Dear John, As school districts across the state struggle with making the decision of how and when to open schools in the safest possible manner, they have seen their constitutional power over local decisions eroded. Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran issued an Emergency Order mandating districts re-open schools for "at least" five days a week or the state would withhold funding. This order prevented districts from offering reopening plans tailored to the needs of their students and their communities. |
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The Governor and his administration have sent mixed messages and confusing information since the order was issued, leaving school districts scrambling. They insist that their order gives districts "flexibility" as the Commissioner Corcoran threatens to withhold funding. Gov. DeSantis has publicly defended the order but suggested he would NOT hold back funding. In addition, the Emergency Order referenced the role of local health officials in determining reopening but Department of Health directors have been told they cannot say whether schools should remain closed. Finally, a top attorney for the Florida Department of Education told Orange County that the "day to day" decisions to open or close schools rests with local officials. Yet, Commissioner Corcoran scolded the Hillsborough County School Board for voting to delay in-person instruction after receiving guidance from top health officials. He threatened to withhold district funding unless schools open for full-time face to face instruction in August. Unelected officials, appointed by the governor, do not control our schools. The Florida Constitution grants that authority to the people we elect to be our local school board members. Use our quick tool to easily contact Governor DeSantis and Commissioner Corcoran. Tell them the Emergency Order should be waived and full funding must be restored. Remind them school boards must have the constitutional authority and flexibility to determine when it is safe to provide face to face instruction. |
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