FORT MYERS, FLA — Is it safe to head back to the classroom?
The state and Governor Ron DeSantis say yes, but a group of local educators and parents aren't too sure.
More than 100 of them made their feelings known Friday, by holding a car parade through downtown Fort Myers.
In an ideal world, group member say the school start date in Lee county would be pushed back and kids would continue to learn virtually, at least until COVID-19 numbers go down.
They tell Fox 4 that they're hoping their message reaches the governor and state department of education, who are ordering schools to reopen next month and mandating that they offer in-person classes.
One local school counselor says these are her top concerns about that plan.
"First one would be health and safety for everybody, second would be making sure we're well prepared to launch programming and curriculum and management of kids in the buildings. And third would be concern for the community at large," said Susan Patti.
Florida school districts have until the end of July to submit their reopening plans to the state.
