Gov. Ron DeSantis is applauding the beginning this week of in-person classes at some Florida school districts. DeSantis says one superintendent likened the start of the school year to a military takedown of a terrorist.
“Martin County Superintendent Laurie Gaylord told me today that she viewed reopening her schools as a mission akin to a Navy SEAL operation. Just as the SEALs surmounted obstacles to bring Osama bin Laden to justice so too would the Martin County School System find a way to provide parents with the meaningful choice of in-person instruction, or continued distance learning. All in. All the time,” DeSantis says.
DeSantis says he’s heard about grateful parents who are driving their children to class with gifts and supplies for their teachers in tow.
“The superintendent of Suwannee County, Ted Roush, told me today never before in his 26-year career had he witnessed what he saw during the first day of school—parents not only bringing their kids to school, but also bringing presents and supplies to the teachers as a way to say thank you,” DeSantis says.
The governor also extended his thanks to teachers and other school workers.
“Thank you for helping society keep moving forward. Thank you for giving our kids the opportunity to learn in person. And thank you for giving our families what so many wants after these long many months—a renewed sense of normalcy,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis notes not all students will be returning to in-person classes. Some families are opting to continue distance learning this year. DeSantis says he thinks it’s important for parents to have that choice.