Pinellas County schools superintendent recommends delaying fall start date

The superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, Dr. Michael Grego will recommend the district push the first day of school back to August 24.

Florida teachers file lawsuit to block reopening of public schools

Florida teachers sued Monday to block what they call the “reckless and unsafe reopening” of public school campuses for face-to-face instruction.

Hillsborough school administrators discuss class quarantines, temperature checks during virtual town hall

For the first time since the reopening plan was released, parents and teachers got the chance to question administrators about what’s in store for Hillsborough County schools as they reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guidance for masks in schools varies widely across US states

Many states are calling for teachers to wear masks, including Alaska, Connecticut, California, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Utah and Washington. Some will require masks for students. Many other states are leaving the decision to local officials.

Florida Education Association taking legal action over school reopening order

The Florida Education Association has called on the governor, state legislators, and the Board of Education to remove the requirement that districts reopen school buildings next month. On Monday, they raised the stakes by announcing new litigation. 

Hernando County schools delay start date to August 31

The teachers association in Hernando County will decide when educators return to classrooms, but students and teachers will all be back in class August 31, the school board voted Monday.

Some are raising concern over air quality and ventilation in schools

As districts prepare to start back, air quality and ventilation are one of concerns top of mind for teachers. As we've seen, airborne particles are one of the most common ways COVID-19 can spread.

Cost to go back to school during a pandemic reaches millions for Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County families have a tough decision to make about how their child returns to school in the fall, and the changes and safety measures needed due to COVID-19 come with some costs.

How does COVID-19 affect kids? Science has answers and gaps

The Trump administration says the science “is very clear,” but many doctors who specialize in pediatrics and infectious diseases say much of the evidence is inconclusive.

School district using power fans with disinfecting mist to combat COVID-19

As coronavirus cases continue to increase across the country, some school districts are getting creative when it comes to keeping students safe for when they return to school this fall.

Hillsborough superintendent reveals back-to-school plan to skeptical school board

Hillsborough County schools will “make every effort” to socially distance students when they return to school, the superintendent says, though it’s still not certain exactly when that will be.

In virus era, back-to-school plans stress working parents

For children, school is an opportunity to learn and make friends. For many parents, it’s more: a safe place for their children to stay while they are at work, or even a necessity for them to be able to work.

State education leaders try to assure teachers and parents ahead of return-to-school

Three school districts here in the Bay Area are trying to buy some time, pushing back the school year to get better prepared for all of the COVID-19 changes. Meanwhile, the state Board of Education and Gov. Ron DeSantis are meeting in Hillsborough County to discuss the reopening plan. 

Board of Education presses commissioner over school-reopening confusion

More than a week after Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran ordered schools to reopen in August, members of the State Board of Education on Wednesday said his order has sparked confusion, fear and angst.

Broward County superintendent pushes for full online classes if coronavirus cases don't decline

Officials in Broward County, Florida are not optimistic that coronavirus cases will decline low enough to reopen schools at the start of the semester and will have 100 percent online classes if the numbers don't improve soon.

Teachers across several Tampa Bay counties to protest school-reopening plans

As Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Michael Grego gave the school board a thorough breakdown of the district's reopening plan, dozens of teachers and staff protested the plan.