No Sign That Elmhurst D-205 Going Remote

ELMHURST, IL — Some of the state's universities are going remote for the first couple of weeks next semester. But area superintendents are giving no indication they'll follow suit.

In a public statement Wednesday, Elmhurst School District 205 Superintendent Keisha Campbell hailed the district's efforts to return to full in-person education this year.

"Through these collective efforts, we have also built even stronger connections, increased communication and continued to cultivate positive relationships across the D205 Community," Campbell said in the statement. "Because of this, we are able to celebrate the strength and pride in D205 students, staff, and schools each and every day."

She noted the continued challenges of the pandemic, but said the district's team remained "relentless" in providing the best possible education to students.

Last year, the school board reduced property taxes because the district went several months without providing full in-person learning. But a majority decided to bring the taxes back to their normal level, saying they planned to provide in-person classes all year.

In similar statements Wednesday, superintendents for Lyons Township High School and Hinsdale High School District 86 said they had no expectation their schools would return to remote learning.

Last week, District 205 saw 73 new cases of the coronavirus, up from 46 from the week before, according to its online dashboard. In the last week of October, the district saw seven new cases. More than 8,000 students are enrolled in the district.

In the last few days, the University of Illinois and Illinois State University announced their campuses are going remote for the first two weeks of classes in January. At the same time, most public schools have stayed with in-person learning.

If public schools decide to go remote — even for a few weeks — that is likely to spark local debates.