Reopening schools was among the loudest and most emotional debates in the country since COVID-19 began. Teachers and parents alike protested the reopening, fearing it would put their lives at risk. Nevertheless, in-person classes resumed in Alachua County in fall 2020.
Many expected the reopening would cause a teacher exodus,” but as the end of the school year gets closer, opinions on how much of an impact the virus had on teacher departures differ.
Alachua County Public Schools spokeswoman Jackie Johnson said the departure rate is in the range it s been in recent years.
“Our retention rate this year for teachers is about 84%,” Johnson said. “The previous year it was 86%, and the year before that it was 83%.”