Mask Rule Stays At Hinsdale D-86, Despite Judge's Order

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 announced Sunday it would continue to require students and staff to wear masks. That was despite a downstate judge's order on Friday suspending the statewide mask mandate in nearly 150 school districts, including District 86.

In a message to families, the district, which is among the defendants in the litigation, said it based its decision on the district's local authority under state law.

"We have carefully considered the scope and impact of the judge’s decision on our school community, the success of our current mitigation strategies in prioritizing in-person learning for all students, and our local positivity metrics in consultation with the DuPage County Health Department," the district said.

Many other districts, including Elmhurst School District 205, did away with the mask requirement Monday in response to the Sangamon County judge's order. They recommended mask wearing instead.

District 86's message came from President Terri Walker and Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. They noted the attorney general's announcement that he would file an immediate appeal to the judge's temporary restraining order.

"In closing, we understand that our community has differing views on our COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Please know that we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our staff and students first in reviewing and evaluating our mitigation efforts," they said.

School officials said they were continuing with the mask mandate under the terms of the reopening plan adopted in August. They said they expected the issue to be discussed at Thursday's school board meeting.

In coordination with the local health department, the district said it would continue to exclude students and staff deemed to be "close contacts" with those with the coronavirus. And it would keep requiring employees to either provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or take part in weekly testing.