State approves reopening plan for Orange County schools as survey shows most teachers want to work from home

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Education approved Orange County School's reopening plan Tuesday, allowing parents the option to choose in-person or online classes for their kids.

The Orange County School Board approved its back-to-school plan that gives parents three back-to-school options: face to face, Orange County Virtual School or a third innovative distance learning option that still needs state approval.

Watch: Florida high school athletes board approves resuming fall sports later in season, practices can begin next week

Orange County teachers are completing a survey to share their preference as parents decide whether to register their children for in-person instruction or have them learn from home.

Many parents are basing their decision after reviewing local coronavirus statistics and based on how their children did with distance learning in the spring.

The district said 45,000 families have completed choice registration as of Tuesday.

Watch: There is ‘essentially no end in sight’ to pandemic, Fauci says

Thirty percent were for face-to-face learning. The majority, more than 64%, preferred OCPS LaunchED@Home with just over 4% interested in Orange County Virtual School.

As of Tuesday, 9,000 teachers responded to the district’s assignment preferences survey.

More than 64% of teachers said they preferred OCPS LaunchED@Home, with the majority wanting to work from home as opposed to in the classroom.

Mask Up! Central Floridians show a sense of style, personality in mask choices

About 3% said they were interested in Orange County Virtual School.

More than 27% preferred face-to-face teaching, with 5% saying they'd be happy with any of the options.

Parents and teachers have until Friday to complete the registration or survey.

Cox Media Group