No start date set, but District 73 readying for hybrid model

A hybrid learning model has been approved for students in Hawthorn Elementary District 73, but the move will be subject to health parameters and no starting date has been set.

The decision by the school board Thursday represents a shift even though there is no way to know when it may become effective.

"Approving the model now, even if we're unable to implement it, allows us to open registration and see how many people commit to being in person," board President Robin Cleek said.

Once the Vernon Hills-based district has that number, the administration can work on scheduling, setting up classrooms, creating bus routes, establishing pickup and drop-off procedures, and other details, she added.

"When the time comes to bring people back into the buildings, we'll be ready to roll," Cleek said.

The school board in late July gave Superintendent Peter Hannigan the authority to modify the district's return to learning plans at any time in accordance with guidance from Lake County and state health authorities.

Based on updated data at the time and knowledge that some students and staff had been infected with coronavirus, Hannigan recommended and the board approved starting the 2020-21 school year with remote learning only.

The hope of hybrid learning surfaced, but on Oct. 20 the level of community transmission moved into the "substantial" category, Hannigan informed parents at the time.

Planned hybrid starts for early childhood, prekindergarten and some kindergarten through second-grade classes were canceled.

Thursday's meeting was held to update residents on public health data and what effect it would have on the start of hybrid instruction for students.

Hannigan and other administrators outlined parameters for a return to in-person learning based on a hybrid plan. Enrollment will begin Nov. 30 but is not a timeline for reopening, Hannigan said. Families and staffers will be given at least two weeks' notice before hybrid learning would start, he added.

The hybrid learning model for grades 3-8 and special education students was approved by the board 7-0. Hybrid models for K-2 and grades 3-8 general education each passed 6-1 with board member Joel Finfer voting "no."

While safety is paramount, Cleek noted, meeting the needs of a diverse student body, logistical challenges, local, state and federal guidelines, policies and mandates, liability and transportation are among the considerations in a complex situation.

"When people make assumptions that a remote learning plan means we don't care about the children who are struggling, or that a hybrid model means we don't care about our teachers. That's really not an accurate characterization," she said Friday.

"Everyone, including the board, wants it to be back to normal. We're going to have to work together to get there."