August 9, 2021
Dear IB Families,
You have been incredibly supportive throughout this entire pandemic. I am aware of the growing frustration with all issues surrounding the ever changing guidance. All school districts have been put in a difficult situation regarding finalizing return to school plans, and in fact, school districts are in a “no win” situation relative to masking, vaccinations, testing, etc. I am asking that you continue your cooperation and support as we continue to work through this complicated situation. I would like for all of us to channel our energy in the best way possible for the betterment of children to start the school year. Any grievance you may have with the new guidance should be directed to the state decision makers such as the Governor and the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please allow us to continue making a positive impact on children in the best way we know how, despite the obstacles before us.
Masking
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced that, effective immediately, all Illinois schools (public and private) and daycares must follow the CDC’s guidance on universal masking. Accordingly, all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to PK-12 schools must wear a mask while indoors (and on school transportation), regardless of vaccination status. As with previous mask mandate orders, individuals who cannot wear a mask because of an ADA disability are exempt from this requirement.
In addition, the IDPH issued updated guidance on Friday, August 6th and again on Sunday, August 8th. Having discussed the new guidance with our legal counsel, it has become apparent that the Governor and IDPH have the authority to impose the masking mandate. School districts that do not comply with the new gubernatorial order potentially risk liability and denial of liability insurance coverage. Additionally, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) could remove recognition status for any school district not following the Governor’s order. As a result, Illini Bluffs will require universal masking.
I realize how difficult mask wearing is on our employees and the potential effect that has on learning for our students. Being married to an elementary teacher, I have an acute understanding of the difficulty in communication that masks present, especially with young students who rely greatly on seeing the instructor’s face.
Unfortunately, I nor our school board can override the governor's mask requirement based on the information above. However, for your convenience, I have included the contact information for the governor’s office below so you can direct your comments and opinions to the entity responsible for the masking mandate.
Springfield - Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706
Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831
Remote Learning
Beginning with the 2021-22 school year, all schools must resume fully in-person learning for all student attendance days, provided that, pursuant to 105 ILCS 5/10-30 and 105 ILCS 5/34-18.66, remote instruction be made available for students who have not received a COVID-19 vaccine or who are not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, only while they are under quarantine consistent with guidance or requirements from a local public health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Meals
Once again, we will be able to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students thanks to a program funded by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Thank you again for all of your support. I am hopeful that we can all once again persevere through these challenging times so that we may realize normalcy in the not-too-distant future.
Please review our updated return to school plan - click here
Please see the "Revised Public Health Guidance For Schools" - click here
Sincerely,
Dr. Roger Alvey
Superintendent