Brevard schools respond to DOE over mask mandates for students and staff

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard Public Schools was one of 10 school districts that received a letter from the state threatening to deduct school leaders’ salaries if they refuse to drop their mask mandate.

After receiving the letter, the district had 48 hours to respond to the Florida Department of Education to state if they would comply with the state’s demand.

On Thursday, Brevard Public Schools sent a letter to the Florida commissioner of education stating, “the state board of education meeting failed to satisfy the requirements for a finding against the substantial interests of the school board and district”.

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Read: Clock is ticking for Brevard Public Schools after state issues reprimand over mask mandate

The district also refused to waive its right to challenge the state board of education’s order.

According to the Florida Department of Health emergency rule, parents must be allowed to opt out of mask mandates at their sole discretion.

Florida law also requires districts and schools to establish and implement protocols consistent with the Parents’ Bill of Rights.

Read: Brevard County School Board opts to keep mask mandate for now

The district gets an update at the end of every week, and at last check, there were 83 cases of COVID per 100,000 students.

Superintendent Mark Mullins said with case numbers moving in the right direction, he expects they could get rid of the mandate soon.

“I am working with staff right now and finalizing a parent opt-out form that would be made available to parents online, to be prepared in the instance that we reach 50 per 100,000,” Mullins said.

Read: ‘A major crisis’: Brevard County school board sends letter to DOE regarding mask mandate

The current mask policy is in place until Nov. 30, or until case numbers reach 50 per every 100,000 students.

See a copy of the letter below:

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