One month from Tuesday some Orange County students will be returning to classrooms. The Florida Department of Education announced on Twitter Tuesday afternoon that it had approved the county’s plan to reopen schools. “Orange County Public Schools reopening plan has been approved- another reopening plan that allows parents the flexibility to choose the educational option that is right for their child,” the department said. Orange County Superintendent Dr. Barbara Jenkins revealed during an Orange County Economic Task Force Recovery meeting that she spoke to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis about the county’s reopening plan on Monday. The Orange County School Board voted last week to ask for a waiver that would give the county local control over when to reopen physical school locations. Jenkins said the governor was open to having the conversation when they spoke. Many teachers have expressed concerns about spreading or contracting coronavirus if students are allowed back in classrooms. There are still a number of questions about whether children, especially teenagers, can spread the virus. The latest data from the state shows that more than 23,000 people under the age of 18 have tested positive for COVID-19. Orange County has seen 1,220 cases of COVID-19 in children under 18. Orange County schools have more than 213,000 students. A survey conducted by the district shows that only about 27% of teachers prefer in person instruction. Over 46% said they’d rather do the hybrid LaunchEd option and teach classes from home. Health officials say there is no way the district could test all students, but they do plan to target certain classrooms if they learn that someone may have been exposed to the virus. Parents in Orange County are being asked to decide between face-to-face learning, LaunchEd, or Orange County virtual school by Friday. Selections can be made here.