Unit 40 Superintendent Issues Additional Statement Concerning Temporary Restraining Order

Effingham Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan issued a further press release Monday morning regarding a Temporary Restraining Order issued Friday against 140 Illinois school districts, the governor, the state board of education, and its superintendent in imposing certain mandates. Unit 40 is not one of the 140 school districts in the case.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has asked the Illinois Attorney General's Office to appeal the TRO to the 4th District Appellate Court and asking the Appellate Court to issue a stay against its enforcement.

Here is Superintendent Doan's press release:

Monday, February 7, 2022

Dear Unit #40 Family: 

     To provide a follow-up to the information contained in Sunday evening’s press release, we know that there are strong feelings on both sides of these issues, and we ask for your patience.

The recent TRO handed down last Friday in Sangamon County is being appealed to the 4th Appellate Court, and a decision is expected in the next two weeks. The decision to keep status quo in Unit #40, continuing the policies in place as of last week, allows time for more direction to come from the courts. Currently, the District is keeping all options open moving forward. When that final court decision occurs, the District will then either revise or reaffirm its mitigation plans.

This situation can be confusing. Effingham Unit #40 was not a party to the case ruled upon last week in Sangamon County; therefore, the recent TRO does not apply to our District. However, the final decision by the appeals court may impact the way that all Illinois schools view and enforce mitigation strategies. Currently, the recent TRO that is being appealed to the 4th Appellate Court contains two issues:

• A decision from the Appellate Court on a “stay” (put on hold) for the TRO is expected within the next couple of days.

• A final decision from the Appellate Court regarding an appeal from the Governor’s office on the TRO itself is expected in the next two weeks.

While all of this works its way through the appeals court and creates a clearer picture for schools, we ask that you support our students, staff, and teachers in maintaining a positive learning environment by exhibiting patience and grace as we continue to work through the challenges of this decision.

Thank you.

Mark E. Doan

Effingham Unit #40 Superintendent