Full in-person school planned for Sycamore next year, doctor note opt-out option for those at COVID-19 risk, officials say

SYCAMORE – All Sycamore students will be identified as in-person learners for the 2021-22 school year unless they opt out of in-person school because of COVID-19 health risks with a form signed by a health care professional, according to fall plans outlined by district officials.

The plan was discussed during the most recent Sycamore School District 427 board meeting.

Superintendent Steve Wilder said that there will be a form required to be filled out by a health care professional and returned if the student or a member of the household is at severe risk if COVID-19 is contracted.

“We will have a full return to learn in the fall, and at this point in our planning, all students will be identified as in-person learners,” Wilder said. “Filling out the form will permit that student to become a remote learner for mental or medical health reasons.”

During the board meeting, four school board members were sworn into office, including three who will serve another term.

Three of the board members were reelected for a four-year term: Jim Dombek, Eric Jones and James Chyllo. Jeff Jacobson chose not to run for reelection. His seat has been filled by Michael DeVito, who was elected during the April 6 consolidated election via write-in ballots.

The elected officers remain the same: Jim Dombek as president, Steve Nelson as vice president and Kris Wrenn as secretary.

“Especially during the pandemic, it’s important to have consistency and leadership,” Wilder said. “All four of the board members sworn into office on Tuesday evening have varying levels of familiarity with the school district. They’re all very invested in the community and our schools. I’m excited to work with together with them and continue moving the school district forward.”

The school board also discussed the high number of students and staff that have been in quarantine due to close contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19.

The next Sycamore school board meeting will be held 7 p.m. May 11 in the sixth grade ELA at Sycamore Middle School, 150 Maplewood Drive. The meeting will not be livestreamed, but a recording of the meeting will be posted on the school’s website.