VIERA, Fla. — Brevard Public Schools board members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve their plan to reopen schools this fall, but it may be adjusted over time as issues arise. 

There will be a vote next Tuesday to accept or reject the superintendent’s recommendation to move the school start date from August 11 to August 17.

Still, there is still concern it's not enough to protect students, parents, teachers and staff.

Parents and guardians gathered outside the Brevard Schools headquarters in Viera on Tuesday morning to protest the decision to reopen schools. Many held signs against the idea, in favor of online classes, citing the surge of coronavirus cases in the county.

Parent Tamika Hunter doesn't want her seventh-grader going back to class yet.

"Safety is first. It's too soon. The numbers are rising," she said. "It's a risk. You don't know who these kids have at their homes. It's like a chain reaction."

Leah Mallace, who organized the protest, said one of her biggest concerns is a lack of a mandatory mask mandate for students, teachers, and staff.

"We absolutely support the school board, but we just want it to be safe. We don't think they are there yet," she said.

The school board's plan includes safety measures such as thermometers in all schools, disposable face masks, face shields for teachers and staff, ample cleaning products, even a custodial strike team to disinfect schools if anyone tests positive for the virus.

The plan also mandates parents must notify schools if their child tests positive for the virus.

School board chair Misty Belford says it would not be her choice to re-open schools, but it's mandated by the state.

"We have to start brick and mortar classes, and we have to start them in August," Belford said. "We can't push to September or October when our numbers dwindle, we can't just do virtual, those are not options to us."

The school system held a pre-recorded public comment session Tuesday lasting almost four hours with nearly 130 speakers. The vast majority pleaded for leaders to delay going back to school this soon.

"We really wish things would at least get delayed if we can't go back to the way we were doing them at the end of last year," parent Kimberly Shamperd said.

But some want to move forward, with conditions.

"We will have four high school-aged children who will be returning to school, and we don’t want them to be exposed to any unnecessary risks at the school. So we would like the mask-wearing to be mandatory for all students and staff at all times," Steve Ulrich said.

The district's plan also calls for providing emotional support for students and staff as they come back.