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The Broward County School Board continues to uphold its decision to require students to wear masks, even though state officials have announced consequences for board members.
On August 30, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that the Florida Department of Education had withheld an amount equal to the monthly salaries of school board members in Alachua and Broward counties, in accordance with guidelines from the state board of education. Funds will continue to be withheld until districts comply.
“We will fight to protect the rights of parents to make decisions about health care for their children,” Corcoran said in a statement. “They know what’s best for their children.
Corcoran said elected officials, like school board members, cannot choose which laws they want to follow. He said the board members pledged to uphold the Constitution but did not.
Following the announcement, Acting Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright said data shows masks are helping limit the spread of COVID-19 in schools and, as such, the policy will remain in place. .
“The health and safety of our students, teachers and staff continue to be our top priorities,” said Cartwright. “As such, BCPS (Broward County Public Schools) will continue to enforce masks, knowing the data shows they are helping to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.”
The state’s decision to cut funding comes just days after a Florida judge overturned Governor Ron DeSantis’ ban on mask warrants in public schools. Gov. DeSantis says he believes parents should be given a choice to opt out of politics and is considering appealing the decision.
So far, only two Florida school districts have had state-imposed consequences. In total, 10 school districts in cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach have defied the Governor’s Order. These districts represent just over half of the 2.8 million Florida public school students enrolled this year.
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