The start of the 2020 - 2021 school year is underway for many school districts. While there are still some unanswered questions and uncertainly regarding school reopening, I am in awe of the tremendous work superintendents and their staffs have done throughout the summer to open schools and ensure learning for Florida students.

Public education is the bedrock of a community, and no one knows this better than a school superintendent. We all yearn for the day when we can open our school doors without the health threat of COVID-19. However, in the meantime, we must continue to find ways to meet the educational needs of students in a safe, secure and meaningful way, with a priority on the health and safety of students, teachers and school staff.  

Despite the challenges and disruption brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, I am encouraged by the way Florida school districts have embraced this paradigm shift in education, propelling their district forward as they identify new educational delivery means and methods.  

As school districts have grappled with the challenges of safely reopening schools in a COVID-19 environment, it has been gratifying to see the camaraderie and sharing of information and resources between superintendents and across school districts. We are all in this together and will continue to navigate this new crisis side-by-side and hand-in-hand.  

Please know that FADSS is here for you and we will weather this storm together and come out stronger in the end.

Thank you again for everything you, your administrators and staff are doing for Florida’s students, their families and your communities!