State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) announced today that he has been working with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) concerning the missed days of school by students in the nine counties declared a disaster area by the governor from the water main break at the Rend Lake Water Conservancy. Many schools cancelled classes for one or more days while the water crisis continued.
“I am happy to report that our efforts have been successful to permit local school districts the option to use ‘Act of God’ days if they have already used their allotted emergency days,” said Rep. Dave Severin, a member of the Appropriations-Elementary & Secondary Education Committee. “Many parents and students who are graduating have been concerned about possible problems if school is delayed from ending because they don’t meet the 180 day minimum. I want to thank the State Board and Dr. Smith for their quick decision and understanding of this emergency situation,” added Rep. Severin.
The letter to superintendents from Tony Smith, Ph.D. State Superintendent of Education reassured them that no school district will be penalized if they choose not to make up the school days missed related to the Rend Lake disaster. Schools just need to document the missed day(s) in the calendar system.
