LM Feb 2022

Message From the Executive Director Superintendents Need to Stick Together and Not Let Masking Issue Drive Us Apart

Dr. Brent Clark

We’ve seen over the past week that the response from superintendents to the temporary restraining order to Governor Pritzker’s executive orders has varied drastically across the state. Hundreds of school districts went mask optional while hundreds of others opted to continue to enforce COVID-19 mitigations—at least until an Appellate Court issues its ruling on the motion to stay filed by the Illinois Attorney General. This column isn’t about declaring who’s right or wrong. It’s a reminder that, no matter what decision your district made, school administrators have to stick together and support each other. Predictably, the judge’s ruling has pitted some communities against each other. Superintendents, once again, are caught in the middle. It’s imperative to treat your colleagues with respect, empathy and grace as they also try to navigate the ever- changing landscape of executive orders, state mandates, public health guidance, staffing issues and local politics. As we’ve said numerous times before to politicians and policymakers, one size does not fit all. Local politics and legal advice have varied, relationships with labor groups differ and COVID-19 has impacted some communities harder than others.

Illinois remains an incredibly diverse state. What’s right in one place might create backlash in another. That’s why my advice for superintendents has been to read your community. Politicians and policies may change, but your community will always be there. And if your community is split 50/50, push your school board to take a vote. They are elected officials and should be able to bring some clarity to the direction the district takes. As always, IASA is here to support you. In the spring, we will host another Supt 2 Supt virtual session. We’re also planning to roll out another series of free legal workshops with school attorneys across the state. Be on the lookout for an email this week with registration information. Furthermore, counseling services are available to IASA Active members via a private provider, ComPsych ® . IASA recently emailed the information, but it can be resent upon request. To close, I want to say don’t be afraid to call or email one of your colleagues and ask how they’re doing. The past week was immensely difficult for some members and that small gesture may make a big difference. Let’s stick together and continue to support each other. We will get through this together.

3 LM February 2022