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
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
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