The Oakwood School District’s “Return to Learn” task force met Monday to finalize the plan that will be presented to the Oakwood School board on July 15.
Using guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, the initial draft focused on all day, in-person instruction, keeping the students and staff safe and providing opportunities for students to be successful, a letter from Superintendent Larry Maynard said.
IDPH guidelines require use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including face coverings; prohibit more than 50 individuals from gathering in one space; require social distancing be observed, as much as possible; require that schools conduct symptom screenings and temperature checks or require that individuals self-certify that they are free of symptoms before entering school buildings; and require an increase in school-wide cleaning and disinfection.
“I am sure this preliminary information will raise just as many questions as it provides
answers,” Maynard wrote. “This is a very fluid situation, and there could be changes to our current plan prior to school beginning or during the school year.”
Districts are also required to develop an e-learning plan to be submitted to ISBE. Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan may require districts to move back to remote learning.
Oakwood sent a survey to parents to gain their feedback. Maynard reports that over 500 parents participated. After board review, the plan will be released to the community members of the task force in hopes that “blind spots” can be identified.
The plan will then be released in its entirety to the community.
The current plan is for students to begin instruction on August 25.
