MT. VERNON – Superintendent of Mt. Vernon City Schools, Aletta Lawrence, announced Monday night via a Facebook post that due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Jefferson County, District 80 will begin the year fully remote.
The city school board made the decision at Monday night’s school board meeting.
Lawrence said she received correspondence from a local pediatrician and many staff members voicing concerns for coming back to the classroom, but she and board members also know remote learning creates a burden on some parents.
As of Tuesday, Mt. Vernon Township High School plans to proceed with in-person learning beginning August 17. Superintendent Melanie Andrews said there are ongoing discussions about the return to school plan as they continue to make adjustments based on Illinois Department of Public Health and Illinois State Board of Education guidance.
The board of education and district staff continue to work closely with the Jefferson County Health Department and other agencies to return to school in a safe manner for all.
Any changes to any school’s plans would be immediately communicated to staff, parents, students, and the community.