Lee County School Board members want state support

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LEE COUNTY, Fla. – Lee County School Board members want the state to support their plan to throw out high-stakes tests.

They voted not to count end-of-year scores towards students’ final grades, but are hoping the governor will back their decision.

“Technically I guess you can say the board has broken the law by taking that vote,” said Mary Fisher, Lee County School Board member.

Lee County School Board voted against state statues. Thirty percent of a student’s final grade will no longer be based on tests taken at the end of the year. Florida already announced tests in three other subjects won’t be used to calculate final grades.

Lee County School Board member Steve Tueber is headed to Tallahassee to talk with state education leaders and Governor Rick Scott about the board’s decision.

“What we’re asking is for this year to kind of hold harmless because of all the confusion and delay and result of the testing,” said Fisher.

The district also wants more local control and decision making regarding testing and performance. Some parents support this decision, but are outraged by how much material has been wasted preparing for the exams.

“I have four books with me today, that I’ve brought for you to see and exactly how much has not been completely and how much of the taxpayers money has been wasted on these books,” said parent Jennifer Long.

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