OCOEE, Fla. -- Orange County decided to change its controversial lightning policy just days after a group of parents threatened to take legal action when their children were not allowed to leave school during a storm.

Parents at Ocoee Elementary and Middle schools were enraged after security turned them away when they tried to pick up their children Friday afternoon. The children were held until about 8 p.m. Friday night. Many parents likened it to a hostage situation.

The School Board said Tuesday that it will now rely on advice from emergency officials before making the call to hold back students.

Also, parents will be able to sign out their children -- something they couldn't do on Friday.

The policy to hold children was first changed three years ago after the daughter of Rev. James Chappelle was struck and killed by lightning 20 minutes after stepping off a school bus.

Chappelle said the School Board meant well but agrees parents should make the final call.

"Sign a waiver form and the school is no longer liable at that point," Chappelle said. "And I don't know any parent who wouldn't want to be liable anyway, it's their child."

The School Board's changes will take effect immediately.

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