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Sarasota school board approves moving Oct., Nov. and Dec. meetings to 10 a.m., drawing public protest
Summary
The Sarasota County School Board voted 3-2 to change the October 21 meeting time to 10 a.m. and to apply that change to the November 18 and December 16 meetings; the decision prompted sustained public comment from students, parents and teachers who said the change will exclude working parents and in‑school students.
The Sarasota County School Board voted 3-2 on Sept. 16 to move the Oct. 21 regular meeting from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. and to apply the same change to the November 18 and December 16 meetings. School Board Member Robin Marinelli, School Board Member Bridget Ziegler and School Board Member Karen Rose voted in favor; School Board Member Liz Barker and School Board Member Tom Edwards voted against the change.
Supporters of the earlier start argued it would reduce safety risks for board members leaving late evening meetings and make scheduling easier for the board. Opponents said the move would effectively bar many working parents, staff and in‑school students from attending and speaking at public meetings.
The issue drew repeated public comment over the meeting’s…
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