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Sarasota school board approves 2026 meeting schedule at 10 a.m.; community protests loss of evening meeting access
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment, the Sarasota County School Board voted to approve a 2026 calendar with meetings starting at 10:00 a.m., prompting repeated public objections from students, parents and teachers who said the schedule limits access and civic participation.
The Sarasota County School Board on Nov. 18 approved its 2026 regular meeting calendar with meetings beginning at 10:00 a.m., a change that drew sustained public opposition from students, parents and educators.
Board members moved and seconded the calendar and, after discussion, the motion passed as recorded 'with 3 yes and 1 in, 1 opposition.' The approved dates are Jan. 20; Feb. 17; March 24; April 21; May 19; June 16; July 21; Aug. 18; Sept. 15; Oct. 20; Nov. 17; and Dec. 15, all starting at 10:00 a.m.
Members of the public used the allotted agenda-only public-comment period to press the board to either return to two monthly meetings (one in the evening) or alternate start times so students, working parents and teachers can attend. ‘‘I’m here because I want to advocate for the return to the 6 p.m. time and twice-a-month school board meetings,’’ said Dylan Ramsey, identifying himself as a Sarasota native and father, and urging the board to restore evening access. Several student speakers said a 10 a.m. schedule forces them to choose between classroom learning and civic participation. ‘‘No student should have to fall behind in class just to get three minutes at this microphone,’’ said one Booker High School student.
Speakers across the political spectrum said they support easier access. Retired teachers and residents recommended compromises including one daytime meeting and one evening meeting each month or alternating months. Some board members acknowledged the community’s concerns; one member proposed rotating 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. start times every other month as a small concession.
Board members who supported the calendar said the district has other forums for public engagement, including evening town halls and ‘‘coffee with the superintendent’’ events, and said the posted calendar had been prepared with operational considerations in mind. Superintendent Terry Connor explained technical problems with an electronic speaker sign-up portal and said staff temporarily reverted to a paper sign-up to ensure accuracy during two rounds of public comment.
Board members and district staff also flagged that the calendar preserves flexibility: the superintendent can call additional special or emergency meetings as needed. For now, though, many community members said the change diminishes direct public oversight and makes it harder for families and working people to participate in routine governance. The board announced the next regular meeting on Dec. 16 at 10:00 a.m.
The meeting’s vote and the community’s response leave the district with a policy schedule that supporters say will streamline operations and critics say will narrow routine public access.
