COVID-19 Outbreak Shuts Down Rolling Meadows School For 2 Weeks

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL — An outbreak of COVID-19 cases has led to the closing of Willow Bend Elementary School for the next two weeks. Rebecca Latham, chief communications officer for Community Consolidated School District 15, told Patch that there have been 40 confirmed cases at the Rolling Meadows school in the last two weeks. Students were dismissed from school Friday.

In a letter to parents, Willow Bend Principal Robert Harris said the cases were contact traced and communication occurred to close contacts and the impacted classrooms.

"We have diligently engaged in the contact tracing of each case and remained in close contact with the Cook County Department of Public Health regarding each situation," Harris said.

The adaptive pause begins Monday and will continue through Friday, Nov. 19. All students and staff will learn and work from home during this time.

"While we know this will pose challenges for many of our families, we hope you will understand that we must place the health and well-being of our students and staff above our desire to remain open for in-person learning," Harris said.

Harris said the district and Willow Bend adhered to health and safety measures recommended by the Health Department, including keeping 3-plus feet of distance in classroom spaces, wearing face coverings, washing hands, and sanitizing the building more frequently.

Students and staff will be able to return to Willow Bend in person after Thanksgiving Break on Monday, Nov. 29, according to Harris.