Last week, Anderson Community Schools closed facilities and laid off three dozen teachers in response to a $5 million budget deficit. The action has been six months in the making.

An ACS timeline

— Nov. 11 — Supt. Mikella Lowe announces that ACS must cut $5 million from its budget by 2010 and that schools may need to be closed.

— Nov. 13 — ACS refuses to discuss closing scenarios proposed by administrative officials. (ACS denies request by The Herald Bulletin to view closing options reviewed by board members.)

— Nov. 24 — ACS goes public with closing options reviewed by board members.

— Nov. 29 — ACS forms community advisory panel to review closing options, provide input.

— Dec. 4 — Community workshops begin.

— Dec. 16 — ACS principals given notice of potential staff layoffs.

— March 3 — Panel recommends closing North Side Middle School, Southview Elementary and Robinson Elementary, as well as moving Ebbertt Education Center to Wigwam.

— March 10 — ACS board decides to keep North Side open and close South Side and three other schools.

— May 26 — Anderson lays off 36 teachers.

— May 29 — Southview, Robinson observe last day of school ever. South Side prepares for administration and elementary school. Ebbertt prepares for move to Wigwam.