District 214 Scraps Reopening Plan, Opts For Full Remote Learning

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A plan to allow parental choice in Township High School District 214 with regard to in-person or remote learning options for the upcoming school year has been altered. Superintendent Dr. David Schuler made the announcement Wednesday citing current guidelines from the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Health that "significantly limit the number of students allowed in a building" for the change in plans.

The 2020-2021 school year, which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 14, will now be fully remote.

"Despite our previous planning efforts, it is clear at this time we are unable to implement our original Flexible Learning Plan with Remote Options as we had hoped," Schuler said in a letter to parents. "Instead, we will be implementing a plan that slowly, over time, allows parents to decide if their students will be at school or at home."

District 214 consists of Buffalo Grove High School, Elk Grove High School, John Hersey High School, Prospect High School, Rolling Meadows High School and Wheeling High School.

Schuler said among the goals for the district as it progress through the school year is to bring in small pods of students — between 10-15 per available space according to public health guidelines — to engage those who need reliable internet access or additional supports that can only be accommodated in person.

With no setbacks, the progression would then lead into a hybrid/student rotational model, followed by the adoption of the Flexible Learning Plan with an open campus, with the ultimate goal being a full reopen.

Schuler also highlighted a number of health and safety efforts and intiatives, including:

• Hiring an experienced health professional as the new District Health Services Supervisor, ensuring coordinated and effective efforts should COVID cases arise.
• Anyone entering a District 214 building at any time must wear a face covering, even if proper social distancing (6 feet) can be maintained.
• Temperatures will be checked at designated entrances at each building.
• Anyone entering our campuses must complete a health screening.
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the buildings.
• Students exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at school will be sent to an isolation space, and a parent or guardian will be called to pick them up. Parents will be given COVID testing resources and a sheet stating they cannot return for 14 days. Teachers will be notified that the student was sent home, and the attendance office will ensure they aren’t in class.
• Nurses offices will be restaged to ensure there is room for students who need other medical assistance but are not displaying COVID symptoms, minimizing the risk of exposure.
• The buildings will be thoroughly cleaned daily.
• Water fountains will be turned off; water bottle refill stations will remain open.

Schuler also acknowledge some issues with the running of athletic camps on campuses this summer. While following state guidelines, there were several instances at all six schools that required COVID-19 consultation. Two known students who tested positive, one known coach who tested positive, 191 people quarantined at some point within the camp window and five camps that were completely canceled, according to Schuler.

"I can't overstate how grateful I am for the nearly 1,500 of parents, students, and staff who submitted questions and comments regarding the school reopening summary we provided July 16," Schuler said. "While this outcome is not what we initially envisioned, we believe it is the best option for all."

Related:
District 214 Shifts To Block Schedule, Parents Get Reopen Choices
District 214 Superintendent Clears Up Misinformation From Parents