Superintendent discusses shift to mask optional
Dear Glenbard Families,
Thank you for your support and cooperation in following our COVID-19 safety protocols, which have allowed us to provide a safe learning environment for students and staff. Our collective work in this area has resulted in declining cases throughout our schools. I also understand there are strong views on both sides of the topic of safety protocols, particularly masks.
During recent weeks, we have been diligent in our efforts as we patiently wait for clear and consistent guidance from state officials and agencies regarding the confusion on mask mandates. Given the ongoing inconsistencies, confusion and delays regarding clear direction, we are moving forward with a mask optional approach for all students and staff, effective Tuesday, Feb. 22.
Important and impactful developments this week:
- Per Feb. 14 updated DuPage Health Department guidance on COVID-19 prevention strategies, we reviewed all of our mitigations and case count at county and school levels. Local vaccination rates are high and the number of new cases continues to drop drastically in Glenbard schools and at the county level since our return from winter break.
- Contributing to the confusion, on Feb. 15, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) issued an unexpected ruling that halted the Illinois Department of Public Health’s emergency rules regarding safety mitigations.
- We have been advised by our attorney that the current legal environment supports making a change in the enforcement of the Illinois Department of Public Health emergency rules regarding masks.
- We will move to mask optional on Tuesday, Feb. 22. This implementation delay will allow families and staff time to make an informed decision regarding their personal choice around this issue.
Until Feb. 22, we require all students, staff and visitors to wear a mask in our buildings.
Because of federal requirements, masks are still required to be worn on all school buses.
Working Together, Moving Forward
As we make this shift to mask optional, we ask that the students and adults in our community continue to show respect and understanding to each other. Glenbard schools are outstanding, in part, because students, staff and parents work together to honor each other’s differences. It’s important that we honor others’ personal decisions about whether to wear a mask at school.
We will continue monitoring our local COVID-19 metrics, our ability to mitigate risk and the evolving legal landscape, each of which could result in changes to our plan. If the local metrics increase, we would have to revisit the situation and consider adjusting our mask practices.
Glenbard will continue to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). The district retains the right to reinstate any and all mitigation strategies should it become necessary.
Click this link for important recommendations from public health experts that, when implemented, support a shift to mask optional at this time.
Thank you for your continued support, patience and understanding as we navigate these changes.
David F. Larson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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