As part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 has received grant funds administered through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund. The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Fund was authorized to provide states with funding to support the nation's schools in safely reopening and sustaining safe operations of schools while meeting the academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs of students resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  

In late July 2021 we released our Safe Return to School Continuity Plan, describing how WPS60 will provide the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services for all schools. The plan was built based on feedback we received on our initial ESSER community surveys, COVID Health and Safety policy updates, and feedback received during a public hearing. In December 2021 we asked stakeholders to assist us by providing additional input and feedback on the plan, through a survey. We also received feedback from Board of Education and community member comments during public board meetings, and input from the District’s Pandemic Preparedness Planning Team. A 6-month review of our Plan is required by statute. 

While the base plan does not change, revisions can be made based upon stakeholder feedback. Attached you can find the results of that survey. The document includes summaries of Formative comments and Qualitative comments, as well as recommended actions. On slide 15 you can find recommended actions and strategies. Those strategies are also listed below. 

- Nurses will get trained in contact tracing from Johns Hopkins and will implement it at the school level, if they have not already done so
- Start COVID “Test To Stay” Program for students and staff
- Expand PPE Offerings in classrooms with disinfectant and face masks
- Summer School offerings will continue as planned, unless otherwise restricted due to COVID
- Four (4) additional Culture and Climate Specialists at the High School
- Increased long term and day-to-day substitute daily rates of pay
- Created Attendance Incentive Program for day-to-day substitutes
- COVID-related Board Policies and procedures are currently under review based on recent changes to public health guidance. Proposed changes will be presented in a public Board meeting for a first reading and comments prior to being finalized 
- Continue collaboration with Collective Bargaining Units