'Personal Attacks' In La Grange Highlands District

LA GRANGE, IL — In many school districts, tensions are rising over how to move forward amid the pandemic. La Grange Highlands School District 106 is no different.

At last week's school board meeting, board President John Corcoran began with prepared remarks. He said he had been disappointed about emails and social media comments about district employees.

"Personal attacks do not promote productive, back-and-forth, value-added discussion," he said.

At the same time, he said the district would continue to promote open communications.

"We can and will make it through this challenging situation," Corcoran said. "We are positive we are up for the challenge."

The district, which serves elementary and middle school students, has been operating on a hybrid schedule with a mix of in-person and remote lessons.

But as of Monday, the district is returning to a five-day-a-week, in-person schedule, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In an email to Patch on Wednesday, Superintendent Amy Warke said consistency is important for students, employees and families.

"This helps with routines that teachers and students have already developed since school began in August," she said.

It is unclear whether the union is on board with the timing of the plan. Patch asked the superintendent whether District 106 had any agreement with the teachers union for a later date to start in-person, five-day-a-week classes.

In response, Warke said, "We understand our staff's concerns and value our teachers and all of the hard work and effort they are applying this school year to ensure our students' learning experiences are successful and engaging. We continue to work in good faith with our union in the best interest of our students."

Asked again about the existence of such an agreement, Warke responded, "Several dates have been discussed since March and to focus and comment only on one date is not reflective of the entire process."

The union president could not be reached for immediate comment.

According to the district's website, it has four coronavirus cases currently among students and staff. The total for the school year is six.

Also currently, 20 students and 15 employees are in quarantine.

As of last school year, District 106's enrollment was 906, according to the Illinois Report Card website.