Committee members feel they have been unfairly maligned and that some have been painted as sore losers who are suing because they didn't get their way.

"I'm sure there are some people who feel that way. It isn't the premise of this group at all. We have a more high-minded purpose than that," said Arla Funk, a member of the organization's board of directors.

Arla Funk's children weren't directly caught in the boundary changes; they will go to East High School under any of the proposed boundary maps. But Funk also talks about reform - and frustration - when she describes her involvement.

"I think the things the board did were arbitrary. Many had an agenda before any public hearing. They heard the words, but they didn't hear what people were saying. I think that the decision the board made for the community was bad," she said.

She believes the board settled for a boundary switch rather than reform. "I feel the schools are poorly run, and they decided to bus children instead of reform. When you get through busing, all you have are old buses, while reform will change the lives of children."

Members also want to dispel any idea that their numbers and support are limited. Funk said more than 300 are actually involved in the committee and its subcommittees, but even more have contributed financially.

For weeks before the lawsuit filing, a network of volunteers went door-to-door and telephoned school district patrons to raise the thousands of dollars for the first legal fees. The committee leaders said most were $5 or $10 donations, although a few contributed several hundred dollars each.