What follows are stated positions from the Boards of Education in Naperville Community Unit School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204 regarding results of litigation involving indoor mask mandates. Click here for a copy of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) ruling from Fri., Feb. 4, 2022.
Update, Feb. 14, 2022 / This post from last week continues to attract readers. That said, let us encourage reading the hyperlocal accounts of recent board of education meetings, including public comments.
Note also changes have resulted.
School District 203 will begin a choice of mask optional on Feb. 15, 2022.
School District 204 will follow with an option on Feb. 22, 2022.
Originally posted, Feb. 7, 2022 / What follows was posted regarding a legal challenge to state-mandated COVID-19 litigation.
To Our Naperville 203 Community,
We are writing to provide an update on communication sent Friday evening regarding a legal challenge to state-mandated COVID-19 litigation.
Late Friday afternoon, Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order in pending litigation in Sangamon County that names our District as a defendant. Due to a separate ruling limiting the scope of the litigation and based on advice from our legal counsel, the order applies only to the parties to the lawsuit. The temporary restraining order will be appealed and may be stayed, meaning that the order could be placed on hold while the appeal is decided.
As a result, the legal effect of the temporary restraining order is uncertain over the next couple of weeks. Because of this uncertainty and significant confusion reflected in various reports regarding the temporary restraining order, we want to let the community know our clear expectations for the foreseeable future.
Naperville 203 will continue to implement the same layered mitigation strategies, per the guidance of the national (CDC), state (IDPH), and local (DCHD) health departments, that have allowed us to successfully navigate through the school year. This means we will continue to follow all of the safety protocols listed in our Return To Learn plan, which includes the requirement of masking in schools, on buses and during after-school activities; as well as the continued requirement of quarantines, when necessary, for close contacts. The only exception to this rule will be for those named parties to the lawsuit.
The legal situation continues to be fluid. We anticipate further updates as the legal process plays out over the following days and weeks, and will share this important information with the community. Until then, we ask for your patience and that you continue to follow Naperville 203’s layered mitigation strategies.
Sincerely,
The Naperville 203 Board of Education &
Superintendent Dan Bridges
District 203 Board of Ed meets at 7PM Mon., Feb. 7
A Board of Education Meeting is slated to begin at 7PM Mon., Feb. 7, 2022, with Closed Session at 5PM. The public meeting will be held at Washington Junior High School, 201 N. Washington Street, Naperville, IL 60540.
Update / Link to Feb. 7, 2022, District 203 BOE meeting.
Dear District 204 community,
Late Friday afternoon, Judge Raylene Grischow issued a temporary restraining order in pending litigation in Sangamon County that names our District as a defendant. Due to a separate ruling limiting the scope of the litigation, the order applies only to the parties to the lawsuit.
The temporary restraining order will be appealed and may be stayed, meaning that the order could be placed on hold while the appeal is decided. As a result, the legal effect of the temporary restraining order is uncertain over the next couple of weeks. Because of this uncertainty and significant confusion reflected in various reports regarding the temporary restraining order, we want to let the community know our clear expectations for the foreseeable future.
The District will continue to follow and implement its safe return to school plan. Aside from the eight parties to the lawsuit, the District will continue to enforce requirements relating to masks and school exclusion for close contacts. As such, appropriate actions will be taken for any child who is not part of the named parties in the lawsuit who refuses to comply with district policy and practices.
In addition, please note that all students, even those in the lawsuit, remain subject to the federal order requiring all passengers on school buses wear masks. Also, the District will continue to follow procedures for exclusion of symptomatic individuals and will continue to engage close contact tracing.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, teachers, and staff.
Sincerely,
Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.
Superintendent
District 204 Board of Ed meets at 7PM Mon., Feb. 7
A School District 204 Board of Education Meeting is slated to begin at 7PM Mon., Feb. 7, 2022. Click here for the agenda to the public meeting which will be held at the Crouse Education Center, located at 780 Shoreline Dr. in Aurora.
Update / Link to Feb. 7, 2022, District 204 BOE meeting.
Update / Feb. 8, 2022: The 204 BOE meeting has been rescheduled to take place via ZOOM at 7PM Tues., Feb. 8. Watch it streaming or in person.
One more thing…
Both of Naperville’s neighboring school districts welcome public comments during their BOE meetings. Those public comments also are saved in the archives of the school districts. To avoid hearsay, listen and learn as a large number of students and parents consider the option of choice.
Thanks to all who participate. Thanks for reading. —PN
Last updated: Feb. 14, 2022.
