5A – Identifying Local Opportunities

Local task force to create fall reopening plants for Marion schools

There are many hurdles that are facing the school districts. The question of when and how to reopen are the big question. Many parents are pushing for schools to reopen for sports and band practice; however, the schools are treading cautiously because they want to do so safely. They need time to train staff on how to establish social distancing, and other covid-19 directives.

The problem presented in the story is how to safely reopen schools, not just for extracurricular activities but also for the 2020-2021 school year.

The whole community has the problem, teachers who would be taking on an extra workload, and parents who have their own jobs they have to get back to rather than homeschool their children.

Back to school? 1 in 5 teachers are unlikely to return to reopened classrooms this fall, poll says

There are a significant number of teachers who state they will not be returning to work on campus if/when schools reopen. Parents as well are not wanting students to return to school. 6 out of 10 parents surveyed said they will pursue at home learning options instead of sending their kids back to school.

The problem presented in this story is that teachers are not wanting to return. Teachers are struggling because they hadn’t been prepared by the districts on how to deal with this situation. This has led to teachers having an increased workload and students falling behind.  

Teachers have the problem because either they're forced to resign from their job, or they have to try to adapt to these changes. Students also have this problem because they have the possibility of losing out on wonderful teachers who won't be returning which results in them not being adequately educated.

Sharp drop in state tax collections threatens pay raises, programs

The coronavirus has drastically affected the economy, with Florida state taxes falling over $900 million short in April. This deficit will continue to take $800 million a month hits due to the prior shutdown, rising unemployment, and decrease in tourist visits and consumer spending.

The problem presented in this story are the lasting effects of COVID. It is showing the devastating financial side of things rather than medical. There are going to be a lot of businesses shutting down permanently and unemployment continuing to rise.

Floridians have this problem, both employers and employees. 

Bad weather postpones historic SpaceX Crew Dragon launch

Bad weather postponed a SpaceX rocket launch which was set to launch earlier this week. This is the first time in nearly a decade that the United States will be launching astronauts into orbit from US soil.  

The problem presented in this story is bad weather postponing a historic launch.

The astronauts as well as the tourists who travelled to watch the launch are affected by this.  

Masks spark public judgment, ridicule among customers as businesses reopen

Whether you wear masks or not, you are being publicly ridiculed when you’re out in public. People not wearing masks are getting stared at and even avoided by others who are wearing masks. And then those who wear masks are getting stared at and judged because they’re wearing a mask. Recently, this has turned violent and even deadly amongst shoppers. Companies requiring masks, such as Costco, have been the topic of social media outrage with shoppers refusing the shop there.

The problem presented in this story is the judgement from the opposing sides of deciding whether or not to wear a mask. It also is affecting businesses when requiring masks to enter their stores. 

The people who have the problem is anyone going out into public, whether they’re wearing a mask or not. It is also businesses having issues because they either are enforcing masks and upsetting customers, or not requiring masks and upsetting customers.