When District 150 moved online in March, there were very few cases of COVID-19 in Peoria county. As of August 4, there are 1,352 positive cases and these numbers are growing every day. It is clear now that our schools are not safe for us to return to in-person instruction. 

District 150 has only guaranteed a mask along with a container of wipes and hand sanitizer for each teacher. This is a fraction of the equipment needed to keep this virus from spreading in our schools. Teachers are already underpaid and undervalued. Forcing them back to schools will cost money and for some, their lives. 

This is a case of when, not if. Our schools will have to move to remote learning and by waiting to do so, the district is risking the lives of students, staff and their loved ones. Making the move now would allow for students and educators to prepare for online learning and keep our community safe.