 All these reasons sparked serious debate about whether MEI should continue or whether the public system would better meet the needs of modern students.In April 1973 several concerned businessmen in the community formed a new society called "Friend of the MEI", with the goal of providing financial assistance to the school in order to expand its program offerings and to renovate or relocate the school building.For the first several years of operation, the "Friend" contributed exclusively to the school's operational budget.