A roundup of Florida education news from around the state.
Mask mandates again dominated discussion in Florida’s schooling world. A day after the State Board of Education threatened two districts over their mandates without universal opt-out provisions, three more of Florida’s largest districts adopted such rules. Officials argued their moves were not about politics, but about pandemic health safety. Next up, a court case at 2 p.m. today will look into whether a parent lawsuit against the governor’s order on masks should be dismissed. Read on for the latest on this story and more Florida education news.
The Hillsborough County School Board held a special meeting to consider a mask mandate with a limited opt-out provision. After lengthy input and discussion, the board implemented a 30-day requirement.
Miami-Dade County’s superintendent told the State Board he would “do the right thing” to keep the virus at bay in his schools. He took the advice of health professional advisors to have a mandate with an opt-out based on medical reasons only. His board agreed.
Palm Beach County schools removed their opt-out clause, as well. The School Board’s surprise decision takes effect Monday, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Meanwhile, Broward County schools reopened with their mask mandate in place. Superintendent Vicki Cartwright said only two people refused to follow the rule, WPLG reports. • A Broward County parent wanted a local judge to stop Gov. Ron DeSantis’s executive order on masks. The judge declined, saying the case would be properly heard in Leon County, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
President Biden said he has the districts’ backs. He announced his administration is ready to take legal action against states that attempt to block district mask mandates. More from Education Week.
