mask orders

Under the Legislature’s plan, districts in 12 counties would have been ineligible for $200 milion because they had mask requirements.

Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran has recommended both districts be punished, which could include withholding funds or even removal of leaders from office.

The policy lasts through Aug. 25, and will be considered again at a school board meeting next week.

After a largely procedural Zoom hearing Friday, a state judge scheduled a Thursday hearing unless he decides to dismiss the case beforehand.

Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran will “report his findings related to Alachua and Broward” during the meeting and “sanctions would follow if they’re found to be in violation of the mask mandate ban.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order that prohibits school districts from imposing mask-wearing requirements. He says parents should have the option to decide for their children.

Opponents of the mask mandate went to the state's high court in February after a panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal rejected their arguments.

Although the state has banned local governments from requiring people to wear masks, cases involving such mandates in Alachua and Palm Beach counties are still going through the courts.

The county says the decision is in response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order suspending local government mandates.

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