21247 LM Jan2022

Message From the Executive Director SchoolsMay HaveMore Tools, But The Challenges Aren’t Getting Easier

Dr. Brent Clark

Nothing is easy, literally nothing. And that couldn’t be more apparent than trying to lead a school district today. As we open the second semester for FY22, we are all faced with as daunting of a situation as we’ve yet experienced throughout the pandemic. The main difference is that we have more tools to work with than previously available—but that isn’t decreasing the degree of difficulty. With omicron cases surging to new record levels, we are witnessing more schools being forced into remote days because of a shortage of staff. In some communities, COVID-19 testing supplies are limited, and districts struggle to keep up with the demand. It feels as if it never ends. At least on Friday there was some positive news—although it was accompanied by some confusion about effective date and when guidance would be released. The IDPH and ISBE announced it planned to align with CDC guidance on shortening isolation and quarantine periods for students and staff members sick with COVID-19 or considered a close contact to five days. The juxtaposition between CDC guidance and Gov. Pritzker initially sticking with 10 days out had been near impossible to explain to anxious communities. This change should help keep schools open and students in school. At the end of the day, that is what’s most important. BE WARY of high-pressure sales pitches to quickly sign renewable energy project contracts. It’s true that we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Illinois schools to enjoy renewable energy benefits thanks to a specific carve out that we negotiated in the most recent statewide energy

bill. The carve out is specific for school districts to have access to their own pool of state renewable energy credits (sRECS) and not have to compete with corporate America. At a minimum, you should reach out to your very own consortium, Future Green Energy Consortium (operated by IASA, IASB and IASBO), and ask one of our energy specialists to review the proposal you’re considering. Future Green can tell you specifically what’s in the proposal and what’s missing as well as what it could cost the district down the line. The number to call is 815–200–8721 or email haj@future-green.org. FEDERAL AUDITORS await. I’ve mentioned this in various region meetings, but it’s worth a reminder. With all of the new federal money that has flooded into the states, there will be a day when federal auditors arrive to examine how it was spent—specifically was it spent within the guidelines? Pay close attention to your spending plans and adhere to the guidelines. You’ll be thankful down the road. FINAL ANSWER to a question that is frequently asked—do you think the governor will change the indoor mask mandate for schools? The answer is NO. I do not see him making any changes through the end of the FY22 school year. To close, we all need to listen and stay close to our local communities and their expectations. After all, local communities will still be there when the pandemic is finally behind us. Let’s all find a gear or speed you can sustain for a long period as you lead your districts forward. Like you, I’m looking forward to better days ahead. Happy New Year!

3 LM January 2022