Much can change between now and mid-August when school children in Illinois are on track to be back in class, and between now and then, a central Illinois school leader is hoping to get the community behind masking our kids because it will be required when they enter the building.

Tri-Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. David Mouser says mask-wearing will be among the requirements for kids when they return to school buildings in August and September. For Tri-Valley, their community overwhelmingly wants students back in the building in the fall.

All school staff will also be required to have a face covering during the day. Dr. Mouser points out other guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health includes daily screenings and limiting students on buses. As districts try to come up with their plans, he is asking for patience with school leaders.

According to Dr. Mouser, there are a lot of the policies in place for the return to school plan but he appreciates all the thought and planning that has gone into the plan and is optimistic their district will be able to make it work. He appreciates the local control districts are going to have in getting kids back. 

As parents begin to prepare their kids for returning to school, he is asking them to be encouraging to students about wearing their masks because that is going to be a requirement. He hopes the communities will work with the district to make a return to school possible. 

Dr. Mouser anticipates some things changing as we get closer to the start of school. He reinforced his call for communities to work together.