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Oakland CUSD #5 to Abide with Mask Mandate

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During a special board meeting on August 11, the Oakland CUSD #5 Board of Education voted to abide by the most recent executive order that requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask while inside a school building.

As was discussed during the meeting, every other aspect of the school day will be as close to pre-March 2020 as possible. Students will once again eat lunch and breakfast in the all-purpose room. Recess will involve balls, jump ropes, playground equipment, etc. Junior high students will move from class to class as opposed to the teachers moving. We will be able to have field trips. Attendance at games, inside and out, will not be limited. The only difference from pre-March 2020 is that anyone inside a school building will be wearing a mask.

As last night's discussion demonstrated, this was not an easy decision for the school board. Many of them said they considered the parent and staff survey results when making their decision. It is important to remember that at the time when the survey was sent out, school districts had local control to make a decision on this topic. However, the Governor's executive order on August 4th took that local control away from school districts by mandating mask wearing. However, our staff and communities voices are valued and the survey results were still a part of the decision making process, but not the only factor. Other factors considered involved liability of the district, recognition status for the district which impacts graduates being accepted to colleges and universities, Federal and State funding, as well as IHSA & IESA participation.

We understand that throughout the community there will be those that agree and others that disagree with this decision. We identify that. However, now is the time for all of us, no matter our opinion, to come together, work together, and support the education of our children. Students start school next Wednesday and we are looking forward to having a great year!