Dear Richmond-Burton Families:
Following CDC and IDPH guidance, face masks for unvaccinated students are recommended but not mandated. Given the current local data on COVID-19, District mitigations currently in place, and vaccination rates, District 157 will make face masks optional for students and staff while in the school building for the start of the 2021-22 school year.
However, face masks will be required to be worn by all students when on a District school bus due to the inability to properly social distance.
In addition, the District will continue to ensure that all other COVID-19 mitigations recommended by the CDC and IDPH will continue to be implemented with fidelity and to the highest standard.
COVID-19 positivity rates and case numbers will continue to be monitored in our community and our schools on a daily basis. If the community and school data indicate a significant increase in the positivity rate or number of actual COVID-19 cases, the District may need to return to face coverings for a two-week period of time. During this two week period, school and health officials will closely monitor the school Covid-19 data and reassess the need to continue or not continue masking.
The Richmond-Burton CHSD 157 Board of Education and administration are committed to maintaining a healthy learning environment that remains flexible and responsive to the changing educational landscape that COVID-19 can create.
It is important to know that fully vaccinated students will not need to be quarantined from school for 14 days if exposed to a positive case. Vaccinations are not currently mandatory and remain the decision for each family to make.
A full District plan regarding COVID-19 mitigations at Richmond-Burton CHSD 157 for the Fall of 2021 will be released during the week of August 1st.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Lind
Superintendent