Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Friday, April 17 that all Illinois school districts will remain closed for the academic school year. This means in-person instruction for schools will cease for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year for pre-K to 12th grade.
“I’ve said time and time again, our decisions must follow the science and the science says our students can’t go back to their normal routine this school year. Over the last month, Illinois’ schools have stepped up and faced the many challenges of COVID-19 with generosity, creativity, and a resolute focus on caring for students, parents and communities. I am confident that our schools will manage and expand the learning opportunities for all our children who will be working from home over the coming weeks.” – Gov. JB Pritzker
Illinois is receiving approximately $569 million in federal funding for pre-K to 12th schools as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funding can help equip students with technology and internet access to enhance remote learning, support teachers in developing their remote instruction.
“Our school buildings may be closed, but the hearts and minds of our teachers and students are wide open. This pandemic has altered the fabric of how we teach, learn, and connect, but it has not shaken the core of what our schools do, which is take care of Illinois’ children and prepare them for what’s next. Our schools focus on social and emotional skills, like resilience and empathy, for this very reason: so that when the unpredictable events in life knock us down, we get right back up. The Illinois State Board of Education is addressing the digital divide head on and planning for the transition back to school in the fall to help our students and educators face and overcome the challenges ahead.” – State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala
State health officials announce 1,842 new COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths. This was the largest single day of new cases for the state. Illinois now has a total to 27,575 cases with a total to 1,134 deaths.
