SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla.,None — The Seminole County School Board decided to abandon a plan that would have closed at least two schools.
The action happened Tuesday afternoon, just two weeks before board members were expected to move forward with a plan that would close some schools.
Parents and activists cheered as board members approved Superintendent Bill Vogel's recommendation to take more closures off the table this school year.
Some parents at the meeting said they are cautiously optimistic. Many of them told WFTV's Kenneth Craig that this is just a Band-Aid on a long-term problem that they fear will never go away.
"We are ecstatic. We're so happy that our school's going to remain open," said parent and PTA member Christine Wydra.
"This is what happens when the community works together," said PTA member Laura Joralemon.
For several months parents have packed meeting after meeting, fighting to keep their children's schools open.
School officials have already closed Longwood Elementary, and voted to shut down the Hopper Center, a school for emotionally disabled students.
Keeth, Geneva and Casselberry elementary schools were next on the list of schools to be closed.
"We're delighted that our schools are going to remain open next year, but we're looking forward to working with the board for long-term solutions," said Wydra.
The school district is still facing a near $20 million budget shortfall. Officials say they will have to find other places to cut.
At Tuesday's meeting, they announced plans to set up a committee to look for long-term solutions to avoid school closures in the future.
Some parents told WFTV that with no long-term plan in place they're concerned that the threat of school closures may happen again next year.