Superintendent Responds To New Statewide School Mask Mandate

LAKE FOREST, IL — School administrators in Lake Forest responded Wednesday to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's announcement of a new statewide mask mandate in Illinois schools.

According to the governor, schools who refuse to enforce the mandate, which is effective immediately, could face legal liability and potential revocation of their certification from the Illinois State Board of Education.

"We have the legal authority to enforce this, and we will if necessary," Pritzker said. "What we think is going to happen is that schools will follow this [and] do the right thing."

Ahead of the announcement, superintendents and school boards had been putting the finishing touches on their protocols and practices for the 2021-22 school year.

Some districts, such as Lake Forest Elementary School District 67 and Lake Forest Community High School District 115, had previously announced plans to make indoor masking voluntary.

Matt Montgomery, joint superintendent of both districts, said in a statement following Pritzker's news conference that the district's policy has now changed.

"We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership though we continue to believe there is no one-size-fits-all response for this pandemic," Montgomery said. "We will, of course, do our part, and abide by the order. We would, however, value greater flexibility if and when circumstances improve."

Montgomery is about to begin his first school year as chief of Lake Forest public schools.

"We are fortunate to have a high rate of vaccination in our community and our incidence rate remains low," the new superintendent continued. "Nevertheless, in the spirit of serving the greater good, we are all in."

Montgomery was hired in May and took over as superintendent this summer after relocating from Ohio, where he had led Revere Local School District.

In a letter to Pritzker last month, Montgomery called on the governor to leave decision-making about Illinois schools to local districts.

EARLIER: Masks 'Strongly Recommended,' Not Required In Lake Forest Schools

According to the governor's office, the statewide school masking requirement includes all indoor youth sports and extracurricular activities.

Carmen Ayala, the state superintendent of education, said in a statement that the Pritzker administration was following updated public health recommendations issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control.

“We know that consistent and correct mask use is the simplest, most effective way to keep students safely in school, where they can learn and grow to their fullest potential," Ayala said.

The IDPH's most recent mask mandate, which was issued in January, was rescinded by an executive order Pritzker issued in May. The governor's 19th consecutive 30-day disaster proclamation extends his emergency powers through at least Aug. 21.

The governor's executive order to enforce the school mask mandate, his 85th associated with the coronavirus, says day care providers must follow the COVID-19 guidance of IDPH and the Department of Children and Family Services, and all schools must require universal masking, in according with guidance from the state public health department and education board.

"All public and nonpublic schools in Illinois serving pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students must follow the joint guidance issued by ISBE and IDPH and take proactive measures to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors," the governor ordered, "including, but not limited to: (a.) Requiring the indoor use of face coverings by students, staff, and visitors who are over age two and able to medically tolerate a face covering, regardless of vaccination status, consistent with CDC guidance."

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