Prospect Heights School District 23
February 12, 2022
District 23 Exercises "Local Control"

Dear Parents and Staff,

As you know, School Districts across the State are responding to two lawsuits that challenge masking and other COVID-19 mitigations. As a result of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and language in the ruling that was issued last Friday and subsequent appeals, District 23 determined that it was in our Community's best interest to exercise local control during this interim period of legal uncertainty.

What is local control?
What this means is that our local Board of elected officials, working with District Administration, determines what they feel is the most reasonable and appropriate implementation of the rules to meet the needs of our local community. Outside of specific directives from the State, this is how school Districts are designed to operate, reflecting the views and goals of the local community through their representatives.

Situational Masking
Based on our local data, we elected to shift our practices to a Situational Masking model. While we continue to strongly recommend masks as one of our mitigation efforts, we have identified classroom situations that can provide an opportunity for choice of mask removal.

I want to stress that we feel our range of mitigations are playing an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and, thus, enabling us to safely sustain uninterrupted in-person learning.

We will continue to require masking on school buses, when entering and exiting the buildings, in common areas, hallways, and in classrooms when the instruction calls for less than 3 feet of social distance. We will also continue to prioritize social distancing of 3-6 feet and enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols in our buildings. 

 
We are aware there this is a sensitive issue and an emotional time for our community. To that end, we are emphasizing to our students that the decision about whether or not to mask is a family decision at this time, and we expect that students be respectful and kind to each other. We are committed to listening, modeling tolerance, and treating everyone with respect. Please join us in this, and remember that we are all working together toward the common goal of supporting our children. 
 
The Appeal and Expected Timeline
As you have probably read or seen in the news, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office has filed an appeal and is seeking a stay of the TRO.
  • Based on state rules for these types of appeals, we expect a decision may be issued sometime within the next week.
  • Gov. Pritzker announced this week that he is lifting the mask mandate for indoor public places on Feb. 28, but this does not apply to schools. His administration is still seeking to overturn the court ruling so that masks can continue to be required in schools in the coming weeks.
  • We are told the Appellate decision will either be to set the TRO aside or to keep it in place until further hearings or a decision from the Circuit Court. 

Moving Forward
District 23 will continue to implement our Situational Masking procedures during this interim period and will share any changes to our students, staff, and community as soon as possible.

The Board of Education directed Administration to continue to articulate and monitor the metrics and factors that impact our ability to maintain in-person instruction and that guide our recommendations for masking requirements.

As we have done over the past two years, we pledge to remain focused on what we believe is best for our students and community, adjusting and updating our plans according to new information and shifting data.

I hope you will continue reading this newsletter as there are so many exciting and positive things happening in our District that can, at times, be overshadowed by the topic of COVID.

Each day, our students and staff engage in rigorous and innovative teaching and learning. We continue to target support for the Social and Emotional needs of our entire community. We continue to offer extra-curricular clubs, athletics, and performing arts programs. We continue to find opportunities for community engagement. And every day, we take one step closer to a time where we can look back at this pandemic, with pride and appreciation for the way our community came together to meet every challenge.

Best Wishes,
Dr. A
Upcoming Events





No School for President's Day
Friday, Feb. 18
Monday, Feb. 21



Kindergarten Registration Opens

Feb. 22 - March 4






Ross/Sullivan parents are invited to a Coffee and Conversation on

Wed., February 23

6:30-7:15pm @
Sullivan
February 24, 2022

Special Board of Education Meeting at Grodsky

March 9, 2022
Board of Education Meeting at Grodsky





PTO Family Fun Night
March 5 - Nickel City




You are invited to join us for a Winter Concert 7:00pm @ MacArthur:
March 1
Mac Orchestra

March 3
Mac Band

March 7
Sullivan Band

March 8
Mac Chorus
Quick Links
PHSD23
COVID Update

A presentation and discussion of District 23's masking procedures were held during the Board of Education. To view the slides, click this link.

District 23 will continue to utilize a range of metrics and factors to make data-based decisions to implement mitigation efforts including masking requirements.

The metrics and data points presented below should not be viewed as specific thresholds, but rather as indicators for change. The data and other factors must be applied in total.

As a Governance Team, we want to assure our community that we have identified these metrics to evaluate the level of risk/safety in moving between mitigation implementations. As the data improves, we will likely see lessened restrictions, but if the data deteriorates, we would likely see reinforced restrictions.

The following table demonstrates some of the data metrics and variables used to make these decisions and the second indicates District 23's current data:
Additionally, we continue to monitor these factors:
  • Student/Staff Exclusions
  • PHEA/SEIU Negotiated Agreements
  • Neighboring Districts' responses and rates
  • Mandates and guidance from the Governor, IDPH, CCDPH, and ISBE
  • D23 capacity to implement other layered mitigation strategies.

In sharing these data-based factors, we hope the community will recognize that the Board of Education and Administration do not take our responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy teaching and learning environment lightly. Rather, that we are taking a thoughtful and measured approach to balance the varied needs and perspectives of all of our community and take steps that support our goal to provide consistent, in-person instruction.
Sullivan Musical Stars lead our Pledge of Allegiance
Representatives of the Sullivan Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. lead our pledge of allegiance. Students shared their experiences preparing for their performances on March 11 and 12th.
Traffic Study - Plan for Trial in Spring
The traffic flow at each of our schools is challenging at best, and unsafe at worst. Administration presented the results of a traffic study and a proposal for a trial of a new Drop-off/Pick-up procedure.

The presentation can be found at this link.


A period of communication and information will take place this winter before implementing the trial traffic flow in early Spring. In the mean time, we encourage patience and for all drivers to be thoughtful and courteous.
Early Learning Expansion Study
Administration provided a proposed rationale and process for investigating options for Expanded Early Learning in District 23.

We know that access to Early Childhood programming and offering Full Day Kindergarten have been long standing needs and goals in our Community.

The Board has authorized Administration to continue investigating the space, program, and funding needs to reach this goal. A link to the presentation can be found HERE.

The Board approved contracts for a team of consultants to support the District in it's investigation, design, and planning for this project.
New Furniture, Playground, and Improved Facilities Coming
The Board approved a range of projects to being this spring that will enhance the MacArthur Library, classroom spaces at all of the schools, the Eisenhower Playground, and outdoor learning spaces across the District. We're excited to provide these improvements for our students, staff, and community.
We Need Your Feedback
The State of Illinois assists schools in gathering data about our performance on a wide range of components. Staff, students and parents are encouraged to participate in the 5Essentials survey each year. Your feedback provides insights into our work toward Strategic Goals and is very helpful in our reflection, evaluation, and planning. The survey window is open now through March 11 and should be completed for each school with which you are associated.
Please click the button below to complete the survey.
Connect With Us
Administration: (847) 870-3850
Superintendent

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations
Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Director of Technology

Mr. Mike Ziaja
Director of Operations