This week, education officials will gather in Chicago for a meeting of Illinois education officials and a local school leader is excited to address these officials.

Fred Lamkey is the Superintendent of Mt. Pulaski Schools and on the WHOW Morning Show Wednesday told Regional Radio News, he is headed to Chicago with school leaders across the state to appeal to officials to work closer with its schools.

Lamkey is concerned about the division the mask requirements are creating in not just the schools but the communities. 

Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles has been among a small handful of superintendents intent on forging a personal relationship with State Superintendent Dr. Carmen Ayala. Lamkey points to the fruits of those efforts and the impacts it has had in recent months to start to move the needle.

Lamkey has been continuing to advocate for following the guidances brought forth by the State of Illinois but at the same continuing to provide input when given the opportunity in hopes of re-establishing local control.