As downstate schools grow frustrated by the lack of information coming from the State of Illinois regarding COVID, more and more districts are exploring their own COVID mitigation strategies. 

Last week, school leaders across the state sat in on a Zoom call with IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike and Mt. Pulaski Schools Superintendent Fred Lamkey says she claimed she gives her recommendations to the Governor and he considers them. 

School boards, including Mt. Pulaski, were miffed when the Governor reversed course on allowing districts the autonomy to make its COVID protocols. Lamkey says a recent surge of COVID in his district is actually providing a good barometer for how to handle an upswing in infections.

For Lamkey, this isn't a plan that would backtrack on any progress made in recent conversations with those at the State Board level or those within IDPH. He also says it's a good opportunity to prove to those leaders and those in the Governor's office they are capable of keeping kids and staff safe through this pandemic.

Lamkey also believes this is something his district should be doing anyway to always be ready should the local control component be returned to schools. 

Mt. Pulaski junior high school students went remote the remainder of the first semester due to COVID challenges. The Mt. Pulaski first semester wraps up next Tuesday.