Masks Recommended, Not Required In Valley View School District

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Valley View School District, one of 145 school districts named in the Austin v. Pritzker lawsuit brought by parents across the state last year, is pausing the enforcement of its mask mandate, effective Monday.

The change in policy, according to the district, is in response to a Sangamon County judge issuing a temporary restraining order Friday declaring that certain emergency rules adopted last year by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education are void. The ruling means that students who do not want to wear a mask and unvaccinated school staff who do not want to be required to be vaccinated or take weekly COVID-19 tests must be afforded due process.

According to the district, universal masking is "highly recommended," but not required. Universal masking is still required on school buses and activity buses, due to a federal order, the district said.

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Students or staff will be notified if they are a known close contact to a COVID-19 positive case; and quarantine will be suggested, but not required, unless directed by the local health department, the district said.

Students or staff who are ill will still be required to stay home until symptoms resolve or a doctor’s clearance has been given, the district said. Students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to isolate in accordance with the Illinois Department of Public Health guidance.

Weekly screening for unvaccinated staff and unvaccinated students participating in extracurricular activities or testing for students participating in test-to-stay will not be required, the district said.

"There will undoubtedly be more changes as new information is received and legal developments and additional analysis occurs," the district said. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these developments. Our goal remains to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our learners and the adults who serve them. "

In response to the lawsuit, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul will seek expedited appeal of the order, which came in response to several lawsuits filed against nearly 170 school districts by parents and school staff.