2022-23 Return to Learning Plan & Public Comment Period

To:                 Marissa CUSD #40 Community

From:            Jeff Strieker, Superintendent

Re:                2022-23 Return to Learning Plan & Public Comment Period

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major upheaval to all aspects of life, including unprecedented school closures in the spring and fall of 2020.  To open schools for in-person instruction required strict health and safety protocols which created barriers and limitations to teaching and learning.  Recognizing that students across remote and in-person settings faced significant academic, social, emotional, and mental health challenges as a result of the interrupted education and the trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Congress made emergency funds available to local school districts to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.  Most recently, funds available through the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act require that school districts develop a Plan for Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services.  As such, this plan has been developed in accordance with the ARP Act and the Illinois State Superintendent of Education declaration of July 9, 2021; is aligned with guidance provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and addresses adjustments needed in response to evolving COVID-19 pandemic circumstances.  (Please See Exhibits A and B for complete information)

Public Input

An opportunity for the public to provide input is being provided from July 15-18 by submitting to the Superintendent, [email protected] or by phone, 618-295-2313, ext. 301.  Taking the public’s input into account, this plan is being developed through meaningful consultation with students, parents, school and district administrators, teachers, school staff, food service staff, transportation service staff, labor association leaders, and county health department officials.  Upon request, this plan will be provided in an alternative format accessible to parents who are individuals with a disability as defined by the ADA.  This plan will also be made publicly available on the district’s website.  School strategies in this plan may be removed based upon local conditions, levels of community transmission (i.e., low, moderate, substantial, or high), local vaccine coverage, use of screening testing to detect cases in K-12 schools, and consultation with local public health officials to determine the prevention strategies needed.  School officials will communicate any changes in plans to staff members, students, and parents through the district’s regular communication platforms.