QUINCY, FL (WTXL) -- In a shocking decision Monday, the Gadsden County superintendent said he will not recommend re-configuration for the upcoming school year.
This announcement comes after weeks of meetings around the county to discuss a proposal he came up with. The goal was to put it to a vote in two weeks.
Milton wrapped up the public meeting abruptly after making the call. WTXL was the only outlet that caught up with Milton immediately after the announcement.
"Wouldn't want to move forward with a 3-2 vote, even if it turned out to be that way, because we really need to be united in something of this magnitude to make it effective here in Gadsden," he said.
Weeks of community forums brought lots of feedback, but despite a crowd of about 50, there was no chance for public comment once Milton ended the meeting.
"Instead of waiting and holding on for those next two weeks -- to just go ahead and make the decision," he said. "That gives the board even more time now to start planning and making meetings, so that we can see how things will go moving forward."
The meeting generated new ideas from board members, as each one reflected on their tour of the county -- but their proposals had very little in common.
"You don't jump into the water and then begin to wonder where you're going to swim and how you're going to get over to this island and how you're going to get over there," said board chair Isaac Simmons. "You sit down and make all those plans before you ever jump into the water."
Milton said he'll now focus his efforts on finishing this school year strong and working on the district's strategic plan. He said the board will revisit reconfiguration at some point, but for now, it's off the table.
