A Logan County superintendent is expressing optimism after his recent experience addressing the Illinois State Board of Education, or ISBE.

On the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday, Mt. Pulaski Schools Superintendent Fred Lamkey told Regional Radio News, his message to ISBE was one of understanding and encouraging them to trust local schools to do what is best for its students, staff, and communities.

Superintendents up and down Illinois have been critical of ISBE in recent months for being disconnected and unsupportive of schools in Illinois. However, as Regional Radio listeners heard from Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles Wednesday, the vibes of the Board changed Tuesday and Lamkey says he felt that shift as well.

According to Lamkey, the one-size-fits-all approach is not working in Illinois and he hopes ISBE will do a better job to communicate with school leaders about what they are seeing as the day-to-day leaders of school districts.

While Nettles and Lamkey are more optimistic than they have been in recent weeks and months, many still may believe nothing will change because everything will come down to what Governor JB Pritzker wants. Lamkey hopes the rollout of the vaccine for kids ages 5-11 will change the game for local control.

Lamkey also believes a shift in the approach from ISBE is stemming from COVID cases and the positivity rates dropping throughout the state.