Ironton High School is worth saving, a group of local residents say.

A grassroots organization that aims to save Ironton High School will have its organizational meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Ohio University Southern.

"The meeting is for people of like mind who want to make a difference and want to do the right thing and who are interested in saving an important part of our city's history," Ironton attorney Phillip Heald said.

Heald stressed that the save-the-high-school effort is not anti-levy, the group is simply in favor of exploring the possibility of saving a historic building for future generations.

School officials are asking voters to go to the polls in November and approve $18 million in bonds to pay for new schools.

The local funds combined with $30.28 million in state funds will pay for all new schools. Heald and others contend the high school should be remodeled.

"We do not want to hinder education," Heald said. "We don't want to do anything to hinder the learning environment. We are progressive. We want to provide the best that we possibly can for children and save this part of history for them."

Heald said he hopes voters understand that if the November levy fails, the school district can opt to try again or revise the proposal and seek voters' approval.

Thursday's meeting will be in Bowman Auditorium.