State Superintendent releases statement on graduation, Superintendents seek clarity

*Editor’s Note: This story continues to develop day-by-day. Our team will catch up with local Superintendents next week to provide more details about each school district’s graduation plans.

Dr. Carmen Ayala released a statement to school districts late Wednesday, giving guidance on end of school year graduation ceremonies. 

In part, the statement read:

“In-person graduation ceremonies of any kind are not allowed at this time. This directive extends to drive-through graduation ceremonies or events where students come in small groups to the school or another location for a photo or to walk across a stage. The Governor’s extended stay-at-home order prohibits group gatherings. I join you in hoping that events can resume in person sooner rather than later, but that time is not now.”

But St. Joseph-Ogden’s Superintendent Brian Brooks and Mahomet-Seymour’s Superintendent Lindsey Hall said Thursday that the guidance provided by the state is still unclear.

Brooks said that several superintendent’s have questioned whether the statement about graduations just run the length of Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order, which currently ends on May 30 or if the statement runs through the summer months.

Working closely with 2020 graduates and their parents, Brooks said that the St. Joseph-Ogden community wants to do something more personal than a virtual graduation. Final plans for SJ-O’s graduation have not been made, but Brooks said that currently, the district is eyeing something in June. 

Mahomet-Seymour previously announced that their 2020 graduation ceremony had been moved to July 10 at Krannert, but it was always with the understanding that the uncertainty that lies ahead with social distancing guidelines may lead to the cancellation of that ceremony.

Hall said that the district has been in conversations about additional plans to honor seniors, but had not landed on anything quite yet.

“We have been discussing and pondering other plans to honor our seniors–but had not formulated a definite plan as of yet, and clearly the guidance from ISBE last evening says even drive up graduation ceremonies are not OK,” Hall said. “We do want to do something for our seniors prior to July 10, but as of now, there is nothing definite.”

Ayala’s statement continued on to say, “Schools and districts across the state have shown incredible creativity over the past few weeks. I have complete faith in your ability to honor graduates through safe, virtual ceremonies and celebrations.

“Meanwhile, it’s imperative that you continue to connect with all your students. They are missing the comfort of a structured routine. They are missing the social safety net provided by teachers and friends, who noticed if they were “down” or struggling or sad. They are missing those moments of discovery, when their academics or their extracurricular activities revealed some talent or strength they didn’t even know they had.”