This post was created on 07/22/2020.

Land O’ Lakes, FL – (August 21, 2020) – Pasco County School Superintendent Kurt Browning has recommended a two-week delay to the start of the school year, with students returning to school on August 24. Teachers would return to work on August 17.

The recommendation was made at tonight’s regularly scheduled virtual meeting of the School Board. After discussion, the School Board unanimously approved the recommendation.

The recommendation came after the district received hundreds of emails and phone calls on the topic, and after Superintendent Browning and his staff worked on a plan to make the necessary adjustments to the school year calendar.

The Superintendent made it clear that the school district still plans to open the schools for in-person, on-campus learning, as well as two online options. The two-week delay will afford the schools a greater opportunity to prepare for the return of staff and students.

In this video, Superintendent Browning talks about his recommendation for a two-week delay to the start of the school year.

Also, at tonight’s School Board meeting, Superintendent Browning presented his recommendation that would require masks or face coverings for all students, teachers, staff, and visitors on school campuses or district buildings. The mask mandate is scheduled to be voted upon at the July 28 School Board meeting. The proposed rule describes what qualifies as a mask or face covering and under what circumstances the mask can be removed. It also describes how the school district will make accommodations for students or staff members who have a medical condition that would prevent them from wearing a mask or face covering.