D-86 Coronavirus: Some Violating Rules

HINSDALE, IL — No one is allowed to use Hinsdale High School District 86's facilities or fields during the coronavirus emergency, and the district has asked the police to monitor them, the school board's president said in a statement Sunday. Outside of authorized personnel, anyone who is found on school grounds while the governor's stay-home order is in effect will be asked to leave, the district said.

School board President Nancy Pollak said the district has received reports in the last few days that students and adults have been using the fields at the schools. She noted Gov. J.B. Pritzker's stay-home order, which prohibits all non-essential trips to stop the spread of the virus.

"I also know how tempting it is to want to continue with our daily routines, particularly if we don’t feel sick," Pollak said. "However, we have arrived at a point where the best way to keep each other healthy and safe is to follow the order and stay home."

While the state is tentatively scheduled to reopen schools April 7, Pollak said, it is possible that might change.

In a message Friday, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss said administrators, in consultation with department chairs, will meet virtually early this week to discuss revising the district's e-learning plan should the closure continue past April 7, "which is what we are anticipating at this time."

Prentiss directed special praise toward the district's technology department.

"Their hard work and significant contributions have been critical to the success of our instructional and operational efforts during this crisis," she said.