Section 2001(i)(1) of the ARP Act requires that each Local Education Agency (LEA) that receives ARP ESSER funds develops and makes publicly available on its website a "Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan". Section 2001(i)(2) requires that the LEA seek public input on the plan and take those comments into consideration in the development of the plan.

In compliance with these federal requirements, Bushnell-Prairie City remains committed to ensuring the safety of all staff and students and has continued to adapt, as necessary, to changing circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The District initially developed a Return-to-Learn Plan in July of 2021 with revisions, based upon public comment, developed and adopted in February of 2022. The following strategies within our most recent "Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan" will be implemented to continue the District's efforts to maintain a safe and health learning environment for its staff and students. This plan will be reviewed no less than every 6 months and modified as needed based upon current conditions and feedback received from the school community. To provide comments regarding the District's current, "Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan", please access the following email.

Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan

The District will monitor and implement safety recommendations issued by the Center for Disease Control local health agencies in McDonough, Warren, and Fulton Counties, the State of Illinois, and the Illinois State Board of Education for:

• the wearing of masks;
• use of physical distancing in the classroom and on school district transportation;
• handwashing and respiratory etiquette;
• cleaning and maintaining health facilities, including ventilation;
• contact tracing and community vaccination efforts; 
• providing accommodations for children with respect to health and safety policies; 
• ensuring continuity of services for students' academic needs;
• continuity of services to support students' and staff social, emotional, and mental health; and,
• any other identified needs (not limited to student health and food services).

Strategies:

• Masks (as needed or required) will be made available to all staff and students.
• Modify classroom and common areas, as needed, to provide additional physical distancing of students.
• Encourage frequent handwashing and safe respiratory etiquette (i.e. covered coughing) in classrooms.
• Disinfect and clean all classroom and instructional areas and surfaces regularly.
• Upgrade physical plant to improve ventilation and facilitate clean surfaces.
• Continue cooperation with the McDonough County Health Department during contact tracing and to support access to vaccinations to the school community.
• Provide individualized consideration to staff and students with disabilities to ensure optimal health and safety.
• Utilize digital tools and schedules to address continuity of students' academic needs, including, but not limited to, remote learning, summer tutoring, and academic support during times of prolonged absence.
• Provide access to social work services for students to address their social, emotional, and mental health needs and continue strategies that support the same for staff (incentives, additional staffing support, adapted working conditions, etc.).
• Monitor students' access to food services and provide assistance during times of food insecurity (meals sent home and/or delivered).

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 5:50 pm at the meeting of the Bushnell-Prairie City Board of Education. The purpose of this hearing will be to accept public comment on the District's intent to submit a waiver to the Illinois State Board of Education allowing for tuition-free attendance of licensed employees, upon request.