Unit 5 Superintendent answers questions about Gov. Pritzker’s mask mandate

Posted on August 5, 2021
Unit 5
Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – Unit 5’s Superintendent is answering questions about the mask mandates in schools after Gov. Pritzker released the new guidance.

Under Pritzker’s new mitigations, PreK through 12th Grade students would have to wear masks when returning to the classroom.

Speaking with WJBC’s Scott Miller, Unit 5 Superintendent Dr. Kristen Weikle said the district already required students to wear masks in the fall.

“Unit 5 had already made the decision at least to begin the school year, and you know part of me really wasn’t surprised just given the uptick in cases with the Delta variant. And the number of medical professionals that we (inaudible) and continue to hear from, just noting concern over the Delta Virus. (I was) wanting as many protocols and mitigation strategies as possible to keep our community safe and healthy.”

When it comes to complying with the mandates, Dr. Weikle thinks students would follow the guidance.

“You know, when you work with kids, you try to always assume the best, right, go into any situation with the best intentions. And so, many times, (I will have) a conversation with the student as far as we need you to wear this mask to keep yourself or other students safe. Most students are going to comply, and if they have a difficult understanding, we will work with them, we will work with the family.”

For students who will not comply, Dr. Weikle said she would have a conversation with the student to adhere to the rules.

Last month, the number of children hospitalized with COVID-19 complications rose nearly 15%.

Dr. Weikle said for students who do not have a mask; the school district would provide masks for the students.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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