ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some parents are rejoicing as a west suburban school district lifts its mask requirement.
St. Charles School District 303 held a special board meeting Sunday evening deciding how to respond to a downstate judge’s ruling against Governor Pritzker mask mandate in schools.
“Beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 8, District 303 is recommending, but not requiring, mask usage for all students and staff members,” said School Board President Jillian Barker. “The district highly recommends that students and staff members continue to wear masks as a mitigation strategy to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.”
The temporary restraining order granted by a Sangamon County judge applies to more than just masks.
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The St. Charles school district will no longer be contact tracing and staff members who are unvaccinated will not be required to test weekly.
Parents who attended the special meeting welcomed the board’s decision.
“Thank you for upholding the law. Thank you for remembering that you're in America,” said Carmen Santiago-Keenon.
“I know some families that have been fighting for ‘mask-optional’ have had to endure a lot of pushback, a lot of negative comments,” added parent Danielle Penman. “They've been through a lot and employees in the district that have had to be excused from working, dedicated employees, I'm glad that they're going to be able to come back to work.”
Board President Barker noted the new COVID safety mitigation plan may only be temporary.
“If a stay is ordered or the appellate court overturns the decision, District 303 will be required to return to universal masking and comply with the executive order or IDPH or ISBE’s requirements in effect at the time," she said.
In order to implement the TRO requirements, District 303 canceled class for an emergency day on Monday. Students will make up the school day at the end of the year on Wednesday, May 25.
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