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Collier County School Board member Kathleen Curatolo surprised her fellow Board members Thursday afternoon by proposing that the district add two members to the School Board.

The two members would be considered at-large.

“If we don’t vote on this today, we will not be able to get it on the ballot for the upcoming election. I apologize that it took so long, but I think it is a critical matter,” she said.

Her fellow board members did not move the motion forward, citing their surprise.

Board Vice Chairwoman Pat Carroll said she had indicated her support for adding members, but said she could not vote on something she has not read.

“You are springing this on us, but you cannot ask us to vote on it,” she said. “We haven’t had time to look at it.”

School Board member Steve Donovan said he would like to take time to consider it and said the district should communicate with the Collier County Commissioners and state legislators before voting to add more members.

“I think providing representation to the community is a noble effort, but I can’t support this now,” he said.

Curatolo said she is bringing the suggestion forward because of the growth in the district.

“I see the opportunity for more input from the community,” she said.

Board member Richard Calabrese said he could not support the suggestion and said it would lead to the board becoming more politicized.

Board Chairwoman Linda Abbott said she believes it is an item that merits discussion, but said she cannot support it because she has not had the opportunity to do her own research.