Student debt: Loans of those with severe disabilities to be forgiven
More than 300,000 Americans with disabilities that leave them unable to earn significant incomes will see their student loan debts forgiven, the Biden administration said Thursday.
With 10,000 students stuck home, Hillsborough School Board votes to mandate masks
Faced with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and students quarantining at home due to contact with the virus, the Hillsborough County School Board voted Wednesday to buck the governor’s order and mandate masks for all students and staff.
‘I am smart!’: Teacher has students say positive affirmations in mirror in viral video
In the video, students are seen lining up saying affirmations including, “I am smart,” “I am a good person” and “I am strong and independent.”
Alachua County Schools extends mask mandate for 8 more weeks
Prior to the school year, Alachua County Schools voted unanimously for a mask mandate during the first two weeks of school.
Osceola County mandates masks for most students with opt-out choice
The Osceola County School Board decided to make that change on Tuesday night. However, the change only affects certain grade levels.
No charges for deputy seen in viral video slamming Liberty High student to ground
A school resource officer in Osceola County who slammed a 16-year-old student onto the ground in a Liberty High School breezeway will not face charges.
20 bus drivers quit during first week of school in one Florida county
Many of Florida’s largest school districts are finding it difficult because of the pandemic to hire enough bus drivers, with some using managers and other stop-gap measures to get students to class as the new school year begins.
Florida Board of Education to discuss school districts that require students to wear masks
Broward and Alachua school districts require students to wear masks despite Governor Ron DeSantis’ recent executive order prohibiting such mandates.
Florida files motion to toss out school mask case filed by parents
The attorneys for DeSantis, the State Board of Education, the state Department of Education, and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran filed a motion Monday.
Report: Valencia College will not require masks on campus
According to the Orlando Sentinel, a message was sent to all employees saying there was no practical way to enforce a mandate.
Volusia County students begin school year: What to know
For example, all adults must wear masks indoors at schools. That rule will be in effect for 30 days from Monday. Masks remain optional for students.
University of Florida to open semester with in-person classes
The university is not requiring vaccines or the the wearing of masks, but is recommending both.
School districts post COVID dashboards for first week of school
The COVID dashboard is up for week one at Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) with just a fraction of Orange County students and staff testing positive for coronavirus.
National Education Association supports vaccine mandates, COVID-19 testing
The nation’s largest teachers’ union issued a statement on Thursday supporting the use of FDA-authorized vaccines or regular COVID-19 testing for all public school educators.
Florida school mask battle heads to court
A legal battle over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ July 30 executive order seeking to block local school districts from requiring students to wear masks will move forward Thursday.
Florida judge to hear lawsuit against governor's ban on mask mandates for students
The lawsuit says preventing school districts from requiring masks threatens the safety of schools.
'COVID fee': 2 colleges in West Virginia, Alabama billing unvaccinated students
A college in West Virginia and another in Alabama will be charging students unvaccinated against COVID-19 hundreds of dollars in extra fees this fall.
Route delays, late arrivals expected due to Osceola school bus driver shortage
Officials say there will be route delays, late pick-ups and late-arriving students these first few weeks.
Battle over masks between Alachua superintendent, state continues
Florida's education commissioner at a news conference Wednesday touted his relationships with all of the state’s superintendents during COVID. But the battle between Alachua County Public Schools and the state rages on.
Central Florida back-to-school guide: What you need to know about mask rules and more
Thousands of students head back to class on Tuesday.