MANTENO – Manteno High School and Kankakee School District 111 announced Monday a transition to remote learning following spikes in COVID-19 cases across Kankakee County.
Manteno High School and Kankakee School District 111 will join Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School, Bradley School District #61, and others who have already taken the step away from in-person activity.
Manteno High School cited ‘staffing patterns and reduced substitute availability’ in a statement Monday night as reasoning for the transition away from in-person activities. Manteno will remain remote through November 30th, while lower grade levels in Manteno continue in-person learning.
Kankakee School District 111 announced Monday afternoon they’re moving to remote learning beginning Friday as a result of COVID-19 cases spiking in Kankakee County. The school district plans to remain remote until December 14th. School officials said on their Facebook page Monday the decision was made after ‘serious contemplation’ for the health of families in the community.
“Our schools will be going fully remote due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases here in Kankakee County. This decision is being made after serious contemplation while placing the health of our families and community at the forefront. Kankakee County Health Department has been challenged to keep up with contact tracing for the surge of positive cases. Along with the Health Department, we believe that limiting contact will help to slow this spread.” District 111 officials wrote in a statement posted to Facebook Monday morning.
Kankakee High School suspended all athletic programs as well Monday and will re-evaluate the move at the end of the month.
Kankakee County has reported a shocking 1,396 cases locally since November 1st. As of Monday afternoon, Kankakee County Health reported 48 residents were hospitalized due to the pandemic, the most recorded since the pandemic began in March.
The Kankakee Board of Education is set to meet Monday night at Kankakee Junior High School.
