Central Illinois school leaders say they are going to be more vocal when it comes to mandates issued from the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois legislature.

Mt. Pulaski Schools Superintendent Fred Lamkey believes parents have realized in the last few years how much of an influence the State of Illinois can have on schools and says he and his peers are going to be more vocal when it comes to mandates that impede on local decision making.

Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles says Illinois superintendents feel empowered now to make their voices heard. He says there needs to be accountability but the mandates over the years are overbearing.

The school leaders say they are glad to have kids in their buildings without masks again and it has been a big boost to the morale of the students but also a big boost to the learning environment.