Remember kids first

On Feb. 11, a downstate judge offered a decision on behalf of the plaintiffs contending that Gov. Pritzker did not have constitutional power and authority to require mask wearing in Illinois public schools. The ruling created a wave of unrest in schools throughout the state. Just about every school board in the state held meetings to determine if they should enforce the guidelines and mandates that requires our children to continue, or stop wearing them, or make it optional.

While the judge issued a restraining order, it wasn't for any and all students. No matter, community and parental pressure on both sides of the argument petitioned school boards to follow suit and end the state mandate based on the decision.

State leaders failed our school districts, school boards and our families and students. The governor, IDPH and ISBE should have seen this coming.

District 300, which serves several communities in the NW suburbs, pulled the plug on education at 6:17 a.m. the following Monday. Out of fear from parent and community anger and threats, schools closed in the name of safety. This action caused "train wrecks" in hundreds of District 300 households. Parents on their way to work had to turn around, call in sick or take a personal day, find babysitters or people to watch the kids.

Calling it an "Emergency Day," the decision to do it is left to debate, but an apology is in order from the D300 school board and administrators for their actions.

Later, the District 300 school board met and abruptly ended its meeting out of "safety concerns." It's time for leadership locally and at the state level.

Remember, it's all about the kids. That's the battle cry of education, even if it means with or without masks.

Gary Lichthardt

Elgin