education

The university dropped the requirement after the signing of a new law that bans businesses, schools and governments from mandating proof of vaccinations.

In December, we profiled Lilia Francois,a social worker with Broward schools trying track students missing class during the pandemic. Months later, we catch up — again in front of a student's door.

Public universities expect to increase classroom occupancy to pre-COVID capacity by the 2021-22 academic year, and resume full participation in social and sporting events.

The state Department of Education's clarification comes after questions arose about the impacts of the orders on school districts.

A similar effort in Orange County last week resulted in about 1,500 students and family members receiving their coronavirus shots.

Dr. Patricia Emmanuel says once children 12 and older are able to get vaccinated in the coming months, that will be a "game-changer" for how schools proceed with coronavirus prevention measures.

Browning said masks will continue to be required in Pasco schools, and that the district will reevaluate the decision closer to the fall semester.

Commissioner Richard Corcoran's memo to superintendents lists reasons he wants districts to address mask policies for the 2021-22 school year.

More campuses are expected to add the requirement, with potential legal challenges ahead. One key point: Requiring vaccines for infectious diseases is nothing new for many residential colleges.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told a Tuesday board meeting that once Gov. Ron DeSantis' order declaring a state of emergency expires, mask wearing in schools will be optional.