Board approves plan to allow for online learning on emergency days

On Monday, August 19, the CCSD 89 Board of Education approved a plan that would allow the district to hold e-learning when extreme weather keeps buildings closed. The three-year e-learning plan will give the district the option to use e-learning (online learning) in place of in-person learning on emergency days.

“In-person learning is what we want,” said CCSD 89 Superintendent Doug Eccarius. “However, there are times that, for continuity of what is happening in the classrooms, e-learning would serve a purpose.”

About e-learning

The e-learning certificate does not mandate the use of e-learning. When extreme weather is anticipated, the superintendent would consider several factors to determine if schools should be open for in-person learning, closed for all students, or have an e-learning day. 

E-learning can help families manage the school-year calendar while still providing consistent educational opportunities to students. In a survey taken in February, 68 percent of parents and 76 percent of staff supported the district having an e-learning option in place. 

The three-year e-learning plan will be submitted to the Regional Office of Education by September 1 so that it is in place during the 2024-25 school year. The plan was developed with input from CCSD 89 staff. E-learning would have to apply to the district or an entire school. It could not be used for individual students who are absent.

Any information about school closings or e-learning would still be communicated in multiple ways, including a phone message to families, the district website (www.ccsd89.org), Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

The superintendent makes the decision whether in-person attendance is safe. The district makes every effort to communicate a decision by 5:30 a.m. The district will send out a notice if the schools are closed. If there is no notice posted, schools are open on a regular schedule.

In an emergency, you will be contacted at the phone number and email address on file with the school, so it is important that the school has current contact information.  

Learn more: www.ccsd89.org/weather

Posted: August 23, 2024