Jacksonville, FL — It’s an order that has thrown them for a loop. St. Johns County School leaders are reviewing the impacts of a Florida Education Department order that requires building to be open five days a week.
During a board workshop this morning, Superintendent Tim Forson said he won’t bring a plan for approval next week. “We’re not certain today what’s in that plan, under the amber or the yellow, is workable”, Forson said. District leaders will be meeting with local health leaders and emergency operations as they navigate next steps.
Several board members expressed dismay over the state order, questioning how it would impact the local district’s timing. The Board is likely going to schedule a special meeting to address next steps.
“This executive order came as a surprise to all of us, just like it did to whoever is listening on this call, so please give us a little grace here”, Board Chair Beverly Slough said before opening up the workshop for citizen comments.
Multiple parents expressed concern over the timing of the DOE order, and asked questions about how the district will handle staff, masks and more.
The St. Johns County School District is asking parents to select their preferred back to school plan from four options by July 15th.
Supt. Forson says they will have to make changes to plan in a timely manner so it can be sent to @EducationFL for approval, changes. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews https://t.co/mcXO5j3983
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) July 7, 2020
RIGHT NOW | @SJCSD holding workshop on reopening schools. Several board members say they're disappointed in new executive order requiring all schools open 5 days a week for all students in August. Gives them just over a month to revamp plans. @ActionNewsJax @WOKVNews pic.twitter.com/4FI4uqYiku
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) July 7, 2020
Leaders with @SJCSD say if there is a case of #COVID19 in a classroom:
— Beth Rousseau (@BethANJax) July 7, 2020
➡️Impacted student moved to isolated place on campus
➡️Health assessment by nurse, parent contact for pickup
➡️Contact tracing of who was in close contact with impacted student
➡️Contact with parents. pic.twitter.com/5Opjhnvz37
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