Everyone gets it that public schools in Illinois have to look for ways to save money, even unpopular ways. But the verdict is out on the proposal to close Twin Echo School in Collinsville. School district leaders need to show in much greater detail how closing Twin Echo School improves the district's budget shortfall.

Closing the school supposedly would cut district transportation costs, but a number of parents said at a recent public hearing that their children can walk to school now but would need transportation under the new plan. So how specifically would moving school boundaries save money?

Also, Twin Echo wouldn't really be closed, just transformed into an early education center. Eliminating overhead costs can save money, but wouldn't a new use of the building wipe out savings? Again, share the financial justification for that. It's hard to see how that saves money.

School Board President Gary Peccol said nothing is set in stone yet. Good. If the district wants close this neighborhood school, it is going to have to make a persuasive case for it. So far, it hasn't come close to doing that.