Our grass routes organization started with a focus on the TRIAD school district and has quickly expanded across Madison County. We now have groups in TRIAD, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Bethalto, Granite City, Highland, and more. Each of these groups has hundreds – some nearly a thousand fellow parents just like you who have chosen to #SpeakForStudents.
Today we are asking you to take action and reach out to your Madison County Board Member and let them know you support parent choice!
The CDC put out guidance Friday for K-12 education, which IDPH and Illinois State Board of Education adopted. As an organization, we feel this guidance only solidifies that each district has local control and can #BeBold and give parents a choice to un-mask their children. Unfortunately, some districts feel the guidance does not give them that authority.
Although these organizations (CDC, IDPH, & ISBE) have failed to respect each parent’s individual choice – our leaders in Madison County have heard your voice.
This weekend I heard from Madison County Chairman Kurt Prenzler. Chairman Prenzler advised me the Madison County Board (29 members) also serves as the County Board of Health. Chairman Prenzler said that he and a number of county board members have been getting phone calls from parents who want masks to be optional (not required) this fall. Chairman Prenzler assured me Madison County Board Members would certainly be focused on the issue this week.
We must continue to rally our local school boards – however, action taken by the County Board – as the governing body of the County Health Department could have a direct impact on every school in Madison County.
Madison County Board Member Stacey Pace, who represents a portion of Troy, IL, and the TRIAD school district, has been involved in this grassroots initiative since its inception. Stacey has worked tirelessly to advocate for parent choice as we have communicated almost daily on how to navigate these waters.
I want to thank Ryan, and every parent, who has engaged in this effort. It is important that each of us speak up in support of our individual freedoms and promote what we believe is best for our children.
Please reach out to your Madison County Board Member and ask them to #BeBold and protect the rights of every parent, student, teacher, faculty, and staff member by giving them an individual choice in masking, vaccinations, and authority over their health.