May 28, 2021
Dear Independence Local Schools’ Families,
Over the past couple of weeks, school districts and businesses have been making decisions on how to adjust and loosen health protocols as we enter into a new chapter of Covid-19. At the same time, infections are still part of our daily operations as we deal with exposure and quarantine. Covid-19 has made an impact on our year, and real infections for our students, staff, and families have been a part of this challenging, yet rewarding school year.
As Governor DeWine provides flexibility in loosening restrictions, the medical institutions we follow for guidance have weighed in as well. The most relevant change comes with the expiration of all health orders from the Governor’s office at the end of the day on June 2, leaving us four school days to go. Many in our school community, including me, cannot wait to return to life without masks. I miss seeing our students’ smiles, expressions, wonder, and communication. I also know we have been methodical and purposeful in our decisions this year, and have stood out as a school community for the year we have had.
Governor DeWine, the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, along with our service providers from the Cleveland Clinic and Akron Children’s Hospital all strongly recommend we finish the year with the same health protocols that have gotten us to this point, which include masking indoors and following current quarantine and isolation guidelines. While we are excited to eventually move forward towards a mask-free school year, we do not have enough evidence or expert guidance to change our policies with only four days left.
I realize this will be a relief to some and frustration to others. Throughout the entire pandemic, we have seen differing viewpoints, even amongst the medical community, on how to proceed in school operations amidst a pandemic. What I do know is that our staff in the Independence Local Schools have stepped up and our families have been great partners in keeping our students in school as much as possible this year. We want to continue with that and look forward to another summer of planning for a great return for our 2021-22 school year.
Sincerely,
Ben Hegedish
Superintendent
