Dear Kirby School District 140 families and staff,
On behalf of the Board of Education, we are reaching out to our families and staff with an update on KSD 140 practices in response to the court decision in Sangamon County on February 4, 2022.
Effective immediately, we are suspending enforcement of our masking policies. Based on our current community and school metrics, Kirby School District 140 will shift to mask-optional beginning Tuesday, February 15, 2022. That is, masks are strongly recommended but not required for students, staff, and visitors in our buildings. Please note, masks are still required on school buses per federal guidelines. Current mitigation strategies, such as the ability to exclude symptomatic individuals and implement social distancing, handwashing/sanitizing, and cleaning protocols, remain in place.
Given current confusion in school districts across Illinois, the Superintendent and the Board of Education are providing the local leadership necessary to ensure our schools are providing safe learning environments for our students and staff. We reserve the right to review the implementation of a universal masking strategy in the future in the event COVID metrics rise to a level that jeopardizes in-person learning or other changes in the legal landscape require us to revisit this decision.
D140 will provide additional PPE to those in need in our school environment. We will also work with students and families who may need accommodations as this change takes place. Please be kind and understanding to those who may feel vulnerable and need time to adjust.
Behaviors, words, and actions will be closely managed across all D140 schools to ensure they are free from discrimination and bullying. A safe place for all will be provided. Please discuss this message at home while we discuss this in our schools.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding of our ongoing efforts to keep our schools safe places to learn and grow.
Respectfully,
Dr. Shawn Olson
Superintendent
Kirby School District 140
Mr. Thomas J. Martelli
President
KSD 140 Board of Education