Frustrated 'Opt Out' parents bring concerns to Manatee County School Board

BRADENTON -- Parents frustrated with the state testing system -- and upset with how they view the Manatee County School District is handling parents who refuse to take the tests -- brought their grievances to the Manatee County School Board hoping for a resolution Tuesday.

Families statewide, upset with state-mandated tests for students, are deciding not to take the tests. Parents described the grassroots Opt Out movement as an act of "civil disobedience." They said they hope, if enough students refuse to take the test, it'll force state leaders to change the way testing in the state works.

"If you fight us, we're asking on what side you stand," parent Amy Lee said to the board. "We're trying to work with the district and we look forward to moving forward."

The state maintains students must sit and take the tests, which puts the district in a precarious position. Parents complained to the board schools were sending home inaccurate information to parents, and parents felt intimidated by the district.

Lee spoke on behalf of parents in the local Opt Out movement, expressing frustrations families are feeling with the district. She rattled off a list of emails parents and community members have sent to board members and Superintendent Diana Greene without receiving any responses.

Kevin Mendel, a junior at Lakewood Ranch High School, also asked the school board and the district to stop telling principals students would be held back if they didn't take the test. Mendel said it put too much pressure on the principals and the teachers.

"Please tell principals to please stop telling parents there will be dire consequences for any students who opt out of FSA," Mendel said. "This puts them in a bad position."

Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Cynthia Saunders said the district respects the parent's decision to guide their child's education, but is bound by state statutes when it comes to student testing.

"We are bound by the statutes and the laws that govern us," Saunders said. "We're just not in a position to deviate from the statute."

Saunders said when parents inform the principals, there is normally a phone call or a conversation to make sure the parents know what they are doing.

Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter@MeghinDelaney.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 10:13 PM with the headline "Frustrated 'Opt Out' parents bring concerns to Manatee County School Board ."