An 18-year teaching career came to an end for Broward County’s John Alvarez after “repeatedly refusing to wear a mask” on school grounds. Alvarez’s stance was deemed in violation of a school district policy that has since been rescinded. On Dec. 14, members of the Broward County School Board heard recommendations for suspending and then terminating Alvarez for refusing to wear a mask on campus. The board unanimously moved to sack him for an incident on March 10, 2021. Alvarez, 57, had not returned to his classroom at Piper High School since May. At the beginning of the school year Broward County School Board voted in favor of a mask mandate for students, teachers and staff, which went against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ rule on parental choice. School district officials accused Alvarez of “insubordination, neglect of duty, and incompetence,” according to a complaint filed by attorneys for the board. Alvarez said …