CAPE CORAL, Fla – When it comes to the controversy over opening Florida schools in the Fall, a lawsuit has been filed by the Florida Education Association.
The teacher union wants to freeze the state order requiring public schools to reopen next month.
The suit charges the state with moving too fast and putting teachers, staff and students at risk when it comes to COVID-19 and comes as statewide cases continue to rise.
Thousands are now backing the FEA's lawsuit to stop it from happening.
Early this month, the state's education commissioner sent out an emergency order, requiring K-12 districts to open up brick and mortar schools as an option for families, five days a week. The lawsuit's plaintiffs allege that order is a violation of state law
The suit was filed in a Miami circuit court, and lists the county mayor, commissioner, governor, department, and board of education as defendants.
The FEA said it calls for the state to create a “meaningful” online learning plan with access to computers and the web until cases subside. And also calls for districts to have PPE, reduced class sizes, and follow CDC guidance before reopening.
Governor DeSantis weighed in on the issue, and said the order simply provides a choice. He added he doesn't believe teachers or students with safety concerns should be required to head back to class.
In Lee County, the superintendent of schools is recommending that the school start date be pushed back to August 24 or 31.
