Orange County Public Schools approves mask policy, says distance learning is new default for students not enrolled in any option

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Public Schools announced a few changes on Tuesday, the second day of virtual learning, as teachers gathered to protest reopening the schools.

The school board unanimously approved a mask policy which breaks down the kind of masks that are appropriate, and when they must be worn.

It includes reminders to cover up before disciplinary action for students not wearing a mask.

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Patrick Moore has four kids planning to start face-to-face learning on Aug. 21.

“I’ll make my kids wear a mask, but my second-grade daughter -- quite frankly, she’s not going to wear a mask all day and children with more severe issues going on absolutely are not,” he said.

The board also changed the scope of what its medical advisory committee can do. The committee can now recommend if the district should open for face-to-face instruction. If the district ultimately decides to keep schools closed, the state said it would withhold some funding.

Moore said he hopes the board and its Medical Advisory Committee keeps in mind children with special needs that need face-to-face instruction.

On Friday, one doctor on the committee, Akinyemi Ajayi, urged the school district to have few and specific exceptions to that included a “really firm list, and not just anybody can send a letter in and now they don’t have to wear a mask.”

The committee is made up of 11 medical professionals, nurses, pediatricians, infectious disease experts and more.

The board will advise, but the power to change remains with the school board.

The board decided with a 7-1 vote Tuesday night that the committee would advise not just on operating schools but also if it’s safe to reopen, which worries Moore that the district may decide not to do face-to-face.

“We should be rolling with this plan, but now there seems to be this attitude of back tracking,” he said.

A day after more than 114,000 Orange County Public Schools students attended the first day of school, Orange County teachers protested outside of the district’s headquarters.

The teachers said they are protesting the start of face-to-face learning, which is set to begin in less than three weeks.

A plane flew over the district building with a banner reading “OCPS history will be your judge.”

Read: First-day virtual learning issues in Orange County should subside, superintendent says

“Because we believe it will,” said Wendy Doromal, president of the teachers’ union. “You have to make hard decisions sometimes and we know that this one is being made for funds because we heard it over and over and over.”

If the school board decides not to open physical schools in August, the state said it will not provide full funding.

The union is suing and asking for an injunction, which would prevent the district from opening brick and mortar schools.

Read: Orange County teachers union goes to court as students begin first day of classes

The district is takings steps to prepare, purchasing cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, including face masks for both teachers and students. And face coverings will be mandatory for face-to-face learning.

The proposed emergency policy is five pages long and states kids and staff can wear OCPS-issued masks or their own within reason.

“Face covering may not be made of lace, mesh, or other largely porous material,” the policy states.

There are 10 exceptions for when masks aren’t required, like if a child is too young or if they’re on a break.

Employees and students not wearing a mask will first get a reminder and then may face discipline. A student “may also be sent home and will be required to receive their educational instruction via remote learning.”

Also announced Tuesday, is that LaunchED@Home, or distance learning, is the new default for all students not enrolled in a back to school option.

Read: Orange County approves $20 million eviction diversion program for those financially impacted by COVID-19

“We picked the most popular option and said that’s where we will default if we don’t hear from the parent,” Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins said, adding that the district will attempt to reach families until the very last minute.

“We hope they don’t wait that late because it’s really not fair for teachers not to know where their teaching assignments are, so we need them to contact their school, give them their selection and we’ll take care of it,” she said.

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Of the responses the district received, almost 63% said they prefer LaunchEd@Home, and 29% preferred face-to-face.

Students are set to return to classrooms in person on Aug. 21.

Virtual or face-to-face learning: Experts say decision can play large role on mental health - clipped version Virtual or face-to-face learning: Experts say decision can play large role on mental health (WFTV)

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