WATSEKA – Watseka schools are preparing for an anticipate closure.
A letter was sent home to parents at Iroquois County CUSD 9 Friday evening preparing them for what appears to be an inevitable move in the district and possibly, statewide.
“As we see the rise in numbers of Covid-19 cases for our community, our district plans with regards to remote learning come to the forefront. State media releases have many speculating our area is on the cusp of a shutdown,” Superintendent Dr. David Andriano foreshadowed in a letter Friday. “We will be sending home devices with students in anticipation of a possible shutdown.”
The Unit 9 school district announcement comes as Iroquois County Public Health Department locally reported 156 new cases last week. Since October 30th, 409 cases have been reported in Iroquois County. The county’s positivity rolling seven-day positivity level Friday was 19.6%.
Andriano explained the uncertainty educators face during the COVID era, with short notice and quick decisions possibly on the horizon.
“This proactive approach will enable us to continue educational delivery without an interruption.” Dr. Andriano stressed.
Since November 4th, Iroquois County CUSD 9 has sent three letters notifying parents of possible COVID exposure at four schools after individuals tested positive at Nettie Davis, Glenn Raymond, Wanda Kendall, and Watseka Community High School.
Friday afternoon, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported a record 15,415 new confirmed cases, along with 27 additional deaths.
