Unit 1 reviewing state guidance on return to school

A day after Illinois released new guidelines related to Phase 4 of the governor’s Restore Illinois plan, school districts were provided with a bit of guidance on what the school year will look like.
On Tuesday afternoon, Coal City Superintendent Dr. Kent Bugg issued a letter to district families with an update on the district’s efforts to prepare for the start of new school year.
As the district awaits guidance to be released by the Illinois State Board of Education [ISBE], various scenarios are being taken into consideration including in-person learning, the need to continue with remote learning and a blended plan that finds students learning in the classroom and at home.
“There are multiple committees conducting this work that include school board members, administration, faculty, staff, parents, students and community leaders. All of these committees are considering various scenarios to provide the best possible educational experience within the health and safety parameters that will be provided by the ISBE,” Bugg stated.
The hope is the plan can be finalized and released to the public as soon as the state board issues its recommendations.
Bugg understands students and parents want to know what will come of the current school year.
“I understand that there are many unanswered questions regarding the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Now that the ISBE guidance has been released, we will work diligently to finalize our return to school plans and share them with everyone as soon as possible. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as we work through this current public health issue,” Bugg stated.
He noted the district’s direction is guided by ISBE, as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health and Grundy County Health Department.
“During these unprecedented times our primary focus has been, and will continue to be on the health, safety and well being of our students, families and staff. Therefore, we will continue to follow any future health and safety requirements that come from our governing state agencies and local public health organizations,” Bugg said.