Florida’s largest school district worries about funding after governor bans mask warrants for schools

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But DeSantis’ order, signed on Friday, threatens to withhold state funding if schools implement a mask mandate.

The updated guidelines were released amid an increase in cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in parts of the country with low vaccination rates.

In Florida, Covid-19 cases have steadily increased in recent weeks, with the number of new cases per week jumping 50% last week from the previous week, according to a weekly situation report released by the Florida Department of Health.

There were 110,477 cases reported in the seven-day period ending July 29, with the previous week reporting 73,000 and the previous two weeks totaling 45,000 cases and 23,000 cases, respectively.

What does the command mean?

A press release from Governor DeSantis’s office said Executive Order 21-175 was issued “in response to several Florida school boards considering or implementing mask warrants in their schools after the Biden administration issued statements. unscientific and inconsistent recommendations that school-aged children wear masks. “

He adds that this was done “to protect the freedom of parents to choose whether their children wear masks.”

The ordinance states that if the State Board of Education finds that a school district board is unwilling or unable to comply, it may withhold the transfer of state funds, discretionary grants, or discretionary lottery funds.

The board can also declare a school ineligible for competitive grants if the district does not comply.

Neighborhoods react

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent said he was concerned about finding a balance between protecting his district and upholding the governor’s order.

“We certainly hope to be able to develop protocols that ensure full funding for our children’s education, while simultaneously protecting their health and well-being as well as that of their teachers,” said Superintendent Alberto M Carvalho.

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In neighboring Broward County, the school board voted last Wednesday to impose masks.

Katherine Koch, district communications manager, now says, “The Broward County School Board is reviewing Governor DeSantis’ executive order and reviewing any adjustments that may be needed to our face coverage policy. “

In central Florida, the use of face masks in public schools in Orange County will continue until Monday, according to Sara Au, a spokesperson for the district.

A school board policy “allows the superintendent to implement more restrictive face coverage requirements in the event the CDC or other government entities issue such directives,” and the district awaits advice from local and state leaders on how to move forward, Au said.

CNN’s Deanna Hackney and Brandon Miller contributed to this report.

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