As promised, about 30 sad-faced pumpkins of all shapes and sizes  are sitting in front of the district's headquarters.

The parents and teachers, standing in small groups, look anxious and ready for their turn to speak. I overheard one woman complaining about the new academic plan, "Everything is data driven. It's terrible."

Looks like the signs are starting to outnumber the pumpkis. "My child is not data" "Art Johnson is failing our schools." "Make teaching a priority. "We are NOT  misinformed, the minority or in denial."

The best sign so far: "My mommy is not a robot!"

The sea of orange is getting larger. Looks like a Gator game in the lobby.

Time to head inside. Will be back in a bit.

Finally made it inside. Speakers are about to get their turn. They're being called in groups of 10.

Speakers are told they must stick to the three minute time limit. A kindergarten teacher steps up to the mic and says "If you don't hear my words, perhaps you'll hear my heart." She says her spirit has been broken and that an "immediate change" is necessary. Applause. "Teachers need to be treated with respect." More applause.

She asks everyone to "unit in a team effort."  She says she  lost her home of 21 years to foreclosure. "Please don't let me lose my joy of teaching."

"Teachers are not robots!" one teacher yells. "I can't stand by and say nothing." So far, she's been the most animated speaker. "Most of the teachers here are not enjoying school like they used to." Loud applause. "What is wrong with you?" she yells to the board. "How can I meet the needs of my students when I have less than one minute per child." More loud applause. "You are waiting for a lawsuit to happen."

The teacher gets a standing ovation by about 70% of the crowd.

"Our children our not guinea pigs and shouldn't be treated as such," says one teacher. "Let's go back to teaching so we don't have to choose between stressed out morons and happy kids."