Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Meeting Schedule Change topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Okaloosa board moves regular meetings to 5 p.m. over public‑access concern; vote 4–1
Summary
The Okaloosa County School Board voted 4–1 to move its regular meeting start time from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; supporters cited staff convenience and traffic, while the lone dissenting member said the earlier time could reduce public participation.
The Okaloosa County School Board approved a change to its regular meeting start time, moving meetings from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. after voting 4–1 on the proposed 26‑meeting schedule.
Supporters argued the earlier start reduces long days for staff and helps residents who travel from the north avoid afternoon traffic. "...this would be a good thing for them not to have to be here for 12, 13 hours on a workshop day or a meeting day," one member said in support of the change. The board also noted that an earlier start can help students and principals leave in time for evening responsibilities.
A dissenting board member said the 6:00 p.m. start time had been an accommodation for members of the public who work until 5:00 p.m., and therefore declined to vote in favor. "I will respectfully not be able to say yes," the member said, adding that a 6:00 p.m. start allows more community participation.
Chair Linda Vancic called the vote after discussion; the motion to approve the schedule and time change was moved by Mr. Heimling and seconded by Mr. Bryant and passed 4 to 1. The board instructed staff to publish the updated calendar with the new 5:00 p.m. start time.
