Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville School District 203 became a mask-optional institution for students as of Feb. 15.

“Based on Naperville 203’s metrics and our ability to successfully mitigate risk, we are confident that we are ready to adjust our mitigations and continue to provide a safe learning environment for all,” Superintendent of Schools Dan Bridges told Smore.com. “Beginning February 15, 2022, masking will be strongly recommended, but not required, for all students, staff, and visitors, in all Naperville 203 facilities.”

Bridges said COVID positive students/employees will be required to be excluded from school (close contacts will be informed) and unvaccinated faculty and staff members are not required to test weekly.

Bridges said district officials will continue to “monitor metrics, our ability to successfully mitigate risk and the ongoing legal case,” any of which could move authorities to change course and result in future updates.

“We understand that this is a shift in our mitigation strategies and it will be met with differing responses from all stakeholders,” Bridges said. “Regardless of your personal feelings regarding this shift, I am asking everyone to be kind and respectful of individual choice.”

According to NCTV17.com, district officials made the decision to update policy based on the ongoing delay in the decision of the appeal to the temporary restraining order to school masking that was put in place by a Sangamon County judge. Sources said the process has also been slowed by a lack of clear guidance coming from Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office on how schools should adjust to the developments as it relates to masking.

District 204 officials also announced they will end their mask mandate starting Feb. 22.

“With this shift, it is important for all students and staff to know we are allowing people to make their choice and there should not be any questioning why such choices were made or bullying or harassing of people for their choices,” said District 204 Superintendent Adrian Talley. “We are a community of learners who celebrate our differences. We need to rebuild relationships as a school community and treat each other with the civility and kindness that we did prior to the pandemic.”

In both districts, masks will continue to be required on buses as is required by federal law. Mask requirements will remain in place for early childhood and pre-school students as there is not currently a vaccine for individuals 5 years old and younger.

Changes in both districts come in the wake of a Sangamon County judge issuing a temporary restraining order on Gov. Pritzker’s Pritzker’s statewide school mask mandate. The governor has appealed the decision.

Naperville Community Unit School District 203 is home to one early childhood center, 14 elementary schools, 5 junior high schools and two high schools.