Common sense prevails in Ft. Myers

The Lee County school board has decided to overrule their Knucklehead Superintendant who refused to allow a High School band to travel to London due to terrorism concerns. Now it will be up to the parents of the children to decide. In TFM's opinion that's the way it should have been all along. Browder's decision was very dumb and I'm glad the board overruled him.

Open Post- Bright & Early, Is it Just me, Adam's Blog, Third World County,

Fort Myers High parents will take a vote Thursday to decide whether their children can march in the New Year’s Day parade in London.

Lee County School Board members overruled Superintendent James Browder on Tuesday afternoon, voting 5-0 to let parents make the call. Browder axed the band trip based on security concerns and the threat of terrorism, a decision that spawned worldwide criticism.

“Democracy is the winner today,” said Dan Kirkby, communications director for the parade. “We’re delighted parents will be able to voice their views, and make a binding decision one way or the other.

“Should they come, we can guarantee London will give them the warmest of welcomes.”

Band boosters meet at 6 p.m. today, and will be notified of the board’s decision then.

“They will be most surprised tonight,” said Fort Myers High Principal Richard Shafer.

According to board guidelines set Tuesday, 80 percent of all band parents must vote in favor of the trip. Each parent must sign a statement agreeing to support and finance the trip, also acknowledging the unique safety and risk factors of traveling abroad.