After four hours of public testimony and discussion Tuesday, the Beloit School Board stood by an April 4th decision to move all middle school students from schools on the city’s west side into Aldridge Middle school on the city’s east side.

A parade of district residents criticized the board’s decision citing problems including west side students spending one hour a day on a bus to attend Aldridge.

District superintendent Willie Garrison defended his recommendation to consolidate middle schools at Aldridge by citing declining enrollment including under use of the middle schools.

Garrison said Aldridge was the best choice for middle school students and he based his decision on the best school, not which side of town it is on.