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Board advances district e-learning plan; kindergarten to use asynchronous model if district calls e-learning day
Summary
The Board reviewed the district's e-learning plan and agreed to move the plan forward to a public hearing July 17. The plan would allow e-learning days that meet state rules (five clock hours) and would change kindergarten to an asynchronous model because kindergartners will not be 1:1 with devices next school year.
The Huntley 158 board heard an update on the district’s e-learning plan and agreed to move the plan forward for a public hearing on July 17, a step required before the district files the plan with the regional office if it seeks to use e-learning days in lieu of emergency days.
District staff described the plan as meeting state requirements, including five clock hours of instruction and accommodations for students with Individualized Education Programs and related services. A key change presented at the meeting: kindergarten would follow an asynchronous e-learning model like the preschool plan because kindergarten students will not be assigned take-home devices next year.
“Our plan is very robust. It does ensure learning. It allows all of our students to have live instruction with their teachers throughout the day,” the presenter said, while noting kindergarten will be an exception: “They are not taking them home, they will not be hopping on live.” In that case teachers will prepare materials distributed as hard copies and may offer optional live morning meetings for families who can connect.
Administrators said the plan has been tested in prior years and that the district will continue to solicit student feedback on logistics. The board approved forwarding the plan to a July 17 public hearing; if the board adopts the plan after the hearing, the district will submit it to the McHenry County Regional Office of Education for a multi-year approval (typically three years).
Why it matters: An approved e-learning plan gives the district an option to call e-learning in some weather or emergency situations and count the day as an instructional day. The kindergarten exception reflects device availability and the district’s decision to provide printed materials rather than rely on synchronous online attendance for five hours.
Next steps: Public hearing July 17, board vote on the plan and, if adopted, submission to the ROE for approval that would apply for up to three years. The administration said it will communicate details to families in the June newsletter and refine procedures for single-campus closures and communications if a single building, rather than the whole district, lacks power or heat.
Ending: The board advanced the plan to the public hearing stage on July 17; administrators will return with the plan for adoption after the public comment period.
