August 9, 2021
Roanoke-Benson CUSD Families & Staff,
Following much research and discussion, our Board of Education approved the Opening of Schools Plan linked here: 2020-2021 Opening of School Plan .
On Wednesday, August 4, 2021 Governor Pritzker issued a mask mandate for all K-12 schools. This mandate is in direct contradiction to his office’s statement on July 19, 2021 that stated it had no intention for further mitigations and supported local control. It is also in contradiction to the current language in the CDC guidance which recommends masking and does not mandate it. As a result, Roanoke-Benson, along with all Illinois school districts, are now being forced to follow a mask mandate regardless of how COVID-19 is affecting our local areas. We will be working to gain local control for these decisions. At this time universal masking is required in all Roanoke-Benson CUSD buildings.
I anticipate that the Governor, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Woodford County Department of Public Health will issue additional mandates throughout the school year. This may result in modifications to the plan. An updated plan will be maintained on our school district website.
We remain committed to providing as close to a normal school year as possible.
Sincerely,
Thomas J. Welsh
Superintendent
Roanoke-Benson CUSD 60