Recently masks were mandated in Illinois for schools. Our school board had already stated they were optional except for buses. Because they're public transportation, they were required. Tonight, they had an emergency meeting. I revised plan was released earlier today. It stated "strongly recommended" for school property AND on the buses! It was passed unanimously.
Most other local schools are not requiring it as well. I feel like the mandate is a test to see if they still have power over us and they clearly do not. I'm ridiculously introverted so it took a lot for me to get up there today. But I did it! I not only got applause after my speech, but during it as well! I'm so proud of myself, our community and our school board!
The area around 57/70 is heavily going masks optional. Effingham is an exception, unfortunately. Contact your board members and have a dialogue with them. Most of ours are just afraid of state retribution.
Look up Dillon's Rule and go from there. They also need to know that they have Tort immunity on their side against the mandate. Here's a link of schools that are going optional. It's a work in progress since meetings are happening everywhere, but it's definitely some inspiration! Even Rockford seems to be on the list!
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1l_B5PwWevtU1vDUuNtN29dKp2H_se2ZY&usp=sharing
We get the there threatening funding bullshit. I said well if they are at home your not getting the funding either.
Try giving them a list of schools already standing up to the tyranny. That list is growing like crazy! Derek Pearcy from Shelbyville has some great FOIA requests that show they have nothing to fear. He's on Facebook and savederek.com.