Grant CCSD #110

                                                                                                                        2/6/2022

Dear Belleville Area Families and Staff, 

Many of you are likely aware that there have been legal challenges to the Governor and IDPH’s ability to enforce executive orders related to the pandemic. On Friday evening, Judge Grischow of Sangamon County ruled on a lawsuit filed by more than 700 parents across the state that challenged state-mandated COVID-19 mitigations, which include masks, vaccines, and quarantines.

At this time, we are in the process of reviewing the judge’s decision and will communicate with you as soon as possible whether this ruling impacts our students and staff members. The judge initially ruled that the decision only pertained to students, staff, and districts named in the lawsuit, which does not apply to any of the Belleville area schools. However, the ruling also came with strong language regarding the Governor’s executive authority including rules through IPDH and ISBE. The decision has also been set up for an appeal at the Appellate level, per the Governor’s direction to the Attorney General. This is expected to be filed on Monday, February 7^th, and procedurally would not be decided until February 17^th.  There was also a request yesterday for a ‘stay’ in the order, meaning the new rules will not go into effect until after the appeal. So what may be the rule of law today could change very soon and it is pertinent to wait for a final decision.

Until there is definitive guidance on the mandates, we ask for your patience and thank you in advance for following our current policies and procedures. Also rest assured that no matter the outcome of this ruling, we will continue to keep our community’s safety, and the best learning environment possible, as our priorities. 

Thank you for your continued support of our students, teachers, and staff.  

 

Sincerely, 

Belleville Area Superintendents

 

Dr. Brian Mentzer      Mr. Matt Stines          Dr. David Deets         

Belleville 201             Grant 110                    Harmony-Emge 175  

 

Dr. Ryan Boike           Dr. Jeff Daugherty      Dr. Brad Landgraf

Belleville 118             BASSC                        Millstadt 160

 

Dr. Julie Brown          Mr. Scott Harres         Mr. Kelly Bohnenstiehl

Pontiac 105                 Wolf Branch 113        Signal Hill 181

 

Dr. Beth Horner          Mr. Mark Huering      Mr. R. Dane Gale

High Mount 116         Whiteside 115            Belle Valley 119