Florida Department of Education Withholds Funds in Alachua County

TALLAHASSEE – On Aug. 30, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that the Florida Department of Education (DOE) has withheld the monthly school board member salaries in Alachua and Broward counties, as directed by the State Board of Education. DEO states that each district has implemented a mandatory face mask policy that violates parental rights by not allowing a parent or legal guardian to opt-out their child, as required by Florida Department of Health Emergency Rule 64DER21-12. The withholding of funds will continue monthly until each school board complies with state law and rule.

 “We’re going to fight to protect parent’s rights to make health care decisions for their children. They know what is best for their children. What’s unacceptable is the politicians who have raised their right hands and pledged, under oath, to uphold the Constitution but are not doing so. Simply said, elected officials cannot pick and choose what laws they want to follow,” said Commissioner of Education Corcoran.

 On Aug. 20, 2021, the State Board of Education issued the Alachua and Broward County school districts with an Order demanding that they comply with state statute and rule; however, both districts refuse to comply. Each county is also prohibited from reducing any expenditures other than those related to compensation for school board members, and clearly states each district may not permit the reduction of funds to impact student services or teacher pay.

 DOE says there may be additional sanctions and take additional enforcement action to bring each school district into compliance with state law and rule.

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