A city fire marshal held a large number of people outside Thursday night's County School Board meeting, saying it was not safe to allow more people inside.
Dozens of people, including members of the news media, were held outside while the meeting was conducted in a small building at county school headquarters on Hickory Valley Road.
The board meeting room has fewer than 100 seats. Officers allowed about 30 more people to stand along the walls.
Asst. Fire Marshal Andy Waters with the Chattanooga Fire Department stood at the door and allowed people in only when others left.
Board member Debra Matthews recently recommended that the board hold sessions out in the schools.
The board in the past has held some sessions at Tyner Academy, which has a very large auditorium.
Board Chairman Kenny Smith said next month's meeting will be there.
There was a huge turnout for Thursday night's board meeting. All parking spots were taken and some had to park outside the gate to the county school complex.
Many of those present were parents from Hixson High School, who said their school is in a decline.
Parent Marty Haynes told the board the school has been going down for several years, "and it's not getting any better."
He said, "There are so many disruptions and so much foul language, it's amazing to me that any education goes on."
Mr. Haynes said 300 Hixson High parents got together and volunteered to help make school improvements, "but we didn't get very far."
He said the school has had five principals in eight years, which he called "a recipe for disaster."
Mr. Haynes said, "People don't want to be associated with Hixson High School. I can't recommend to one person right now - 'You ought to send your child to Hixson High School.'"