According to a recent survey conducted by the Illinois Association of Regional Schools Superintendents, 77% of responding districts reported a teacher shortage in their districts. We were one of those districts, but finished the school year strong and looked forward to improving facilities and providing teacher training (as we do every summer) in anticipation of the next school year. Unfortunately, the teacher shortage in west central Illinois is worsening and we, along with many of our neighboring districts, are struggling to fill teaching positions. Districts for the first time are actively recruiting teachers from each other, resulting in unusually late resignations. In the past few weeks alone, B-PC has had 5 teachers resign, 4 of whom were recruited by other districts, with the most recent resignation yesterday. As a result, and our efforts to place staff in the most effective and/or needed positions, students' classroom teacher and/or schedule may change.

We are, and will continue to work hard to fill all positions with the most qualified candidates available. We have posted openings on our district website and educational job banks, advertised via social media, have formed a great relationship with Western Illinois University by welcoming candidates from its alternative licensing program, are working with our local regional office of education to utilize  legislation that supports teacher recruitment and hiring, and we continue to reach out through professional and personal relationships. Changes occur almost daily, but we recognize the importance of having caring and qualified teachers in classrooms and appreciate your patience and your trust as we work through these challenges.

The Bushnell-Prairie City Board of Education met for its regular July meeting on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 in the Bushnell-Prairie City High School Library. During this meeting, board members reviewed current metrics, received feedback from the school community, and engaged in a lengthy discussion to identify factors to support the return of B-PC staff and students to school for in-person instruction that prioritize their health and safety and are compliant with current guidelines and mandates from the Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois State Board of Education. This plan can be found HERE. Essentially, this plan allows for parents to make the choice whether or not to mask their children and also allows that same personal decision to be made by staff members. Per mandate, all passengers and drivers on public transportation are expected to wear face masks. Social distancing of 3 or more feet will also be implemented as possible. Our district nurse and administrators will continue to work in concert with the McDonough County Health Department, with specific guidance expected soon from the Illinois Department regarding contact tracing and quarantine requirements. 

In compliance with established guidance, this plan is a layered approach to safely remove mitigations supported by local conditions. As stated in the document, the Board will continue to monitor current conditions and notify the school community of any changes to the plan.

Despite our hopes that we would return to a "normal" school year, these continue to be difficult and polarizing times. The mitigation strategies put forth by state agencies to combat this health crisis have created tension and conflict within our school community that only serve to detract us from what should be our primary focus - teaching and learning. I am hopeful that we come together as a school community to welcome a safe and successful return to school in August. No student or staff member shall be discriminated upon, regardless of vaccination or face mask preference.

My best,

Kathy Dinger