JONESBORO, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Things got heated at the Clayton County School Board meeting Monday night and it had nothing to do with the temperature outside.
"I am having a problem with the level of disrespect that is shown time and time again," said Wanda Smith, a member of the Clayton County School Board.
The superintendent's plan to shorten one school day a week was at the heart of the tension.
"The elementary school day will be shortened by 60 minutes, 75 minutes for the middle school and 90 minutes for the high school," said Dr. Edmond Heatley, the Clayton County School Superintendent.
Heatley said his plan will help teachers and students.
"This is a chance for them to have some time in their day to take care of the things that they would normally have to take home. It is also a chance for kids to spend time with their families," said David Waller, a spokesman for the Clayton County School District.
The district sent out letters to parents announcing the plan about a week ago. The move angered some school board members and parents who said they were blind sided by the move.
"Lets stop. Lets get some input from the community first and maybe we can implement this next year," said Jessie Goree, a Clayton County School Board member.
"I got one in elementary school and I got one in high school so I have to all the sudden make different arrangements in less than 30 days that I didn't have to do prior to getting that letter. I think we missed out on a great opportunity to involve the community," said Richard Jones, a parent.
The school board voted unanimously to ask the superintendent to reconsider the plan. Heatley is expected to announce his final decision at next Monday's school board meeting.
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