According to Gov., the state "could" fund salaries of county superintendents and members of school boards who require mask wearing in schools. Ron DeSantis's office.This statement is the latest salvo in a continuing battle over mandating schools wearing masks. The fight has flared in many school districts across the country as the pandemic resurfaces and the school year begins.Christina Pushaw (the governor's spokeswoman) released the following language Monday afternoon"The State Board of Education would like to limit any financial penalties for violating state law regarding these rules, and ultimately the parental rights to make decisions about their child's education and care.Dems demand local control: Florida Democrats condemn DeSantis' Mask Mandat Ban, and urge local school districts not to mask"For example, the State Board of Education might move to withhold the salary of the superintendent of schools or other school board members. This would be a specific way to deal with the decision-makers that led to the violation of law."At least one superintendent responded immediately. At a Monday afternoon meeting, Leon County Superintendent Hanna stated that "you cannot put a price on someone's lives, including my salary."He said that while we want to ensure that all children have access to high-quality education, they cannot do so if they are sick or in the hospital. Hanna had just announced that middle and elementary school students will have to wear masks when the new school year starts in Tallahassee.Leon joins many other Florida counties, including Broward and Hillsborough, Hillsborough, Orange, Palm Beach, that have already declared mask mandates for public schools.Anger parents have filled school boards meetings across the country, supporting and opposing schoolchildren's face-covering requirements.Continue the storyA group of parents opposed to the district's mask mandate attempted to "overthrow the Buncombe County Education Board in North Carolina" and take over the position of Buncombe County Board member.Similar: Buncombe County Schools mask mandate criticized by protesters, attempted to 'overthrow’ boardGov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the 77th session Florida American Legion Boys State at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Tuesday June 22, 2021.DeSantis issued an executive directive late last month that prohibited county school boards from imposing any masking requirements on their students. Last week, both the Department of Health and Department of Education approved emergency rules that allow parents to decide whether their children should wear masks.Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, stated in an email that DeSantis must "set aside his political ambitions and concentrate on the safety of our children."He said, "He must listen and respect the people responsible for the overall well-being and health of all students" and urged that he would not resort to using heavy-handed tactics. He can be a good person and not play politics in this crisis of public health.The Florida Association of District School Superintendents and the Florida School Boards Association are currently awaiting comments on DeSantis’ announcement.Christina Pushaw, a spokeswoman for DeSantis, stated that the governor, as a father to 3 children, cares about all children in Florida and trusts families to make good decisions for their children."Anyone who feels more secure wearing a facial covering is allowed to do so. Any parent who wishes to cover their child's face has the right to do so.She said that the governor is opposed to children wearing masks in schools and stated that he believes there are potential negatives to having children covered for eight hours per day from a developmental, academic, or medical perspective.These potential downsides are largely unknown. This is (his), philosophy: Protect individual rights and allow families to choose what's best for their children.Shelby Harris, Ana Goi Lessan, and Casey Chapter all contributed.This article first appeared on Tallahassee Democrat. Florida Governor. DeSantis threatens school salary increases over mask mandates
