Three state senators are headed to Madera Friday to talk about how the state budget woes will affect education, and among the expert witnesses: four third graders.

The youngsters will join senators Dean Florez, Gloria Romero and Tom Torlakson at the speakers table, along with two teachers, a parent, a school bus driver and Madera Unified School District Superintendent Larry Risinger.

One of Madera Unified's budget casualties is Eastin-Arcola Elementary School, which will close in June after serving rural Madera County since as long as anyone can remember.

The assembly will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Pershing Elementary School. About 300 students are expected to attend.

--Charles McCarthy