Parents group wants District 50 schools to reopen to in-person learning
Parents and students unhappy that Gurnee-based Woodland School District 50 still isn't offering any in-person classes rallied Saturday afternoon in the snow and cold to make their views known.
About 20 people with signs joined in the rally. They are frustrated that the district is one of the few in the area that still hasn't added any form of in-person learning, said Tanya Abby of Wildwood. Protesters urged the school board to vote to bring students back to the classrooms.
The board in December approved a hybrid learning plan but didn't set dates for a return. In January, the board voted to delay the in-person return for students until after spring break (March 29) in the hope that would allow staff to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to information posted on the district's website.
"While this option has some clear safety benefits, I realize this decision will generate a wide range of opinions based on how this impacts your family and your child," Superintendent Lori Casey said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday said that schools can reopen safely without vaccinations if other steps, including masking and social distancing, are taken.