Skip to main content
Main Menu Toggle
Chalkboard

Restoring Local Control

Salt Fork Community:


As you are aware, I have been a strong advocate for local control during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as we’ve geared up to start a new school year. I believe that school districts should be in a position to make decisions that we feel are best for our schools. We have the ability to look at local COVID data, both in our community but more importantly, within our school themselves and quickly make adjustments to our mitigation layers as needed. For me, this issue goes beyond masks.  It is about who should be making decisions for our district: the state government or our local school board and administration.  I believe it should be the latter.  I am headed to the ISBE board meeting tomorrow in Springfield with a large group of superintendents to advocate for local control.  


If you agree with me, I would encourage you to email or call the offices of Governor Pritzker and State Superintendent Ayala.  They are the ones that have the authority to restore control to local school boards.  


Here is a sample letter but feel free to adjust it as needed:


Dear Insert Name of Recipient:


The purpose of this letter is to request that local control be restored to school districts in the implementation of COVID-19 safety measures and protocols.  I believe that local boards of education and superintendents are best positioned and capable of planning reasonable and safe approaches to educate the students of our communities. The past 17 months have provided our local leaders with ample experience and knowledge to lead locally.  They are in a better position to quickly adjust mitigation layers to local conditions than the one-size-fits-all guidance coming from the state level.  


Sincerely,


Insert Your Name


To Contact Governor Pritzker:


To Contact State Superintendent Ayala:


Thank you for contacting these individuals and fighting for local control.