Education

Ruling that Gov. Ron DeSantis overstepped his constitutional authority, a Leon County circuit judge on Friday sided with a group of parents in a high-profile lawsuit challenging DeSantis’ July 30 executive order that sought to bar school districts from requiring students to wear masks.

The board, during an emergency meeting, voted to direct state Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to “investigate” the actions of Alachua County and Broward County school officials.

Meanwhile, Tao Li divorced his wife, Lan Luo, in Gainesville after 19 years of marriage with two children. He agreed to give her nearly all the couple’s assets, according to court records.

In a three-page letter responding to the state, Alachua County Superintendent Carlee Simon and School Board Chairwoman Leanetta McNealy on Tuesday cited a “twenty-fold” increase in local COVID-19 cases over the past six weeks and rising hospitalizations --- even among children --- in their decision to stay the course.

The State Board of Education is also considering a voucher program that would allow public school students to transfer to private schools without mask mandates.

Marion County Public Schools announced that the district will begin the 2021-22 school year by making wearing masks optional for students and staff. Thursday’s announcement noted that the district will allow full capacity athletic and arts events while consistently following health recommendations “to the extent possible.” “Face coverings can be …