Friend --

Yesterday afternoon ISBE reversed itself and proclaimed that schools could not allow the widespread use of face shields in lieu of masks.? This decision undercuts numerous superintendents and parents who had already purchased face shields for use by their children this fall.

Media coverage is here.

From the article:?

The decision was made in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Public Health "after discussing the issue with its communicable disease team, infection preventionists, and infectious disease specialists and after reviewing guidelines from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Herein lies the problem.? IDPH and ISBE are ONLY focused on disease aspect of this decision, to the detriment of MANY other important factors.?

In addition to disease transmission, what about the impact on learning/communication?? What about the affordability factor?? What about the ease of cleaning/disinfecting?? What about the psycho-sociological impacts of a mask versus face shield?? I could go on and on.?

Our state government has lost its sense of balance and perspective.? Sadly, our governor is unwilling to step in provide the leadership necessary to restore responsible government.?

Within the next week or so, I will be requesting that ISBE rescind or modify its fall education guidance to give control back to our local education and public health experts.?

This request will have more weight if you put your names behind it, as well.? You can sign a petition urging a withdrawal of ISBE's June 23rd guidance here.

Thank you for reading and S/F!

Paul?


Paul Schimpf
http://www.schimpf4illinois.com/