* Emphasis added by me…
Dear Superintendents:
I know many of you are in a difficult position. The pandemic has required us to navigate changing circumstances and guidance. I deeply appreciate your leadership and the courage and integrity you have shown in tremendously challenging times. Many of you have requested clarity on the action the Illinois State Board of Education will take to enforce the universal indoor masking requirement, and this communication seeks to provide that clarity.
As you know, Executive Order 2021-18, which went into effect last Wednesday, requires that all students, staff, and visitors wear masks indoors in all P-12 schools in Illinois. Governor Pritzker took this action after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended it.
The purpose of the universal indoor masking requirement is to ensure all students can safely attend school in-person this fall. We know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential. Masks work best when everyone wears one. Research conducted by the CDC found that schools are safe when they have prevention strategies in place, as documented in the updated guidance from ISBE and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The Delta variant is causing a surge in cases and hospitalizations, and masking is a critical strategy to protect students’ access to in-person learning and to keep students, staff, and the community around them safe. We don’t throw our umbrella away in a rainstorm because we’re not getting wet. We have to keep our umbrella up until the storm passes.
The executive order has the force of law. I understand the pressure some school and district leaders may be facing from community members, and I will provide you with every support to understand, communicate, and comply with the order.
However, noncompliance is not an option. I will not compromise the health and safety of students or staff, nor will I risk even one child’s life.
Local boards of education, schools, and school districts do not have the authority to deny the Governor’s Executive Order requiring universal indoor masking in schools. Doing so not only puts students’ health and safety at risk but also opens the district to extraordinary legal liability – potentially without any insurance to cover damages. I strongly recommend that each district consult with its legal counsel and insurer to fully understand the repercussions.
Further, ISBE has and will use its regulatory authority, pursuant to 23 Ill Admin. Code 1.20, to ensure school districts protect students and staff; if school districts fail to do so, this risks State recognition.
A district would have multiple opportunities to remedy the deficiencies that present a health hazard or a danger to students or staff before becoming unrecognized. A district would first have its recognition status changed to “On Probation” and would be asked to submit a corrective action plan. Failure to address the deficiencies would lead to nonrecognition, meaning total loss of access to state funding and loss of the school’s ability to engage in any Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association athletic competitions.
These are not steps anyone at ISBE wishes to take nor should these steps be necessary. School districts have the moral and legal obligation to follow public health requirements and guidance to keep their students and staff safe.
Wearing a mask is simple, safe, and easy. I know it can be uncomfortable sometimes, but so are football helmets and seatbelts. Sometimes we have to bear a little discomfort for the sake of safety and because it’s the law.
We have so many important issues to face as we start the school year, and we want to start the year off with positivity for all our students. I ask that you respect that there is a mask requirement, communicate this to your school communities, and celebrate the return to in-person learning.
Thank you for your partnership and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carmen I. Ayala
State Superintendent of Education
Illinois State Board of Education
It’s also quite a bit easier to slap private schools with nonrecognition status, which would also mean losing access to Invest in Kids Act money.
* I mentioned that because the guy who runs the private school that Speaker Welch sends his son and daughter to is making a big deal out of violating the governor’s order…
The video is here.
From the Speaker’s spokesperson…
The Speaker supports Governor Pritzker’s decision to listen to the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and our most trusted health professionals. He believes it should apply to all schools because this is about keeping our children safe, especially those who are too young for the vaccine.
*** UPDATE *** And just like that. Boom. Out goes the recognition…
August 11, 2021
Sent Via Electronic Mail
Mr. Matt Davidson
Superintendent, Timothy Christian Schools davidson@timothychristian.com
Re: Nonpublic Recognition Status of:
Timothy Christian High School (19-022-042Y-03)
1061 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126-5263
Timothy Christian Elem Middle Sch (19-022-065X-03)
188 W Butterfield Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126-5073
Dear Mr. Davidson:
Pursuant to ISBE’s authority under 23 Illinois Administrative Code 425.60, ISBE is removing your school’s status as a recognized nonpublic school, effective immediately. As a result of being non-recognized, your school is now subject to at least the following consequences:
1. Seniors who graduate from a non-recognized school will receive a diploma that is not recognized by ISBE. This action is irreversible should the school later regain its recognition status, and these students will forever have a degree from a non-recognized school.
2. Your school, families, and students will be unable to participate in the Invest in Kids Act tax scholarship program subject to the regulations set by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
3. Your school will become ineligible to participate in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA) sanctioned sports subject to the regulations set by IHSA/IESA.
Per our discussion on August 11, 2021, you declined to affirm that your schools will comply with the universal masking requirements set forth in Executive Order 2021-18. In a publicly disseminated video you also stated that your school will not comply with the requirements in the Order. These
requirements apply to all public and nonpublic schools serving students in any of the grades preK through 12, without exception.
We do not take this action lightly. The purpose of the universal indoor masking requirement is to ensure that all students can safely attend school in-person this fall. We know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential. And masks work best when everyone wears one. Therefore, ISBE must take every action possible under its authority to ensure compliance in all schools with the Executive Order.
Should you have questions about this letter, please contact Derreck Langwith at xxx@isbe.net.
Sincerely,
Dr. Carmen I. Ayala
State Superintendent of Education
Messed around and found out.
- Immigrants Welcome - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:09 pm:
Watched that video and certainly wouldn’t want my kids to study science there. Clearly they’re more interested in playing with fire.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:18 pm:
This covers a great deal of “Covid Illinois”
* IHSA
* Amy Jacobson
* Kids and Masks
* Choice - pick any definition for “Choice” in context as you wish
This… welp, this is parents’ bread and butter angst, and Amy Jacobson’s pressure point;
===Failure to address the deficiencies would lead to nonrecognition, meaning total loss of access to state funding and loss of the school’s ability to engage in any Illinois High School Association and Illinois Elementary School Association athletic competitions.===
We will soon hear from the parents who first are anti-mask and also can’t understand why “their child” can’t play sports.
It’s tiring only because the same folks working against safety are the ones wanting the most rewards for doing the safe things.
- Nearly Normal - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:24 pm:
The loss of IHSA and IESA standing may keep districts toeing the line. The fast that insurance companies might not pay up is even more so.
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:29 pm:
“Watched that video and certainly wouldn’t want my kids to study science there”
Timothy Christian has high ACT scores including in Science. My kid’s School hosts them in Metro Suburban athletics. Their kids are amazingly friendly and respectful.
https://www.timothychristian.com/academics/high-school
- Hello Friend - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:30 pm:
Welp, guess Durand’s district could play the new game show: “Eff Around and Find Out!”
- Bruce( no not him) - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:34 pm:
Now they’re hitting them where it hurts. Education is no big deal, but SPORTS. that’s important.
- Southern - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 5:50 pm:
Unfortunately, even these potential consequences won’t sway the anti-maskers and anti-vaxxers. And I’m afraid we’re underestimating the ability of angry parents to influence school boards.
- Insanity - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:00 pm:
IESA and IHSA are private organizations. Are they now under control of ISBE? If that is the case we need to see what the pay is for the Executive Directors of both.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:02 pm:
- Insanity -
Will these schools get insurance to play sports?
- Morty - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:11 pm:
Amy J is an insult to sentience
- Morty - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:14 pm:
You know who’s not brave, the lady hiding behind the Jane Austin name.
I guess she doesn’t want the school district’s she works for as an educational consultant to find out what she’s saying about them.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:16 pm:
=Timothy Christian has high ACT scores+
And their leadership is willing to risk the lives of those students with the ACT scores. Not. Smart.
=IESA and IHSA are private organizations.=
And they have a website. And, if you checked it out you would learn that only ISBE recognized schools may compete.
Those are their rules, adopted by all member schools.
- B Team - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:30 pm:
All this over a mask…was it worth it?
- OneMan - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:32 pm:
I wonder if the Tom DeVore signal has been deployed from the roof of the gym.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:36 pm:
=== Pursuant to ISBE’s authority under 23 Illinois Administrative Code 425.60, ISBE is removing your school’s status as a recognized nonpublic school, effective immediately. As a result of being non-recognized, your school is now subject to at least the following consequences:===
Welp.
‘Merica.
Amirite?
Gamble… and lost.
Good job.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:40 pm:
“Don’t mess with the bull, young man. You’ll get the horns.”
- Richard Vernon, educator.
Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois.
- Not a Superstar - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:41 pm:
OW, I think “Dick” would support the mask mandate.
- Leslie K - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:42 pm:
Well, that was fast. I suppose they have until June 2022 ‘to determine if the mandate is legal’ before the give a class of kids unrecognized diplomas. Hopefully the school will do the right thing and decide to protect their students. From COVID and from unrecognized diplomas.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:46 pm:
=Timothy Christian=
…was just made an example of. Word among superintendents was the ISBE was responding to these districts with uncharacteristic speed.
I wonder what Durand’s letter looks like. Lol. Sports are kind of big there.
- Nick - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:46 pm:
Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Prizes
As I like to say
- Donnie Elgin - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:52 pm:
Section 425.70 Appeals
A school’s chief administrator who wishes to appeal a nonpublic school’s placement into
nonrecognition status must submit to the State Superintendent a written statement of appeal
within 14 days after receiving notification of the planned status change.
a) Within 30 days after receipt of the appeal, the State Superintendent or a designee
must convene a hearing to review all pertinent information, including the procedures that led to the planned recognition status change. Representatives of the affected school must have an opportunity to present evidence demonstrating
that the school complies with the requirements of this Part.
b) No later than 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing, the State Superintendent
must inform the school’s chief administrator of the State Superintendent’s determination. If there is no change in the school’s recognition status, the school does not need to take any further action. If the school’s recognition is removed,
and the school wishes to become recognized again, the school must follow the
procedure in Section 425.40. The decision of the State Superintendent of Education is a final administrative decision, subject to the Administrative Review
Law
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 6:56 pm:
Finally. Consequences and accountability. More please.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 7:03 pm:
=A school’s chief administrator who wishes to appeal a nonpublic school’s placement into=
That is cute that you think there is some long process. They will be acting quickly. The state has 30 days but will act much quicker.
I hope you didn’t pay athletic fees. Not going to need them. Unless Mr. Davidson tucks his tail and sits in the corner for a while.
- Frank talks - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 7:06 pm:
Well this is going to be interesting for sure. Let’s see how it goes. Guessing lots of rain ther private schools are watching to see what happens.
Losing state money seems like enough of a deterrent for public schools. Some schools over 50% of their budget is state funding can’t imagine they’d be willing to take that hit.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 7:21 pm:
I hope SHG is next to lose recognition.
- MyTwoCents - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 7:30 pm:
Good on ISBE for acting quickly and making an example. As for the Speaker, that’s a worthless statement. Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk. Your kids school wants to go rogue, pull your kids. Anything less is just hypocrisy.
- Jocko - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 7:46 pm:
Oof. I’m picturing the batter up scene from ‘The Untouchables’ with Carmen Ayala playing the role of DeNiro/Capone.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:00 pm:
“We’re losing accreditation to own the libs”
- uneducated educators
- We've never had one before - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:08 pm:
Speaker Welch, may I introduce Governor Bailey.
Governor Bailey, I introduce Speaker Welch.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:16 pm:
=== Speaker Welch, may I introduce Governor Bailey.
Governor Bailey, I introduce Speaker Welch.===
The surest way this could be remotely true is if Illinois does split into two states.
Rauner couldn’t weather $200+ million against him.
Bailey survives that?
I’m sure Pritzker wouldn’t mind.
If you think having a school losing it’s accreditation is a path for Bailey… whew.
- Bruce( no not him) - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:30 pm:
No masks, no accreditation, no problem. Said no one ever.
I think accreditation is kinda important if you want to go to college.
- Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:38 pm:
Governor Bailey? Umm, ok. How’s this going to go?
AJ: Governor, how can you justify your draconian policy and the stripping of recognition of Timothy Christian school?
JB: Amy, as I’ve told you from the start of the pandemic, I have always and will always follow the science. In this case, the science and the CDC unequivocally say the best way to keep kids safe is to require them to wear masks. And there is nothing I won’t do to keep kids safe.
Most Parents: Yes. Exactly this. Thank you governor.
And yea, this is most unfortunate. Some commenters are echoing Amy J and lauding the principal of the school. But it’s the kids who will pay the price. That responsibility falls squarely on one person. BTW, it’s this same person who persuaded ABC7 to do a puff piece lauding the school’s approach even though they weren’t doing any mandatory testing and had no idea how many kids had Covid. The guy is a publicity hound. Maybe he should pursue a more appropriate career that doesn’t put kids at risk.
- Occasionally Moderated - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 8:47 pm:
Game, set, match
Nice work, Sir.
- Give Us Barabbas - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:04 pm:
I predict one or two more schools will try it out in the boonies. Then it will be over though there will be court hearings later. The thing with discipline is, it has to be timely and consistent. ISBE holds all the cards here, and killing sports should get a swift compliance.
- JS Mill - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:24 pm:
=I predict=
Some already have..
- DuPage Moderate - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:32 pm:
The next election is gonna be great.
- Huh? - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:36 pm:
“Seniors who graduate from a non-recognized school will receive a diploma that is not recognized by ISBE. This action is irreversible should the school later regain its recognition status, and these students will forever have a degree from a non-recognized school.”
Whoop there it is.
Pressing the google key, it appears that loss of high school accreditation will adversely impact the ability of the high school seniors potential for college admission.
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:42 pm:
Just an fyi, my understanding is Timothy is regionally accredited. As such, loss of State recognition will not impact graduates. Even UofI accepts degrees from any regionally accredited school.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:44 pm:
=== As such, loss of State recognition will not impact graduates===
Except for seniors who can’t play sports.
But… ‘Merica
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:46 pm:
===degrees===
What high schools offer “degrees”?
- ANON - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:52 pm:
Oswego, dont be such a jackass. Clearly degree = diploma.
- TheInvisibleMan - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:52 pm:
– I predict one or two more schools will try it –
Minooka D111 discussed filing a lawsuit against the governor at their board meeting this week. No official action was taken. Unfortunately it did do a great job to give people, including some on the school board running for higher county offices, a bully pulpit to spread their disinformation.
Some of the other suburban school board meetings over the past week have quite frankly been frightening. I won’t write out the worst of what I’ve heard has happened, because I can’t verify it yet and don’t want to spread any rumors based on hearsay.
Long story short, I will not be surprised to see a school board that tries to override a superintendent who is currently following the rules.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 9:53 pm:
===Clearly===
“Sure, Jan”
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:08 pm:
Not sure why posts are going through. But I see no reason for a certain poster to jump to snarky asides to denigrate a post when the post solely attempted to correct an apparently false statement by other posters. Be better.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:15 pm:
It’s “cool” when your unaccredited high school confers a diploma to a student.
It’s actually embarrassing
Wanna teach at an unaccredited school?
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:19 pm:
Who said it was cool? You put it in quotes, so who are you quoting?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:21 pm:
The same folks who think it’s cool that they don’t want to follow the mandates.
Prolly Amy Jacobson.
Keep up, please.
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:23 pm:
Also, the school is still “accredited” via the regional accreditor. It is no longer “recognized.” Now the question is whether the regional accreditor takes action.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:26 pm:
=== Now the question is…===
It’s really not.
Financially it’s a loser, athletically it’s a loser, who wants to teach at an unaccredited Illinois school?
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:32 pm:
If it didn’t matter for a school in Illinois to get accreditation, none would, because with accreditation comes the accessibility to monies, the ability to offer inter-school competition, and the recognition of meeting a bar to educate.
Without state accreditation, it’s a “less” school.
- Morty - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:42 pm:
in Ron Burgandy voice- that escalated quickly
- SpringPatch - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:51 pm:
Yeah - ISBE, maybe look at your annual State football finalists SHG right down the road….
- Two Cent Ante - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 10:57 pm:
===who wants to teach at an unaccredited Illinois school?===
Among other concerns, being a TRS member and the impact of being at an unaccredited school might factor into your decision making process. Luckily, there appears to be all sorts of job openings throughout the state due to the statewide and nationwide teacher shortage.
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:07 pm:
Regional accreditation (from what I’ve been able to find) is a thing for colleges and universities and handled by six specific commissions on behalf of the US Dept. of Education; they don’t touch high schools. If the state doesn’t recognize a high school, that adds a whole extra set of hoops their students have to jump through for college admissions. It’s still do-able, but a great many places may view Timothy Christian’s diplomas as worthless without that state recognition.
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:08 pm:
One more time, the school is not “unaccredited.” It is accredited. Private schools obtain regional accreditation from a separate entity (the regional accreditation). Also, private school teachers are not in TRS. You don’t need to make up reasons why Timothy’s decision is bad.
- Original Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:13 pm:
The Anon at 11:07 is incorrect. There is regional accreditation for high schools. Timothy’s website states they are accredited.
- Original Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:23 pm:
To sum up, Timothy’s decision is dumb and futile. But, fontrsry to comments here, (a) Timothy is not “unaccredited” (b) the loss of recognition does not affect teachers employment or pension (they are not in TRS), (c) the loss of recognition does not affect the ability of graduates to be admitted to college (see UofI which requires admitted students to have graduated from “a graduate of a regionally accredited high school, a school in Illinois recognized by [ISBE]…).
- Original Anon - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:23 pm:
*contrary to comments here
- Candy Dogood - Wednesday, Aug 11, 21 @ 11:56 pm:
What is outstanding to me about the video is that it appears that these remarks were completely prepared. I would also appreciate some detailed explanation about why this is a faith based explanation, but I think the important part is there is no distinction from “mask option” and “mask required.”
They’re attempting to appease parents that have drunk a little too much from the well of American’s new brand of fascism wrapped in full-throated expressions of ignorance.
- Two Cent Ante - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 1:24 am:
The question posed by Oswego Willy wasn’t specifically about Timothy. It’s a general question for private and public schools alike. Ergo, the TRS consideration holds.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 5:04 am:
And yet ISBE refuses to permit schools to offer remote learning for this school year with Delta rampant and vaccines nowhere near being ready for kids. Hypocritical on their part.
- Mary - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 5:36 am:
Not the hill I’d want to die on. It’s clear from the video,contrary to Davidson’s assertion, that the school’s decision is not faith based but completely politically based. Hypocrisy at its finest. No mention of how as Christians you are to follow the government.
- Original Anon - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 9:02 am:
*Recognition is, I believe, for non-public schools only. I dont know if ISBE has any practical remedies if a public school ignored the mask mandate.
*The school’s appeal to faith is to generate a 1st Amendment argument. To say its weak is an understatement.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 9:11 am:
To reiterate;
To schools, as was my intent, (hat tip to - Two Cent Ante - ), and this idea, be it Oswego schools, Chicago schools, *any* schools…
===If it didn’t matter for a school in Illinois to get accreditation, none would, because with accreditation comes the accessibility to monies, the ability to offer inter-school competition, and the recognition of meeting a bar to educate.
Without state accreditation, it’s a “less” school.===
Any and all recognition by Illinois, if dismissed as, say, “frivolous” or not hurting… I find it comically inept that what specifically Timothy finds itself is “well, it’s not this or that”…
It is… this or that.
Between the financial and the athletic, the damage, the self inflicted damage, is bad for reputation, and bad for students who go to a “less” school with less opportunity.
There is ZERO spin that finds this as “not as bad” or “still ok”
- Crispy - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 10:15 am:
Thumbs up to Candy Dogood and others who have noted that this is a political decision. It’s likely a bread-and-butter decision on the part of the principal as well–i.e., he’s judged that his bread is mostly buttered by wealthy and vocal parents who are anti-maskers.
Maybe it’s harder to remember verses such as 1 Peter 2:13-25 (submit to government authorities) when you’re worried about your paycheck. …
- truthteller - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 10:38 am:
there is always a cost for being defiant and the self-entitle never think they have to pay
- Sssharpie - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 11:03 am:
Mary, you are probably referring to Romans 13, which is the most popular citation for your assertion that “as Christians you are to follow the government”. But that is too simplistic- the passage and intent is not assigning a blind adherence to the rule of man. It is recognizing that *authority* is part of God’s plan, (vs say anarchy). There is further biblical description that allegiance is to God and that when government edicts conflict with God’s commands, then it is right to disobey government in having a higher duty to God.
That said, I do believe there needs to be a better explanation by Timothy as to why the mask executive order is in conflict with religion. That is a hard sell imho.
But those of you who are reveling in their punishment by ISBE are just plain cold-hearted at best. Do everyone a favor and check yourself.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 11:08 am:
=== But those of you who are reveling in their punishment by ISBE are just plain cold-hearted at best. Do everyone a favor and check yourself.===
You can’t un-die, kids are filling ICUs at an alarming rate.
Anything… anything to punish utter ridiculousness should be lauded.
Enough is enough.
What religion decides being part of society means ignoring things to help save lives?
- Edie Haig - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 11:54 am:
How do the staff and teachers feel about all this? (Genuine question to anyone who may know.)
- SouthofI-64 - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 12:04 pm:
ISBE needs to look into Benton School district for noncompliance. Superintendent is on local news saying they are still a “mask strongly encouraged” approach to the school year.
- Two cents - Thursday, Aug 12, 21 @ 8:29 pm:
It’s a mask. Is it worth it?
- Mary - Friday, Aug 13, 21 @ 6:25 am:
Sssharpie, TCS’s actions were not Christ like and set a bad example for the students. In Davidson’s statement Thursday seeking to get reaccredited he lied. He said he never planned to defy the mandate when in the video he clearly said their goal was to remain “mask optional.” What kind of doublespeak is that? He’s allowed the ways of the world to infect his faith and the institution. This isn’t the first time and won’t be the last. This school has turned into a mouthpiece for the far right nuts. This is no longer about faith-based education. He should have stayed out of it. Poor leadership.
- Alum1 - Friday, Aug 13, 21 @ 7:40 am:
Watching the video and news I am saddened for this lovely community. The risk of health, student academic futures, and staff livelihood was decided by one-sided information. The Superintendent did not seem to understand this in the interviews. Wonder if a resignation will be required or pursued?