The Clayton County school board voted Monday to delay Superintendent Edmond Heatley's plan to release students from school early every Wednesday.
The plan, designed to make time for teacher training and development, was criticized by community members who said Heatley had proposed the idea too late, without sufficient input from parents.
"I've heard the public. I've heard the board," Heatley said after the 7-1 vote. "I will delay until I've come in compliance with the strategic plan and [an accreditation report], although I think I'm in compliance now."
Heatley first proposed the idea at the board's July 29 meeting, but board members asked him to appear at Monday's meeting with more information. Opponents of the plan attended the meeting, which was marked by tense exchanges among board members and heckling from the audience.
"The issues is not whether professional development is needed," Valencia Stovall told the board. "The issue is how it was presented to stakeholders."
Indeed, critics complained that parents did not have the time or financial resources to make arrangements for students returning home early. Some community members also said that students could not afford to lose the classroom instruction time.
But several principals and administrators supported the plan at Monday's meeting.
"Our teachers need professional development, not on Saturday, not after school, but some time during the school day," said Marcus Jackson, the principal of Kendrick Middle School.
After the public had its say, Heatley defended his plan, saying it would increase teacher effectiveness and student achievement.
"I know it's not convenient for everyone," Heatley told the audience. "I know some people would make different decisions. But I believe the purpose will be met."
Board members then debated how to respond, including whether they even had the authority to block the plan. After consulting the board's legal counsel, members concluded they could block Heatley's plan if they used their authority over the district's strategic goal of involving the community in decision-making.
Heatley said he plans to hold public meetings about the issue soon and then announce whether he will move forward with the plan.
