Dear District 58 Families and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are having a wonderful weekend. The past several weeks have been filled with court rulings and ever-changing guidance from various levels of government. As always, District 58 does our very best to keep our families informed when there are key updates. The purpose of this update is:
- Inform families and staff of the status of the Governor’s appeal regarding COVID-19 mitigations
- Inform families and staff of the status of the Governor’s mask mandate
- Inform families of updated guidance from the CDC and its impact on school transportation
- Inform families of what these updates mean for District 58.
1. The Governor’s Appeal Regarding COVID-19 Mitigations
On late Friday afternoon, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled in the school COVID-19 litigation (Austin, et al). It denied the State's petition for leave to appeal but also vacated the Sangamon TRO because the appeal was "rendered moot through happenstance" and remanded the case to Judge Grischow. (Source: HLERK)
2. The Governor’s Mask Mandate
Almost immediately after the Illinois Supreme Court denied the State’s petition for leave regarding the appeal, Governor Pritzker lifted his mask mandate for all schools (public and private) in the State of Illinois. Per the Governor, masks are now optional for schools effective Monday, Feb. 28, 2022.
3. Updated CDC Guidance and its Impact on School Transportation
The CDC has updated its guidance regarding COVID-19. Previously, the Federal Government via the CDC required masks to be worn on all forms of transportation operated by school districts. The CDC has changed this requirement and informed school districts of the following:
“Effective February 25, 2022, CDC is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require that people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems, including early care and education/child care programs.” (Source: CDC)
4. What does this mean for District 58?
There are no changes inside our school buildings and masks remain optional. Effective immediately, masks are not required for students and staff on District-operated transportation.
We will continue to keep all stakeholders informed if there are any changes down the road.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kevin Russell
Superintendent of Schools