The COVID pandemic has been described as the most difficult issue facing school district administrators even by the most veteran of school leaders.

Talking about one's emotional and mental state is not an easy public discussion to have and graciously, local school leaders are giving updates on how they're handling these hyper-scrutinized and enormously difficult decisions. Deland-Weldon Superintendent Amanda Geary indicates her family, faith, and female peers have been the pillars of keeping her going.

Monticello Schools Superintendent Dr. Vic Zimmerman is as steady-mannered school leader as you'll find in central Illinois. He says it is the job of the superintendent to lead in the good times and the bad.

Focusing on everyone else, dealing with displaced anger, and having COVID consume the time and energy of school leaders is taking years off the lives of school leaders according to Bement Schools Superintendent Dr. Sheila Greenwood. 

According to Warrensburg-Latham Schools Superintendent, Cheryl Warner, she is finding exercise keeps her mental health strong. Like her peers, she is also leaning on her peers across the area.

Heading into the thick of the cold and flu season, many superintendents and their board of educations are beginning to explore bringing back any remote learners that are ready to return to the school setting, another hurdle during the COVID pandemic.