Florida education commissioner ramps up DeSantis' threat to school officials over mask mandates
Two Florida counties have decided to require parents to submit doctors' notes if they want their children to be exempt from wearing masks. Now state Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran says he will enforce Gov. DeSantis' threat to withhold the salaries of school officials in Alachua and Leon counties.
Polk County’s first day of school opens with three new public schools
Willow Oak Elementary in Mulberry is one of three new schools opening Polk County on Tuesday, along with Davenport High and Bella Citta Elementary.
USF's full in-person return: All students asked to wear masks
After a year of online learning and campus closures, the University of South Florida is preparing for a full in-person return.
Superintendent of school district in Florida's capital goes against DeSantis, requires masks
The Leon County superintendent said Monday that he will require students to wear masks amid an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations fueled by the delta variant.
When do you have to stop for a school bus in Florida?
The first day of school is here for most Bay Area students, and unlike last year, most districts have no e-learning option. That means kids and school buses will be on the road, so make sure you're aware of school bus traffic rules.
How to tell the difference between common childhood illnesses and COVID-19
As children return to classrooms this month, pediatricians said the symptoms of a common cold, allergies, flu or COVID-19 often overlap, making testing for the coronavirus important for parents to consider if their child gets sick.
With school starting this week, Pinellas and Manatee leaders decide against mask mandates
With cases continuing to spread rapidly across the Bay Area, thousands of parents have turned the pressure up on their school boards to reinstate mask mandates in schools.
9 percent of Hillsborough students have opted out of wearing masks
Superintendent Addison Davis says the last-minute mask rule shows Hillsborough County takes public safety seriously while still complying with the governor’s order.
Sarasota coding school gives kids early tech skills
An after-school program in Sarasota is giving kids an edge for the future by teaching them new languages -- computer code.
US teachers’ union leader supports vaccine mandate for educators as delta variant surges
As the delta variant continues to surge, and young children continue to be ineligible for the vaccine, the U.S. teachers’ union leader said she personally supports a vaccine mandate for educators.
Masks mandatory for Hillsborough County students, parents can opt-out
On Saturday, the Hillsborough County School District announced that face coverings will be required for students at the start of the 2021-22 academic year, but parents or guardians have the option to have their child opt-out of wearing a mask.
Several colleges, universities cancel tuition debt for students for COVID-19 relief
More and more colleges and universities are canceling tuition debt for students in hopes of providing financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lawsuit challenges DeSantis' mask order as Florida OKs school vouchers in districts requiring COVID-19 masks
Florida’s Board of Education approved an emergency rule Friday that will allow private school vouchers if parents feel their children are being harassed by a school district’s COVID-19 safety policies, including mask requirements.
Masks will be optional for Polk County students, staff despite increased COVID-19 cases among children
Like most counties across Florida, masks will be optional for students and staff returning to school next week in Polk County, but a prominent Polk County physician says they should be mandatory.
US schools reopen amid COVID-19 surge with masks optional for many
Schools have begun reopening in the U.S. with most states leaving it up to local schools to decide whether to require masks.
Student loan pause extended until Jan. 31, 2022
The education department announced on Friday an extension of the student loan payment pause until Jan. 31, 2022.
Arkansas judge blocks law banning mask mandates in schools
An Arkansas judge has temporarily blocked the state from enforcing a law that prevents schools and other governmental agencies from requiring masks.
Not enough time to develop opt-out plan, Hillsborough superintendent says, so masks remain optional
Hillsborough County’s superintendent says the school district will not mandate masks for students or staff amid the current COVID-19 spike, despite updated guidance from the state on how to do that.
Tennessee State University to pay off balances of returning students
Tennessee State University, a public historically Black university in Nashville, is paying off the account balances of returning students.
Fried seeks funds for schools after DeSantis threatens to withhold money over mask mandates
Gov. Ron DeSantis has threatened to withhold funding sources should a school district go against his executive order and impose a mask mandate. Now, one of his chief critics, Florida Agricultural Commissioner Nikki Fried, is firing back.