Pritzker closes all Illinois schools for the rest of the Year

Photo courtesy to Pritzker Facebook page

CHICAGO- Following careful consideration of the science and close consultation with public health leaders and experts in Illinois and across the nation, Governor J.B. Pritzker announced that in-person learning in schools will not resume during the 2019-2020 school year, with remote learning days to continue for all pre-k through 12 grade students.

“My decisions are hard ones, but they will follow the science and the science says they can’t go back to their normal,” Pritzker said.

Illinois will receive approximately $569 million in federal funding for pre-k through 12 schools, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Each public school district will receive CARES Act funding proportional to the number of low-income students they serve.

The Illinois State Board of Education convened an advisory group of teachers, superintendents, and students to develop comprehensive Remote Learning Recommendations for all grade levels, including suggestions on grading, content selection and delivery, social-emotional development, and communication with families.

Daily virtual contact with students helps teachers understand when students may need additional support with assignments, meals, mental health, or other needs.