Editorial: School board should have evening meeting

We agree with Lee County School Board member Don Armstrong that Tuesday's special meeting called by member Mary Fischer to rescind the vote to opt the district out of state testing should be conducted in the evening.

That's so as many people can attend as possible.

Fischer, who along with Armstrong and Tom Scott voted to opt out of the testing, wants to have the meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, but that will severely limit the number of people who can attend because of school and work commitments.

This is too important of a meeting and a decision not to allow as many people – both for and against Wednesday's board decision to opt out of state testing – to attend as possible. State law mandates that because the board will be taking another vote. public input must be part of the meeting. The board should hear as many voices as possible.

We did not support the board's knee-jerk decision on Wednesday, based on what we believe was on the emotional reaction of people against state testing. The board had the opportunity to take more time to make an informed decision and did not. Now, the five members must continue this reckless process which is attracting state and national attention.

Fischer is realizing the impact of her decision, which jeopardizes the graduation of 2,000 seniors, their ability to apply to college and for grants, as well as the potential loss of $280 million in state funding.

Based on Fischer's decision to call the meeting and rescind her vote, it appears Tuesday's meeting will overturn what was done on Wednesday. It is the right thing to do, but the board should have never been in this position in the first place.