Macon, Ga. (WGXA) — Macon's Academy for Classical Education (ACE) is altering its flag-lowering policies after not lowering the flags to half-mast for Patriot Day (Sept. 11).

These were both federal orders by President Donald Trump - and state orders by Governor Brian Kemp.

This comes in addition to flags being lowered after the death of prominent conservative pundit Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, extended through Sunday.

"It was an order to do it, not a suggestion," Tom Joiner, the son of an ACE graduate, said. "Do you feel like it was in your rights to disobey the order?"

Hundreds of concerned parents and students like Joiner gathered at the school for their monthly board meeting Monday to share their frustration.

"Your values do not align with our community," Brenda Hawley, a grandmother of multiple ACE students, said during public comments. "The only time I've ever felt disappointed with ACE did not lower the flag on September the 11th."

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According to the school's budget records, ACE is a public, charter school funded by both taxpayers and the state of Georgia.

Section B of the United States Flag Code says public schools must lower the flag when executive orders are announced.

State Representative Dale Washburn says ACE is in District 144 - which he oversees under the Gold Dome.

He said he received multiple phone calls from folks in his district and says he's confused by what happened."

"You could say I don't understand why they would not have complied with lowering the flags to half-mast."

However, a 12th grader named Maddie Powell shared an email she found from school principal Lara Relyea.

"The recent executive order applied to state buildings and grounds specifically and therefore did not require public schools to lower their flags. I make the final decision for ace in these matters," Powell said, quoting Relyea.

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Powell added she and a fellow student volunteered to lower the flags themselves.

WGXA reached out to Relyea and the school's compliance director, Brittany Mulvaney, for comment Monday.

We did not hear back at the time of publication.

At the meeting, ACE's board voted to pass a resolution to ensure the school follows presidential and gubernatorial orders for flag presentation and national days of remembrance like 9/11.

Board chairman Witt Gaither said there are clauses that also allow flags to be lowered for fallen public servants - and ACE students and staff.

A former Army Ranger, Gaither apologized for what he calls a "mistake."

"We did not meet our responsibility in this observance, and we recognize it caused disappointment and concern within our school community," he said. "Please know this was not due to a lack of respect or remembrance."