On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, The School Board of Broward County, Florida, held a Special School Board Meeting to approve the District’s School Reopening Plan: Phase 3, which included addressing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order 21-175 and the subsequent Emergency Rule – Protocols for Controlling COVID-19 in School Settings issued through Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Education.
After listening to comments from 48 public speakers and reviewing more than 350 written comments submitted by community members, the School Board voted eight to one to implement the rules set forth by the Department of Health and the Florida Board of Education, with the exception of section 1D, which stated schools must allow for a parent or legal guardian of the student to opt out of wearing a face covering or mask.
As a result of today’s School Board vote, face coverings will continue to be mandatory, based on School Board Policy 2170, for students, staff and visitors at all District schools and facilities. Requests to opt out of this requirement will be considered due to medical need, Individual Education Plans (IEP) or Section 504 accommodations as currently allowed in the policy.
In addition, the School Board authorized the District’s Interim General Counsel and Interim Superintendent to retain outside counsel to evaluate and file legal action to challenge the Emergency Rule.
Prior to the vote, School Board members discussed the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across Broward County, the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Board’s continued commitment to protecting students and staff from the spread of the illness in schools.
Following the Special School Board Meeting, School Board Chair Dr. Rosalind Osgood (District 5) and Interim Superintendent Dr. Vickie L. Cartwright held a brief news conference.
Watch their remarks through the following link:https://www.eduvision.tv/l?eAeyLDy
The first day of school for Broward County Public Schools students is Wednesday, August 18, with 100% face to face learning on all campuses. District staff remain in communication with health experts to ensure the safety of our students, staff and school communities.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 93 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.
