December 18, 2020

The Honorable Ron DeSantis

Governor, State of Florida
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Dear Governor DeSantis:

The Florida Association of District School Superintendents (FADSS) would like to thank you and Commissioner Corcoran for the
leadership you have shown during this pandemic in providing a stable path forward for our school districts to focus on the educational
and emotional needs of our students.

As districts implement their 2021 Spring Education Plans to ensure academic growth for our students, there is hope throughout our
communities regarding the initial COVID-19 vaccinations. With distribution now underway, FADSS wants to see all students continue
to have full access to their educational services and learning options throughout the remainder of the school year. For this to happen,
the wellness of the employees in our school districts is vital. While schools have not shown to be a significant source of community
spread during the first semester of the 2020-21 school year, ensuring that the adults who serve our students remain healthy and COVID-
free is critical to a successful second semester and summer.

With this in mind, FADSS requests your consideration for all school district employees to be classified as essential workers with regard
to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Prioritization for personnel who have direct student contact will allow continuity of operation with
schools remaining open to serve the students, families, and communities of Florida. This will be increasingly important for school
employees who are over the age of 65 or have underlying health conditions as identified by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), so that they can safely and confidently work in support of student achievement.

FADSS recognizes the need to vaccinate our vulnerable health care workers and long-term care facility residents first and foremost.
However, as decisions are made for future distribution plans of the vaccine, we ask that you continue your support and prioritization
for school districts to serve their students and families to their full capacity.

Once again, FADSS thanks you and your leadership team for your commitment to and confidence in school districts to continue to
provide high quality instruction during these unprecedented times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our organization if there is
anything we can do to assist you further.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Grego, Ed.D.

President, Florida Association of District School Superintendents
Superintendent, Pinellas County Schools

cc: Commissioner Richard Corcoran

Superintendents