HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. -- August 31 is the new start date for Hernando County students where they’ll now be able to choose the ‘Digital Home Learning' option that will give them the brick and mortar type of learning but at home, which is different than the online option already provided by the district.

Hernando County parent and teacher Lisa Masserio said, “We know that our district wants to keep us safe but our county has experienced rising cases over the past few weeks that we really need to be paying attention to, ”and the school board is paying close attention, which is why the district is providing another option for parents and students.

With a unanimous vote in the Monday morning school board meeting, Hernando school board members made it more comfortable for students to go back to school this fall.

Hernando chair person, Susan Duval said, “I think with only two options, you weren’t finding a middle ground.”

She noted that this third option could put more parents at ease. Parents and teachers peacefully stood in front the school board meeting requesting change. 

Duval added, “It became apparent that we needed to look at the digital method and just provide another way to deliver a quality education to our students.”

Parents should be mindful that this option is different than the e-learning style already provided. "E-School is work at your own pace, you sign up for the courses, the teachers may be from anywhere in the district,” Duval said. But with the digital home learning option, a similar schedule to brick and mortar style will be followed as much as possible.

“Developing that connection, developing relationships are very important for us as educators and for students and their families,” Duval.

The board also voted on face coverings being a requirement while in school with certain exceptions such as medical needs. In-school suspensions was also discussed after four offenses. A final decision is set to be made in the next school board meeting.