LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Tensions heat up as parents speak out against the Lee County School District’s reopening plans.
School board members stand firm on the decision to mandate masks for students while on school campuses.
“If we are going to have students in our school we need them to follow all precautions and wear masks, ” said Betsy Vaughn, District 6.
Lee County has provided multiple learning options to ensure the safety of their over 90, 000 students.
Some parents disagree with the restrictions for on-campus learning.
“I have never asked you to parent my children nor have a relinquished my authority for you to govern my children.”
One parent says neither of the options work for each of her children’s individual needs.
“We are mandating things upon all of these students in a blanket; we don’t all fit in a box.”
Some parents say the decision is unconstitutional, the district shouldn’t have the ability to take away a parent's freedom of choice.
“The Lee County School district is charged with educating the students, they are not charged with keeping them safe.”
“We are absolutely charged with keeping students safe, ” said Vaughn.
Board members say they have not taken the decision to reopen schools lightly, .and are working to do so as safely as possible.
“People who are making decisions in this building have a personal stake in what’s happening because we have children in the schools and our colleagues and friends are working in the schools, ” said Chris N. Patricca, District 3.
The Lee County School District tells Fox 4 they do expect there to be some challenges as students and staff adjust to the new normal.
They say they will continue to monitor conditions and are ready and equipped to safely welcome students back to school on August 31st.
