Group attorney Joann Jofery said she and the committee are still working on the petitions. She did not know when the work might be completed or when WhEAT members would start circulating them.

WhEAT members want to join West Middlesex Area School District, saying it has a better strategic plan, is more goal-oriented and could better motivate students than Farrell does.

The group also said West Middlesex administrators and school board members are more responsive, and that busing Wheatland students to West Middlesex would be safer than walking.

Farrell buses Wheatland students to school through the sixth grade.

WhEAT formed in September 2000, held a series of initial community meetings and has held a number of fund-raisers.