February 6, 2022
Dear RCCU1 Staff & Families,
Many of you are aware of a court ruling from Sangamon County that came out late in the day on
Friday, February 4th. This court ruling issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) for students
and staff members that challenged some of the state-mandated COVID-19 mitigations including
the mask mandate, quarantine orders, and testing requirements.
Throughout the pandemic, many people have developed strongly held beliefs for and against
the orders that have been put in place. Well-meaning people have vigorously disagreed on what
is the best approach to take in K-12 schools. As things stand right now, the defendants in the
case from Sangamon County have filed an appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court and a ruling will
be handed down by February 17th, if not sooner. This ruling will largely settle the matter for
RCCU1.
The question in many people’s mind right now is what does this mean for students and staff in
our school district? The answer is that our school district was not part of the lawsuit, so until the
Appellate Court ruling comes out RCCU1 will maintain its current plan. This includes universal
masking indoors while at school and on buses and quarantine orders. The reasons for this
decision are outlined below.
1) The current plan is a board adopted plan that cannot simply be changed without formal
action taken by the board of education. Those districts in our area that have already
changed their plan are either named in the lawsuit and subject to the TRO or their school
boards have previously adopted a change to their plan
2) The Appellate Court ruling will be out by the time of the next regularly scheduled board
meeting on February 17th, so any changes that need to be made to the plan can be done
with full knowledge of all of the implications.
3) This topic will be on the board agenda for February 17th and the board will make a
decision then.
This has been an emotionally charged topic but we ask that you be patient for a little while
longer as the appeals process unfolds. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we continue
to make the health and safety of our students and staff a priority.
Sincerely,
Chris A. Simpson
Superintendent of Schools
School is canceled for Friday, February 4 due to poor weather and road conditions. Be safe!
No school on Thursday, February 3. Stay safe!
RCES Pre-K Screenings for next school year, 2022-2023 are being scheduled now. To schedule an appointment, contact Jennifer Fancher at 618-395-8540, ext. 1600.
The Richland County School District is amending the 2021-2022 school calendar. There will be no school on Wednesday, November 24th with a 2:00 pm dismissal on Tuesday, November 23rd. This school day will be added to the end of the school year. The last day of the 2021-2022 school year will be Thursday, May 26th.
The RCCU1 special board of education meeting on Wednesday, November 3 at 5:00 pm will not be live streamed due to a large portion of the meeting being conducted in closed session.
Fall Kids Mall Pick Up Shopping Days - August 6-7, 2021.
Registration begins July 6th thru July 18th. Forms will be posted on Facebook and School website
School dismisses one hour early on Thursday, June 3rd. Have a great summer!
The RCCU1 Board of Education is reviewing the name of the theater of the newly renovated Richland County High School. During the renovation, the classitorium was razed and replaced with a smaller theater. A board committee will accept public comments about a possible name for the theater. Comments will be accepted online at https://forms.gle/WqZqNqTdo5nPrSBv7 until June 11, 2021.
No school for all students on Monday, May 17, 2021 for a remote learning planning day.
No school for all in-person and remote students on May 17, 2021 for a remote learning planning day.
We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket. Download the app on Android: https://bit.ly/36U3M7A or iPhone: https://apple.co/2LuGMnU.
Message from the Superintendent
https://youtu.be/U_8MESAAcSo
RCCU #1 schools will dismiss one hour early on April 1, 2021 (RCES - 1:00; RCMS - 1:05; 12:45 - RCHS). No school on Friday, April 2 and Monday, April 5, 2021 for Easter/Spring Break.
We're thrilled to announce Richland County Community Unit School District #1's new app! It's everything RCCU #1, in your pocket. Download the app on Android: https://bit.ly/36U3M7A or iPhone: https://apple.co/2LuGMnU.
RCCU#1 schools will dismiss one hour early on Thursday, April 1, 2021 (RCES - 1:00 p.m., RCMS - 1:05 p.m., RCHS - 12:45 p.m.). No school on Friday, April 2 & Monday, April 5 for Easter/Spring Break.
2021-22 School Calendar
Press Release for March 20th Football Game vs Marshall
