KSD140 Connection
February 7, 2022
Update Regarding COVID-19 Guidance and Rules for D140 Schools
Dear Kirby School District 140 Families and Staff,
We have received a number of emails regarding the District’s decision to continue with our COVID-19 mitigations, particularly our masking requirement following current regulations and executive orders. The decision was not an easy one. With this communication, we hope to answer your questions and shed some light on the Sangamon County Judge’s decision and how it affects Kirby School District 140 families and staff.
Kirby School District was not named in the lawsuits ruled on by Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Grischow. This is important to note because that normally means that it only affects the Districts named and further, the students whose parents were named in the lawsuit. The judge went on to say in a footnote that “although this Court denied Plaintiffs’ request for class certification, this Court has declared IDPH and ISBE’s Emergency Rules void. Thus, non-named plaintiffs and school districts throughout this State may govern themselves accordingly." This footnote is legally binding in Sangamon County where the Judge has jurisdiction and not anywhere else in the state. In summary, the judge made a ruling that does not affect Kirby School District 140 because we were not named in the suit and because we are not in Sangamon County. The footnote has created a great deal of confusion, as is evidenced by different school districts taking different positions throughout the state.
Judge Grischow’s ruling was immediately challenged by the Attorney General of the State of Illinois. He has asked that the Appellate Court file a stay on the ruling making it ineffective until the case can be heard in the Appellate Court. He has also filed a request that the case be heard in an expedited fashion which would give us a ruling in two weeks. It is expected that the Appellate ruling will have more far-reaching effects on districts named and not named in the suit. We are following the law as it applies to District 140. If that changes, we will swiftly change our practice and corresponding policy and procedures to follow the full tenet of the law.
We understand the frustration and the confusion set forth by the judge’s ruling. The Board of Education and I are doing our best to try to comply with the requirements that we believe remain applicable to us. Once again, as soon as we have the legal authority to deviate from our path, we will do so, but until we have the authority to do so, we must stay the course.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate these challenging times.
Respectfully,
Dr. Shawn Olson
Superintendent
Kirby School District 140
Mr. Thomas J. Martelli
President
KSD 140 Board of Education
Bus Bulletin Notification System
D140’s Transportation Department is now using the Bus Bulletin notification system to notify parents/guardians when there are bus delays and transportation schedule changes.
If you would like to receive instant notifications when delays affect your student's bus, please register with Bus Bulletin.
- There is no cost for this service.
- Registration is simple and fast.
- You can choose to receive text messages, phone calls, and emails.
- All contact information is stored securely and will not be shared or sold - your privacy is protected.
For more information, or to sign-up and start receiving notifications, please visit BusBulletin.com/parents
For help with registration, please call D140’s Transportation Department at 708-532-8539.
D140 COVID-19 Dashboard
D140's COVID-19 Dashboard provides the community with current districtwide positive COVID-19 case numbers and quarantine information. It is updated each Friday by 10:00 am.
For additional information, please visit our website at COVID-19 Reporting and Updates.
Kirby School District 140
Email: webmaster@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org
Location: 16931 Grissom Drive, Tinley Park, IL
Phone: (708) 532-6462
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ksd140
Twitter: @KirbySD140