Putting Your Resources to Work

Micheal A. Jacoby, Ed.D., CAE , SFO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ CEO ILLINOIS ASBO

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March of 2020, nearly everyone thought that after two weeks or so, we would be back in school – an extended spring break! Well, you know the rest of the story. Some hoped for a return before the end of the school year while others were setting their sights on the fall semester. Everyone was exploring what social distancing, air quality and surface cleaning practices needed to change to make it safe for children, teachers, administrators and support staff.

During the spring, summer and into the fall school business and facility professionals were asked to roll up their sleeves and work through various scenarios for opening schools. Initially medical experts focused on how the virus could transmit on surfaces and all sorts of new cleaning protocols were explored and implemented. The search for PPE was on and supply chain issues caused serious delays that resulted in greater costs than expected. Plexiglas panels were appearing in every office area. Air quality was studied in nearly every school across the state. No one thought the focus on facilities would be so immersive, but it was.

When ESSER I emerged, the primary spending was focused on PPE and remote learning/technology according to an ASBO International study. ESSER II saw shifting of priorities to indoor air quality and learning loss. ESSER III is yet to be determined, but most of the discussion in the field surrounds spending significant resources on facility improvements and continuing air quality issues. Now the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) are embracing CDC guidelines for both unvaccinated and vaccinated students and staff to wear masks as the 2021-22 school year begins. This was a departure from what the Governor has stressed earlier saying that these are recommendations only, and

each school district could make their own decision based on local issues. But there will be more to do in the facility arena as ESSER III applications and spending come into focus these next several years.

All of this is to say, “yes the future is becoming a little clearer” and this issue of the UPDATE Magazine should help each of you get through the next season of the coming post-COVID world. Thanks to all of you for the diligent work you have done for your students and communities to date. This has been a long war against an invisible foe, but we all shall prevail in the end.