Dear District 58 Staff and Families,
Today, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced an executive order that requires masks be worn indoors by all teachers, staff, students and visitors in grade K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. While previous federal and state health guidance recommended mask usage, today’s announcement mandates universal masking. The Governor stated that school districts must comply with this order, and it will be enforced. School districts that do not comply will likely be held liable and risk losing their recognition status.
Today’s announcement aligns with the guidance District 58 shared with families and staff in yesterday’s community update. As previously stated, District 58 will require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask while inside its schools, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, District 58 will maintain 3-foot social distance when possible and continue to implement enhanced cleaning protocols.
District 58 has received more than 600 responses to its back-to-school feedback form, and we realize that our community has many opinions on the mask issue. Our District 58 community has persevered through a global pandemic for nearly 18 months, and we will continue to work hard. Regardless of mask requirements, the positive news is that our schools are opening for in-person learning, five days a week. Normal start and end times are back in place and all sports and activities will resume.
As I have shared many times, our goal remains to provide our students and staff with a school year that is similar to what we were all accustomed to prior to the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, District 58 has consistently adhered to the guidance and emphasized the following three priorities:
- The health and safety of students and staff
- Onsite/in-person instruction
- Minimizing disruptions as much as possible
In addition to our three priorities, we have consistently followed the health guidance and recommendations from ISBE/IDPH, and will continue to do so as we start the school year. Adherence to these guidelines has allowed the District to move forward during the pandemic and provided the safest environment possible for our students and staff.
We are excited to welcome you and your child(ren) back in a few short weeks. Until then, I hope you and your family enjoy the last weeks of summer vacation. I recognize the fluid nature of the pandemic can be challenging for all of us. The District will continue to support our families and staff; please reach out to a member of our team if we can be of any assistance. Thank you in advance for your patience and support as we navigate the ever changing nature of the pandemic and accompanying guidance. If there are questions or topics you want to be sure are addressed as the plan gets finalized, we continue to invite you to submit them by filling out this form.
Sincerely,
Kevin B. Russell
Superintendent of Schools