Story and photo by Bruce Kropp
The Salem Grade School Board heard from about a dozen parents at Thursday night’s meeting that the masking mandate to be lifted. However, the board took no vote to make changes after hearing from school attorney Brandon Wright that the courts have already ruled for Governor JB Pritzker on the masking issue.
“He’s already ruled on these challenges many dozen times. Can a school district file these challenges, absolutely. Is it likely those challenges will be successful at this point, no.”
About a dozen addressed the board claiming the masks were unhealthy for students to wear and hurt their education since it was difficult to hear and speak through them.
Superintendent Dr. Leslie Foppe told several dozen at the meeting she was frustrated as well that local control had been lost on the issue.
“I understand and I feel the frustration. I’ve never felt so pressured in my whole career as superintendent to do the right thing. They have tied our hands. And I want you to contact our legislature and governor’s office.”
One parent, Lane Whisenant, began yelling at the school board at the end of the meeting that they had promised to address the issues brought up in the public session later in the meeting but never did. Instead, he said the board let their attorney talk for them.
“I’m willing to stand for the kids because right now this has nothing to do with the kids anymore. That man just gave you guys the recommendation to just bow down. And literally, that’s what is happening. The governor does not have the authority.”
At times the school members asked for a chance to respond, but Whisenant continued the belittling for about 20 minutes before another parent in the group brought it to the end.
School Resource Officer Ryan Meador was in attendance to make sure things didn’t get out of control but was never called upon to take action.
