D-205 Eyes 3-Week Delay For School

ELMHURST, IL — With staffing in question, Elmhurst School District 205 is considering options that would delay school by three weeks, the superintendent revealed in a memo Monday. The district had been planning to reopen Aug. 24, but now is setting its sights on Sept. 14 as the new first day. The issue will be discussed at Tuesday's school board meeting.

Under its plan, the district is planning a blended approach of in-person and remote days, known as a "hybrid model." But Moyer said in the memo that a "significant" number of teachers are requesting leave for various reasons. Because of that, he said, the schools would be unable to start Aug. 24.

The proposed delay, Moyer said, would give the district the best opportunity to identify enough people to adequately staff programs and properly supervise students.

But he said the district has no guarantee that it can carry out the hybrid model because it remains uncertain whether the district would be able to fill its employee needs. Also, he said, the governor could issue a proclamation at any time requiring all schools move to remote learning.

Moyer said 85 percent of parents indicated in a survey they prefer at least some in-person learning for their children. The rest chose entirely remote lessons, an option that families have, according to the district. In Hinsdale High School District 86, officials report 90 percent want in-person learning.

One of the drawbacks of delaying by three weeks is that spring break may be eliminated, according to the superintendent's memo.

The memo gives the board three calendar options for the school year. They all have in common a Sept. 14 start date. According to the memo, the board would vote on its preferred calendar option at its Aug. 25 meeting.

As of Tuesday, the school district's online calendar still listed Aug. 24 as the first day of school.

Last Monday, the Elmhurst Teachers Council publicly announced its opposition to any in-person learning for students because of the spreading coronavirus. Two days later, the school board met in closed session to discuss the union dispute. Moyer and board President Kara Caforio have not returned Patch's messages.

Meawhile, the union has been regularly posting to its Facebook page criticism of the decision for in-person learning. At one point, it questioned why administrators held a virtual meeting while planning for in-person classes.

In a statement Monday, the union's president, Max Schoenberg, said the organization informed administrators weeks ago that numerous teachers had underlying medical conditions that could result in requests for accommodations or leaves of absence, which they may access under federal laws.

"Teachers who are pregnant, or are coping with cancer, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems do not lack dedication to serving Elmhurst students," Schoenberg said. "Their passion for teaching is every bit as strong as ever."

The school board meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the commons area at York High School, 355 W. St. Charles Road. A closed session starts at 6 p.m.

District 205 serves more than 8,000 students. It employs nearly 600 teachers, according to the Illinois Report Card. The Elmhurst Teachers Council is part of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Here is what nearby districts are planning:

Here's What District 61 Is Planning For New Year

Here's What Hinsdale District 86 Plans for Fall

Here's What District 181 Is Planning For New Year

Here's What LTHS Is Planning For Fall