The Illinois State Board of Education has begun enforcing sanctions against area schools that are defying the statewide mask mandate.
Edwards County Community School District is one district that has been put on probation. They are remaining mask optional, though superintendent Dave Cowger said he is meeting with ISBE and will continue to discuss the policy with the school board. So far, he says, the mask optional policy has the support of the community.
"What I hear, mainly is from those parents that, say regardless of the sanctions, they want the school to remain mask optional," Cowger said. "We are hearing a lot from that side. I've heard very little from those that are encouraging the school districts to implement the masks."
Central Community School District is another that was put on probation. Superintendent Erica Smith said while the board originally opted for a mask optional policy, the risk of losing recognition was a big factor in the decision to approve a new plan mandating masks.
"I think it was that and the overwhelming number of people, staff and community members, that reached out that had shared their concerns with our school going on probation and possibly becoming non-recognized and had asked them to change their vote and to follow the mandate," Smith said.
Districts on probation have 60 days to submit a revised plan to ISBE before further action is taken.
