TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — School systems across the state are facing dilemmas as they plan for fall 2020. Face-to-face, distance learning, or something in between?
With just two months to prepare, schools are meeting with task forces, parents, health officials, and teachers.
The main goal is figuring out how students will make the grade while staying safe.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced schools can re-open at full capacity beginning in Fall 2020, but says it's up to the superintendent of each of the 67 counties to decide what's best for their individual districts.
As school systems across the Big Bend figure out just what reopening will look like, teachers are also weighing in.
In Leon County, some feel face-to-face is the best way to learn, but acknowledge safety comes first.
For example, while a science teacher is concerned about safely conducting lab work, a music teacher is worried about keeping the students safe while singing and playing instruments.
Then, there's the fear of COVID-19 possibly spreading.
"While they may stay asymptomatic they can bring home the virus to their family, visiting grandma, things like that," said Sue Shoemaker, a teacher in Leon County. "I know that Rocky Hanna will take all of things in consideration when deciding."
Members of the Leon County Teachers Association are meeting with leadership of Leon County Schools regularly. They say they believe the superintendent will do the best job possible to protect everyone.
The Leon County Schools task force will meet next week to finalize reopening plans. Those plans will go before the school board June 30.
The Leon County School District sent out a survey to parents asking how they would prefer their child learn for the upcoming school year. If you missed out on participating in that survey, LCS will open an official option on July 6.
