School’s out for summer. Or is it?
Schools across Florida are winding up their semesters, some as early as this week. Hillsborough County held its first high school graduations on Tuesday, while today marks the final day of classes for students in Pasco County. The arrival of summer break means changes in those controversial mask rules for many, while a larger than usual number of students have been encouraged to stick around for some catch-up work. Read on for the latest on these stories and other Florida education news.
Masks are becoming optional after a year of required use. The Hernando County school district is the latest to sunset its mask requirement for summer. • The Duval County school district won’t mandate masks for the fall semester, when it also will end live-remote instruction, the Florida Times-Union reports. • Some Orange County residents want their district to end mask requirements immediately, WESH reports. • The Manatee County School Board plans to hold a final vote on its mask policy one day after classes end, the Bradenton Herald reports. • Indian River County’s mask-optional policy takes effect June 1, TC Palm reports.
Many students struggled with remote learning this past year. The Broward County school district has made its summer school program ten times larger to reach the children who received at least one F during the most recent grading period, the Miami Herald reports. Students of color, and those still learning English, appear to have fallen behind the most. • Districts across northwest Florida also are boosting their summer programs, WEAR reports.
Hot topics
Race and diversity: Gov. Ron DeSantis has railed against the use of “critical race theory” in Florida schools, the Orlando Sentinel reports. • Santa Rosa County’s superintendent said it’s not being offered in her district schools, regardless of the rhetoric, WEAR reports. • The debate over race relations is headed to the Palm Beach County School Board, which has faced criticism over its new equity statement, WPTV reports.
Dress code: St. Johns County parents and students have been demanding dress code reforms, contending the current version is sexist. The School Board is considering amendments to make the rules more equitable for girls and boys, WJXT reports. More from the St. Augustine Record. • The Bay County school district also is considering dress code revisions, WMBB reports.
Renaming schools: Duval County superintendent Diana Greene recommended renaming six schools that currently recognize Confederate soldiers. Her proposals align with community sentiment, the Florida Times-Union reports.
Gender policies: Lee County school district officials have recommended getting rid of controversial posters detailing LGBTQ student rights, WINK reports.
Stimulus funds: Florida colleges are receiving millions of dollars from the federal assistance plan. At Palm Beach State College, half the money will go directly to students, the Palm Beach Post reports.
Other school news
The IDEA charter school organization has plans to expand into Florida. It’s facing some big problems in Texas, where it ousted two top leaders amid financial scandal, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Floridians are preparing referendums for the 2022 ballot. One would move the state back to an elected education commissioner, the News Service of Florida reports.
Who doesn’t love a good senior prank? At one Volusia County high school, the effort involved glitter, red Solo cups, plastic wrap and a goat, WKMG reports.
Change starts at the top. Alachua County’s new superintendent is preparing an overhaul of the district leadership team, the Gainesville Sun reports. • Indian River County’s new superintendent won approval for his proposed administrative reorganization, TC Palm reports.
Manatee County needs a new school board member. Scott Hopes will resign after being named permanent county administrator, Florida Politics reports.
Survey says ... The Sarasota County school district is asking for input on how it’s doing, the Herald-Tribune reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s the link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go ... Nothing says teamwork like two bees.
