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Pasco County Schools delays start of school year by 2 weeks

The school year will now begin Aug. 24.

LAND O' LAKES, Fla. — The Pasco County School Board has approved a two-week delay to the start of the school year.

Instead of returning to school on Aug. 10, the plan is for them to now return on Aug. 24. Teachers will return Aug. 17.

"I am concerned about the health of our students, teachers and all of our other staff members," Superintendent Kurt Browning said in a video statement earlier in the evening. "... In recent weeks, parents, teachers and staff have made it abundantly clear they, too, have concerns."

RELATED: Florida teachers union on schools reopening: 'We don't want to be the petri dish for America'

School Start Date Delayed

Superintendent Browning has recommended a two-week delay to the start of the school year, with students returning on August 24. Teachers would return on August 17.

Posted by Pasco County Schools on Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Browning said the district will offer in-person learning, as well as two virtual options, to comply with the state's order that school buildings open to those who want the choice. A two-week delay helps to ensure schools can be as safe as possible, he added.

But Browning also acknowledged there are "no guarantees" the COVID-19 situation will improve. 

"This is a highly fluid situation," said Browning, who adds additional adjustments to the school calendar will be coming.

Updates will be posted on the school district's website.

RELATED: Pinellas County superintendent asks to delay school year start to Aug. 24

RELATED: Hillsborough County delays start of school sports, may push back academic year

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