Broward Schools Changes Food Distributions To Twice A Week
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - When Broward schools closed in March because of the coronavirus crisis, the future was uncertain.
Now a clearer picture is emerging of the South Florida education fallout from the pandemic and what it may mean for the 2020-2021 school year and beyond.
Broward Schools Superintendent Robert Runcie answered a range of questions about the impact of the crisis, during a meal distribution at Blanche Ely High School In Pompano Beach on Monday.
The district has changed the distribution schedule for breakfasts and lunches to Mondays and Wednesdays at 51 sites. Over half of Broward students qualify for free and reduced meals. And the district is even providing meals to their parents in some cases.
The distribution has tallied more than $1 million and Runcie said they have received donations from the Miami Dolphins and United Way to offset some of the cost.
With unemployment rising during the shutdown resulting in county and state tax revenues obliterated.
"Property taxes will take a hit," he said.
That means less money for all school districts next year.
"School systems can see revenue shortfalls of up to 25 percent unless the federal government intervenes to offset those losses," Runcie said.
As for a loss of 'face to face' learning with all classes going online, the superintendent acknowledged that some students are skipping distance learning.
"We know there are students who are not engaged, or not engaging regularly, so we are having school administrators and counselors reaching out on a daily basis," he said.
Runcie also touched on another big topic for the district - Class of 2020 graduations.
He said there will be virtual graduations in June, which will be live-streamed, and made no promises on the real thing.
"Should circumstances change at some point, we will certainly move forward hold live graduations, to the extent that there's a demand for it and students are still around so that we could put those on," he said.
RELATED:
Current Curfews In South Florida
South Florida Testing Locations
Track The Spread Of The Coronavirus In Real Time
How To Make Your Own Face Mask
Tips To Protect Your Vehicle While It Sits Unused During Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order
