Superintendent Clears Up Misinformation From Parents

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A widely-circulated email from a group of Township High School District 214 parents concerning the start of the upcoming school year resulted in a quick rebuke Tuesday from Superintendent Dr. David Schuler. Among the claims by a group labeling themselves as "Concerned District 214 Parents," is that the school year will begin in August with only two days of in-person instruction, and the cancellation of extra-curricular activities.

"This is simply untrue," Schuler said in an email sent out to the District 214 community Tuesday night. "There have been zero conversations about the unilateral cancellation of co-circular activities as a District."

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 the information in the email included "significant inaccurate information." He said the goal of the District is to have all students in school every day as allowed by the Illinois State Board of Education, Cook County Department of Public Health and "your family's willingness to send your students to school."

The email from the parents' group states the District would continue the two days of in-school attendance with the remainder being remote learning until a COVID-19 vaccine or effective treatment is readily available.

In regard to co-curricular activities, Schuler said the District is following guidelines set by the Illinois High School Association.

"We strongly believe in the value of co-curricular activities, and we are always looking for ways to enhance opportunities for our students," Schuler said in the letter.

Schuler said the District will be sending out a correspondence next week with more information about plans for the fall. A survey was sent out June 9 to parents in the district via email.

"Like all school districts, we are working through unprecedented planning challenges against a shifting public health backdrop," a Township High School District 214 representative told Patch. "We will continue to provide timely updates to parents and the community as we receive additional guidance from the state and county that informs our planning for the new school year."

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