Dieterich Board Hears from Citizens Regarding Masks

Dieterich school board members heard from 28 guests Monday night regarding the start of the upcoming school year.

Dieterich Superintendent Cary Jackson said many of the guests voiced concerns regarding students wearing masks as a measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The consensus of the group was to allow masking to be optional for the upcoming school year. The Board has not yet approved the District's Return to School Plan, but assured those in attendance that all information and CDC/IDPH/ISBE recommendations will be taken into consideration.

The Board discussed the Return to School Plan draft document and feel they are close to approving a plan. The Board scheduled a special meeting for this Thursday at 6:15pm to revisit the Return to School Plan, and an approval is likely at Thursday's meeting. Details of the plan will be released once it is approved by the Board.

Also Monday, the Dieterich Board resumed a discussion of facility updates and/or addition options, along with how to fund those improvements. Jackson said the Board is currently planning the construction of more secure entryways and vestibules for both the elementary and junior-senior high school entrances. The majority of the funding for that work would come from ESSR II grant funds. 

The Board continues to explore options for additional classroom space. ESSR III grant funds could possibly partially fund the classroom expansion, leaving a substantial balance to come from another source. 

Dieterich board members also accepted the resignation of Ashley Kreke as a guidance counselor, and hired Tammy Bloemer as a guidance counselor for the coming year.