DOE recommends all Florida schools close; SWFL schools confirm closures

On Friday, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education Richard Corcoran provided strong recommendations for extending spring break following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing guidance specific to COVID-19 in Florida.

As all Florida school districts and public charter schools have different schedules. Click HERE to see the spring break changes for each district.

Extended breaks end on:

• Lee County: March 27
• Collier County: March 20
• Charlotte County: March 27
• Hendry County: March 27
• Glades County: March 27

In addition, the department also announced that the start of state testing will be delayed by a minimum of two weeks.

The School District of Lee County said Friday night that all SAT testing scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at their schools will still be taking place.

Additional recommendations for schools and districts during spring break include:

• Canceling all extracurricular activities.
• Developing or perfecting the district or school instructional continuity plans.
• Deep cleaning each school.

“Keeping students healthy and safe is my number one priority, and that is why we are recommending that districts follow the CDC’s guidance for Florida,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “We are continuing to monitor COVID-19, and I encourage all Floridians to remain informed and take the necessary precautions that have been issued by the CDC.”

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the Florida Department of Health’s website floridahealth.gov and the Florida Department of Education website www.fldoe.org/em-response.

For more information on the CDC’s recommendations specific to Florida, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus

Working parents we spoke to say they saw this coming, but that doesn’t mean they have many options. But the schools need the extra time to deep clean every, single school and bus and do its part to hopefully slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The safety of the students may mean that they will stay home even longer and take their classes online.

The School District of Lee County Superintendent Dr. Gregory Adkins says if that happens, they’re figuring out a plan to keep the school going.

“We should be able to provide a Chromebook to virtually all of our students across the school district,” Adkins said.

Many parents said they have no choice but to figure it out one day at a time.

Adkins said he’s concerned about it and trying to figure it out. He believes the district will either make sure students have enough credit hours or waive some requirements.