FCSA Summary_ Reopening & CARES Act
FDOE Reopening webinar recording, June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020 – Today, the Florida Department of Education released Reopening Florida’s Schools and the CARES Act packet outlining recommended guidelines for reopening schools this summer. The comprehensive report provided an overview of the preventative measures schools took at the start of the pandemic and the launch of distance learning – followed by series of reopening steps for K12, early learning, and higher education institutions.
“The Florida Charter School Alliance applauds Governor DeSantis, Education Commissioner Corcoran, FDOE, and the Reopening Task Force for developing comprehensive and well-thought-out guidance that puts students and families first. We are encouraged that funds will be available to help students who have fallen behind, support educators, and provide schools with resources to reopen safety,” said Ralph Arza, Director of Governmental Affairs.
The report states “With the majority of childcare programs already open, it is recommended K 12 campus is also beginning to open in June, through a three-step approach modeled here.” Step one encourages the opening of campuses for youth activities and summer camp in June. Several public charter schools already have plans to hold summer academic enrichment programs. While following CDC and Health Department guidelines, and strict health monitoring and safety protocols, these programs aim to fill the gap and prepare students for the 2020-2021 school year as well as support student social/emotional wellness.
From the inception of the pandemic and the closure of campuses in March 2020, charter schools throughout Florida continued to serve their more than 313,000 students through a variety of distance-learning initiatives and outreach efforts that included meal distribution programs and mental health surveys. Charter School leaders and stakeholders are encouraged by the reopening report and look forward to working with their families and teachers to transition back to on-campus learning as well as providing families flexibility via virtual instruction and other off-campus learning opportunities.