Unit 40 Releases Plan for Return to School; Seeking Input from Public

The Effingham Unit 40 School District has developed a tentative plan for return to school for the 2021-2022 school year. The District is seeking input from residents regarding the plan. Here's a statement released Tuesday morning by the District:

"Effingham Unit #40 wishes to thank all parents, students, staff, and our communities for their partnership and flexibility during the 2020-21 school year. Unit #40 was in-person, five days a week all year long. As we prepare for the upcoming 2021-22 school year, Unit #40 will continue to provide support for all students/families. As we learned last year, this situation continues to be fluid, and additional information could always be forthcoming from Governor J.B. Pritzker, Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Effingham County Health Department (ECHD). As updated information is provided, adjustments may be made. Together we will work through this situation so our students can continue with their learning. Unit 40’s focus remains the same: all students receive a high-quality education.

The District plans to provide instruction while prioritizing the health and safety of students, staff, and their families. It is important to know that research indicates that the teacher-student relationship has the most positive impact on student learning. No amount of technology can replicate the effect of face-to-face interactions and instruction between teachers and students. Federal emergency funds were made available to local school districts to respond to COVID-19 concerns, needs, and costs. Each District is required to develop a Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. As such, this plan has been developed in accordance with the ISBE State Superintendent of Education declaration of July 9, 2021 and is aligned with guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The District seeks input from all stakeholders on this Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. The survey is open for feedback through 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 23rd. This plan survey can be accessed by clicking here.

In addition, the survey will also be made publicly available on the district’s website and social media. The feedback will be shared with the Unit #40 Board of Education and the Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services will be up for discussion and adoption at the July 26th regular board meeting.

The main parameters of the plan at this time include:

• Mask use is recommended for people who are not fully vaccinated including students, teachers, and staff; however, this one prevention strategy will be optional.

• The District will continue to work with local health department to monitor COVID related issues throughout the 2021-22 school year and adjust accordingly.

• Remote learning will only be offered following the parameters provided by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)

• Proper social distancing, cleaning/disinfecting will continue to occur

• Visitors, mentors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups will be allowed; however, all participants are encouraged to be vaccinated.

The State of Illinois still has some requirements that Unit #40 will need to follow; these include:

• Passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses, subject to exclusions and exemptions in the CDC’s Order

• Unit #40 will continue to collaborate with Effingham County Health Department (ECHD) regarding those diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19. ECHD is the only entity that can place someone in or release that individual from quarantine.

• Students (and their siblings) will still be excluded if exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. Unit #40 is presently working on options to help limit this exclusion.

Please provide feedback on the draft Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services. Thank you for your support and feedback."