TAMPA — The Hillsborough County school district used the word 'defiance' Wednesday when talking about Walton Academy for the Performing Arts being open, despite the school board's decision the previous night to terminate its charter .

The school board, at the recommendation of Superintendent Van Ayres, cited safety concerns as the reason for the decision.

Walton officials told Spectrum News they plan to speak through their attorney about why they opened school Wednesday and what they plan to do for the rest of the week.

People close to the situation say the timing of this was abrupt, with students, parents and staff learning about the termination less than 24 hours before students were to report back to class.

The school district, meanwhile, is saying something different. It released a

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