Board will hold public hearing on August 19 to review e-learning proposal

Community Consolidated School District 89 could have more options for how to continue learning when extreme weather keeps buildings closed. 

At 7 p.m. on Monday, August 19, the Board of Education will hold a public hearing to review and adopt an e-learning program for the 2024-27 school years. If approved, the e-learning plan will give the district the option to use e-learning (online learning) in place of in-person learning on emergency days.

The plan was developed with input from CCSD 89 staff. The documents related to the e-learning certificate and plan will be posted on the district website by Friday, August 17. 

At the August 19 hearing,  there will be an opportunity for public comment. The regular Board of Education meeting will take place immediately following the e-learning hearing. 

About e-learning

If the Board supports the district applying for an e-learning certificate, it would give CCSD 89 the option to hold classes online when the schools are closed due to an emergency. It would 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 hold 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. 

If the Board approves the three-year e-learning plan, it will be submitted to the Regional Office of Education by September 1 so that it is in place during the 2024-25 school year. 

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 9, 2024