District 89 To Start School Year With Remote Learning

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Community Consolidated District 89 has joined an increasing number of school districts in opting for fully remote learning to start the 2020-21 school year until at least Sept. 30. In a letter to community members, district officials said the shift comes after guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health that "ma[k]e it impractical to have a consistent in-person learning experience for students."

District officials wrote that the new guidelines require staff members and students with any coronavirus symptoms to be out of classes and in isolation for a 10-day period. To return to classes, the student or staff member would have to be fever-free (without taking fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours or show a negative coronavirus test.

District 89 officials wrote that "these health and safety guidelines would create frequent, lengthy staff and student absences that would be completely disruptive to the learning environment."

District Superintendent Dr. Emily K. Tammaru said in a statement, "We’re devastated that we will no longer be able to offer our families a choice between in-person and remote learning. However, the safety of our students, our staff, and their families remains the district’s top priority. We know how difficult this will be for many families and students in our district. Our staff is ready to support every student’s educational and emotional needs.”

Remote classes will start on Aug. 24. District 89 said it will keep tabs on local metrics and guidance throughout September before deciding whether to move forward with remote learning in October.