SEATTLE -- Resisting a tide of anger, tears and accusations of racism, the Seattle School Board voted to close five local schools and shift programs to save $3.6 million.

The 5-to-2 decision came after a contentious, two-hour meeting that led to the forced ejection of several people.

Months of debate and discussion ended just after 8 p.m. Thursday.

The school board said the move will save the district nearly $4 million.

The reaction was swift.

Parents of Seattle School children chanted, “Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Our School Board members got to go."

The protest spilled out into the hallway and continued for several more minutes, forcing Seattle police officers to close the doors as the board continued its work.

Emotions ran high even as the meeting began. The School Superintendent was heckled as she laid out her rationale for closing schools.

Soon afterwards, officers and school security moved in and several people were ejected.

SCHOOLS CLOSING Genesee Hill Mann T.T. Minor Van Asselt Old Hay (may be temporary, depending on enrollment)

The heckling continued as others tried to speak – the emotion eventually overwhelming the longest serving board member.

Fighting back her emotions, Seattle School Board member Mary Bass said, “We do have solutions that I think could have been found with just a little more effort and time. I was not pleased.”

Opponents of the closures say the fight isn't over. Opponent Jesse Hagopian said, “This is a racially-biased school closure plan, and we’re prepared to make that case with the Department of Education and in the courts, if we need to.”

The proposed amendments to the final recommendations can be found on the seattleschools.org Web site.