DeSantis Reflects on Lockdowns: ‘Kids Needed to be in School’

TALLAHASSEE (FLV) – During an interview with The National Desk on Tuesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis reflected on the declining nationwide school scores as reported by The Nation’s Report Card.

“The data was very clear that they needed to be in school,” DeSantis said.

Although state-by-state results have not yet been reported by NAEP, DeSantis says “I would anticipate that states like Florida who had the kids in school probably faired comparatively better than a state like California which basically let these kids twist in the wind for over a year.”

“No plans because I have an election I have to do right now in the state of Florida. We’ve had a great 3 and a half years – we’re going to finish very strong and obviously we think we need to keep this going in the state of Florida to make sure we keep the state free and make sure we continue to capitalize on all the successes that we’ve had, and so we’re been very laser focused on just doing the job,” he said.

“I’m focused on my job in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

During the pandemic, DeSantis’ Administration instituted parental rights provisions which made it illegal for school districts to require their children wear masks.

In addition, DeSantis threatened financial penalties on school districts that chose to do so.
Schools were required to provide an “opt-out form” which would effectively make masks optional in all public schools.

DeSantis sparred with various districts, like Broward County, who he said violated Florida law. His administration made clear that schools who do not obey the law would face legal consequences such as funding cuts.