Illinois education board punishes Christian school for mask-optional policy

[August 13, 2021]  By Greg Bishop

(The Center Square) – A private K-12 school that announced a mask-optional policy for a return to class had been sanctioned by the Illinois State Board of Education. ISBE says schools must require, not recommend, masks in schools.

Amid concerns of COVID-19, Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst made the mask-optional announcement this week through a video from Superintendent Matthew Davidson.

“It’s just worth noting that the issue of masks in schools is still categorically a recommendation, not a requirement from the [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention],” Davidson said.

The school is reportedly where the Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, sends his children. His office said the “Speaker’s very young children are off limits” when asked if he plans to transfer his students out of the school.
 

Davidson outlined in his announcement the district isn’t making a statement but continuing with the policies they and other private schools across the state and country had in place over the summer months. However, Davidson said they might revisit the policy in the future.

ISBE sent a letter to the district rescinding its nonpublic school recognition. That means high school diplomas won’t be recognized, children can't compete in organized sports and the school can’t receive Invest In Kids scholarship funds.

Timothy Christian School Superintendent Matt Davidson, state Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, and state Sen. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, separately talk about mask mandates    Timothy Christian School Vimeo, WMAYNews Facebook, Greg Bishop / The Center Square

“We do not take this action lightly,” State Schools Superintendent Carmen Ayala said in the letter. “The purpose of the universal indoor masking requirement is to ensure that all students can safely attend school in-person this fall.”

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, explained what the public school in his district did this week.

“It’s my understanding the board passed it 5-2 to be recommended but not mandated in the classroom, however on the school bus I believe it is mandated on the school bus,” Halbrook told WMAY.

Video of the Shelbyville meeting Wednesday showed parents vocalizing questions about whether their kids would be suspended for attending class without masks, to which a board member said “recommended is not required.” Parents then applauded.

In Marion, several students were suspended for not wearing masks in the first days of school this week.