July 23, 2020
By: Staff Report
TAMPA, Fla.- In a 6-minute video address to Floridians on Wednesday, Governor DeSantis spoke to teachers, parents, and students on COVID-19 and the reopening of local schools.
“I know many teachers and faculty are chomping at the bit to get back in the classroom because they know how much their students depend on their tutelage,” said Desantis.
DeSantis continued, “We support you and want you to feel safe. Safety precautions have been made for those who have worked throughout the pandemic — from health care workers to grocery store clerks – and I’m confident the same can be made for our educators.”
On Monday, Florida’s largest Teachers union filed a lawsuit against Governor DeSantis, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, Florida Department of Education, Florida State Board of Education and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, “to safeguard the health and welfare of public school students, educators and the community at large,” the association said in a press release.
DeSantis added, “If a school district needs to delay the school year for a few weeks so that everything will be in good shape, have at it. The important things is that our parents have a meaningful choice when it comes to in-person education.”
Earlier this week, Pasco County School Superintendent Kurt Browning recommended a two-week delay in the reopening of Pasco Schools. The School Board voted on Tuesday to delay the start for students until Aug 24th.
Hillsborough Schools Board of Education is expected to vote Thursday on a measure that would delay the start of school by two weeks next month, to August 24th as well.
You can watch the Governors 6-Minute address below.
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