Collier County Public Schools released a statement in response to yesterday's ruling against the Florida Department of Education mandate to open brick and mortar schools, essentially saying that they will stick with their plan. Because they recognize that the decision may be appealed, they will move forward with reopening schools Monday August 31, in addition to giving families the choice of two virtual learning options. The school district will continue to work alongside the department of health and listen to local medical professionals, they say.

As of August 5, CCPS says, 59 percent of students plan to return to campus, 34% plan to use the virtual option Classroom Connect, and 6.5% will use the eCollier Academy option.

A spokesman for the Lee County school district said they are aware of the ruling and are reviewing it. Sarasota county did not return a request for information.

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