Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Parents, Teachers: Should Florida Schools Remain Closed Amid Coronavirus Outbreak?

Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOLS
/
The Florida Channel
Leon County Judge John Cooper on June 30, 2022, in a screen grab from The Florida Channel.

UPDATE: We asked, and you answered. Nearly 82% of those who responded say Florida schools should remain closed. [Read more]

Last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would consider  reopening some Florida schools in May while the state continues to contend with the coronavirus outbreak.

The statewide teachers’ union, however, sent a letter to DeSantis on Tuesday, urging him not to do so.

CORONAVIRUS:  Complete Coverage From WUSF And Health News Florida

“As much as our students and educators want the opportunity to be back at our schools, returning prematurely will threaten the safety and well-being of all on campus,” Florida Education Association President Fedrick Ingram wrote.

Later Tuesday, during a press briefing, DeSantis said he would be consulting with groups -- including school superintendents and parents -- and the decision to reopen some schools “has to be based on safety.”

NEWSLETTER:  Sign Up For Coronavirus Updates From Health News Florida

The prospect of students returning to school has drawn strong reaction, including a Change.org petition that reached its goal of 35,000 signatures on Wednesday.

What do you think? Should schools remain closed through the end of the school year, or should DeSantis consider reopening them in May as he previously stated?

WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online at WUSF.org/give.

Copyright 2020 WUSF Public Media - WUSF 89.7

Carl Lisciandrello is digital news editor of WUSF Public Media.
Carl Lisciandrello
Carl Lisciandrello is digital news editor of WUSF Public Media.