July 14, 2021
Dear Roanoke-Benson CUSD 60 Families,
Last week the Centers for Disease Control, Illinois Department of Public Health, and Illinois State Board of Education permitted the local control of COVID-19 mitigations in Illinois schools during Phase 5 of Restore Illinois:
"Together with local public health officials, school administrators should consider multiple factors when they make decisions about implementing layered prevention strategies against COVID-19. Since schools typically serve their surrounding communities, decisions should be based on the school population, families, and students served, as well as their communities."
In addition, Governor Pritzker confirmed today that “school boards run their districts” and the new recommendations “do not include a mask mandate.”
Based on our current health conditions and the success of last school year, the 2021-2022 school year will begin with a full day (3:05 dismissal) and a mask optional policy. Health conditions could change prior to the start of school on August 19 and throughout the school year, therefore the mask optional policy may need to be re-evaluated. You will recall that we removed layers of mitigation one at a time during the 2020-2021 school year such as reducing the number of quarantine days required and reducing social distancing from six to three feet. We are in an excellent place to take this next step. The school district will continue to monitor the health of our students and staff and adjust accordingly.
A COVID-19 mitigation plan for the new school year will be finalized in early August and shared with all families. Issues such as the current mask mandate on public transportation that includes school buses, quarantine procedures, social distancing, etc. will be included in that plan.
Finally, on July 26th we will email you detailed information about our upcoming online school registration process that begins on July 28th.
I hope you enjoy the remaining weeks of summer vacation,
Thomas Welsh
Superintendent
Roanoke-Benson CUSD 60