As previously reported, Urbana School District #116 was not a named defendant in the consolidated lawsuit that resulted in a temporary restraining order affecting certain school districts and specific individuals in those districts. The order issued by the judge has been appealed to the appellate court, and as of the writing of this message, we are still awaiting a decision.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our District has been committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for our students and staff. In furtherance of that commitment, and because we are not a party to the pending litigation, the District is maintaining its COVID-19 mitigation measures and protocols. At Tuesday’s Board meeting, the Board and administration recommended continuing to enforce our Board policy requiring masks (approved August 2020) and the COVID-19 mitigation measures bargained with our union in our most recent Memorandum of Agreement. Therefore, there will be no changes in the District’s requirements at this time.
We will continue to ensure the following:
- Require masking for everyone while indoors at school and while on school transportation
- Follow our current practice for exclusion of individuals who are close contacts
- Testing for unvaccinated staff.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we continue to prioritize student and staff health and safety while providing in-person learning.
As we move through the month of February, remember Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week in 1926, not to limit when Black History is celebrated but to elevate a period of celebration. Let us continue to reflect on the many contributions African Americans have made in society, and not forget that the positive changes that have happened in this country came about because people were willing to fight for them. When we come together and speak with one voice, we can truly make a big difference.
Learning and growing together,
Dr. Ivory-Tatum,
Superintendent
