff games and championship games you would understand. Until then you are creating your opinion off of partial facts.

Dusty Brazel