The Examiner U-46 News Feed

Masks deemed optional by School District U-46

By Seth Hancock
  Despite inconsistent messaging, School District U-46 is now mask optional for students although the district is signaling it believes it has authority to dictate them in the future.
  The district had continued to mandate masks even after a Feb. 4 temporary restraining order (TRO) ruled by a judicial circuit court judge before a Feb. 17 appellate court ruling upheld that TRO.
  In a Feb. 18 message from Superintendent Tony Sanders, he claimed the “court affirmed the ability of local school districts to make decisions” for you but announced school would now be mask optional starting Wednesday, Feb. 23.
  However, the message left confusion as Sanders wrote that if “a teacher or other staff member asks students to use a mask, we ask that families honor that request.”
  In a Feb. 22 message, Sanders wrote that masking is “strongly encourage(d)” and added: “Importantly, the District reserves the right to re-institute mandatory mask wearing if local COVID-19 metrics warrant it or if masking is required by law or upon a decision by the Illinois Supreme Court that may impact a recent appellate court ruling.”
  The metrics U-46 will use are a seven-day rolling positive test average of 8 percent, if “confirmed” cases are above 3 percent and if there are over 10 percent in absences for COVID-related reasons.
  Masks are still required on buses, the district stating because of federal rules. Social distancing and voluntary testing will remain in place, and the district will continue requiring staff to submit to shots or test weekly.
  The district will still demand quarantine for positive tests.
  Visitors to schools and board meetings “will be required to wear masks… in connection with current Executive Orders and our local plan.” Gov. JB Pritzker’s indoor mask mandate was lifted on Feb. 28.