WBGZ Radio 5/9/2021 |
By Kevin Bessler - Illinois Radio Network
Teachers unions are pushing for two bills in Springfield that would require in-person instruction at all Illinois schools, public or private, to be contingent on meeting requirements set by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The measures also would have the department investigate and potentially shut down schools for not complying with COVID mitigations, instead of local health officials managing such orders.
One bill has already passed the House, and a Senate committee has passed a similar version.
Zach Messersmith, director of policy for the Illinois Association of School Boards, said the part of the bill that allows for a teacher who feels conditions are not safe at school to walk off the job is a mistake.
Normal, IL, USA / www.cities929.com
May 6, 2021 | 3:22 PM
(The Center Square) – Teachers’ unions are pushing for two bills in Springfield that would require in-person instruction at all Illinois schools, public or private, to be contingent on meeting requirements set by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The measures also would have the department investigate and potentially shut down schools for not complying with COVID-19 mitigations, instead of local health officials managing such orders.
One bill has already passed the House, and a Senate committee has passed a similar version.
Zach Messersmith, director of policy for the Illinois Association of School Boards, said the part of the bill that allows for a teacher who feels conditions are not safe at school to walk off the job is a mistake.