The Monroe County School Board meeting on October 7, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding parental rights and school authority, highlighted by a public comment from Key West resident Roy Telfer. Telfer, accompanied by his wife Jennifer, expressed their distress over an incident involving their two children at Horace O'Brien School, where they alleged a violation of their parental rights.

Telfer detailed an incident where their daughter, designated as a walker for transportation, was held in a cafeteria without parental knowledge, leading to confusion and distress. He criticized the school staff's refusal to release their daughter at the established gate and described an encounter with a school resource officer who allegedly denied their parental rights. Telfer cited Florida statutes that protect parental authority and outlined the school's duty of care, arguing that the school's actions breached these legal obligations.

In response to the incident, Telfer called for immediate action from the school board, including the reinstatement of the established walker dismissal protocol for all students, comprehensive training for school staff on parental rights, and a personal apology from the assistant principal involved.

The board's response to these concerns and any subsequent actions will be closely monitored by parents and community members, as the issue of parental rights in school settings continues to be a critical topic in education policy discussions.