Oswego School District 308 officials await word from state on face mask requirement

Oswego School District 308 officials are awaiting guidance as of Wednesday afternoon from the Illinois State Board of Education concerning a requirement that students and staff members wear masks or face shields in schools this fall.

The ISBE guidance also supports full in-person instruction for the upcoming school year.

Director of Communication and Public Relations for OSD 308 Theresa Komitas said in a statement Wednesday, "We have not yet received guidance from ISBE in regards to the use of masks in schools this fall. We will be available to comment further on the plans from ISBE once they have been received."

The Illinois State Board of Education’s forthcoming guidance regarding school this fall “strongly encourages full in-person instruction,” ISBE Chief Education Officer Dr. Ernesto Matias said during ISBE’s board meeting Wednesday.

State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala said that face masks or face shields “are required at all times with students and staff.”

State educators are still awaiting guidance regarding what a return to school might look like during the coronavirus pandemic.

Further guidance is expected by the end of the month from ISBE with coordination from the governor’s office. However, some of the forthcoming guidelines were discussed at Wednesday’s meeting, which took place virtually.

While in-person class is encouraged, Matias said, “We know that might not be possible for all schools, depending on their unique student enrollment, school facilities, staffing, transportation and technological capacity.”

Board member Dr. David Lett, a longtime superintendent at Pana Community Unit School District in downstate Illinois, questioned how schools could enforce a rule on face masks.

“You’re going to have, flat out, students that are going to say: ‘I’m not wearing one,’” Lett said. “So is that going to turn into a disciplinary issue for school districts to have to deal with? Because you are going to have students who are going to say that.”

Lett went on to say that it can be difficult to communicate through a face mask.

“Point well taken, Dr. Lett,” Ayala said. “It’s something we continue to have conversations about.”

In addition to face masks, Lett asked for further information about social distancing and transportation.

Ayala said six-foot social distancing recommendations are “encouraged as much as possible,” but acknowledged that it might not be possible in all situations. When it's not possible, face masks “have to be in place," Ayala said.

*Shaw Media reporter Sean Hammond contributed to this story.