District administrators told the Board the district’s three-year e-learning plan is up for renewal and recommended retaining it as written. The presenter read an Illinois State Board of Education statement emphasizing that in-person instruction is preferred: “The Illinois State Board of Education recognizes and affirms the fundamental importance of in-person learning for the well-being of students, families, and communities.”

The presenter explained the plan is intended as a last-resort tool: districts are allowed up to five emergency days and up to five e-learning days before resorting to “act of God” days, and the e-learning policy provides continuity options if other measures have been exhausted. The district has not used e-learning days in the past three years, the presenter said.

Administrators described the formal process required to renew the plan: the district must publish notice, provide written/electronic notice to parents/guardians and employees, hold a public hearing (scheduled during the September board meeting), and then adopt a resolution for the plan. The presenter said the notice will be included in the district newsletter and that staff will prepare the required resolution for the board’s September meeting.

During discussion, some board members expressed a preference to avoid e-learning where possible; others said keeping the plan provides an emergency option should conditions prevent in-person instruction and other options have been exhausted. No change to the current plan was proposed; staff will proceed with required public notice and a hearing.

Ending: The board will receive the e-learning plan on display, hear public comment at the September hearing, and then consider a resolution to adopt the plan for the next three years.