Florida PTA Statement Regarding FL DOE Commissioner Corcoran's Executive Order
On July 6th, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran issued  Department of Education Emergency Order No. 202-EO-06 ordering brick and mortar and charter schools to reopen 5 days a week with the "full panoply of services for the benefit of Florida students and families".  
 
Florida PTA shares concerns and appreciates the effort to retain "high-quality school choices for Florida students and families with a focus on eliminating achievement gaps, which may have been exacerbated by the crisis; and maintaining services that are legally required for all students, such as low-income, English language learning, and students with disabilities". It is also true that there may be children who from a physical safety and/or social-emotional viewpoint may be safer in schools. 
 
However, the overall health, safety and well-being of children and educators must remain a priority as return-to-school plans are designed and implemented. We understand that there is flexibility provided for in this order and believe that decisions regarding implementing return-to-school plans must be made locally in concert with health officials. The planning, implementation, and monitoring stages of reopening of schools must include parents, families, students, educators, school employees, public health experts, health practitioners and community members in the decision making.  
 
As soon as possible, families need to receive and understand any reopening plans including what their school will be doing to keep everyone safe and healthy. Socially distanced school bus transportation is another concern. Parents will need options to make the best possible choice for their children including distance or hybrid learning opportunities. 
 
There are also still equity gaps when it comes to technology devices and connectivity that must be addressed whether children continue with distance learning or return to brick-and-mortar schools. Some parents will continue to struggle with facilitating and supporting their child's online instruction and will need additional guidance from the school district to better navigate learning platforms. 
 
We are also calling on federal and state governments to provide the funding necessary to ensure that schools have the resources they need to reopen as safely and successfully as possible.
 
Florida PTA is hopeful that school districts are doing everything in their power to protect both our students and teachers. However, this year it will be more important than ever to stay engaged and be a part of your school's PTA. It is likely that schools will need to extremely curtail visitor and volunteer access to campuses. Helping our children and teachers from afar will be challenging, but parental involvement will remain crucial in supporting children and educators to successfully navigate this new school year. We encourage PTA and community members to utilize the National and Florida PTA resources found below, and to reach out to your local, Council and State PTA for support and to learn how you can help.
 
Additional resources:
Linda Kearschner, President
Florida PTA