With limited to no COVID mitigations on Illinois schools heading into the 2022-23 school year, central Illinois school superintendents are celebrating having kids back and a normal school calendar ahead.
Clinton Schools Superintendent Curt Nettles says it feels fantastic to embark on a normal school year and looks forward to the regular activities that make the Clinton community tick like Homecoming and Veteran's Day celebrations and grandparents day at the elementary school.
Lincoln High School Superintendent Dwight Stricklin is looking forward to one of the best school years ever at Lincoln. He appreciates the support of the community throughout the pandemic and with Homecoming in a few weeks at Lincoln High School, he looks forward to having events like that return to normal.
Mt. Pulaski Schools Superintendent Fred Lamkey calls it undoubtedly mostly pleasant. With the uncertainty and stress of the last two years, Lamkey calls it a breath of fresh air to be back to normal.
Dr. Lisa Taylor, Superintendent of Heyworth Schools indicates it is nice to start the school year without a divisive cloud hanging over the community and everyone is on the same page as the school year starts in her district.
For Blue Ridge Schools Superintendent Dr. Hilary Stanifer, she's only known her position through the COVID pandemic and says she and plenty of others in the community have been looking forward to normal for some time.
Like Dr. Stanifer, Dr. Kris Kahler at Maroa-Forsyth Schools also took over in the thick of the pandemic. He is noticing teachers and students are much more relaxed. His district has a mask-optional policy and asks every respect the decisions of each individual.
Superintendent of Warrensburg-Latham Schools, Cheryl Warner took over durnig the 2019-2020 school year and she is looking forward to seeing the guests and volunteers of the district return this school year.
Most school districts went back to class a few weeks ago, Wednesday, Aug. 17. Several central Illinois school districts are also finally able to fully utilize the capacity of their facility updates over the last year and a half.
