Governor JB Pritzker’s mask mandate for all state students regardless of their vaccination status, which requires facial coverings in all indoor settings from preschool through high school, was discussed at Tuesday night’s meeting of the Monmouth-Roseville Board of Education.
Superintendent Ed Fletcher explains how the governor’s executive order affects the school board’s decision-making process.
“It’s very tough right now for schools, and boards, and superintendents right now because different attorneys give different recommendations,” Fletcher said. “Prior to this (mask mandate), you heard differing opinions from insurance companies, differing opinions from lawyers. There was a lot of uncertainty about what was to happen.
“Now, since the mandate (was issued), I haven’t heard any advice from attorneys saying don’t follow the mandate. Our attorney provided a lengthy document to the board that basically said, here are the reasons to follow (the mandate) and why.”
With the start of the school year less than 10 days away, Superintendent Fletcher is confident the district’s students will abide by the order, and are eager to return to the classroom.
“In my opinion, I just want our kids to come to school,” Fletcher said. “If they wear a mask, they wear a mask. But then they go do their thing, do their activities after school and play their sports. I think they’ll be fine. I don’t want to take anything more away from them.”
To listen to the complete interview with Superintendent Ed Fletcher, please click the link below:
