Schools Close In Northbrook, Glenview To Limit Coronavirus Spread

NORTHFIELD TOWNSHIP, IL — All public schools, libraries and park district facilities in Glenview and Northbrook will be closed starting Monday to reduce the potential spread of the new coronavirus.

According to the Glenview-Northbrook Coronavirus Task Force, the closures will remain in place until at least March 30, with the exception of designated Election Day polling places.

"We are closing as a public health precaution in response to the recommendations from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]and the Illinois Department of Public Health to avoid crowds in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19," according to a statement from the task force.

The move impacts students in Northbrook School District 27, Northbrook School District 28, Northbrook/Glenview School District 30, West Northfield School District 31, Glenview Public School District 34 and Glenbrook High School District 225.

While schools will be open Friday to prepare for the closing, administrators told parents absences will be excused for those who wish to stay home.

Plans for e-learning curriculum varied between districts. District 27 Superintendent David Kroeze said e-learning days would be begin Monday. District 30 Superintendent intends to provide remote learning starting Tuesday. District 225 officials announced plans to institute e-learning after spring break, starting on March 30.

"This is an unprecedented situation and the administration has been working hard to make sure students and staff are supported in every way possible," District 31 Superintendent Erin Murphy told parents.

"Please know this is our first time implementing such plans so we ask for your patience and understanding. We will continue to refine and evolve our systems as we move forward. Like our partner districts in Northfield Township, we are waiting to get our e-Learning plans approved. However, we are still moving forward with plans in order to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for our students during these challenging times."

Coronavirus In Illinois: March 12 Update
Don't miss updates about precautions in Glenview, Northbrook and the Chicago area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

Other area school districts — including public schools in Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Evanston, New Trier and Northfield townships — have also announced the cancellation of on-campus activities and the implementation of remote learning. Municipal authorities in Highland Park, Northbrook, Glenview, Winnetka and Kenilworth and other communities have canceled non-essential public meetings.

According to District 27 officials, each day of E-learning will be counted as a student instructional day and a work day for staff, so they would not be required to be made up with emergency days. A maximum of five emergency days could be added to the end of the school year. According to a statement on the District 225 website, the emergency days scheduled for the week of March 16 to March 20 must be made up in June.