DeKalb Times

The DeKalb School District and the nearby Sycamore and Indian Creek School districts are using many factors, including case metrics, to determine when and how in-person learning will resume.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides detailed weekly metrics by county, according to the Daily Chronicle. Ranked either minimal, moderate or substantial, the metrics look at COVID-19 test positivity rates; new cases per 100,000; new cases; and case increase in youth.

“We monitor numbers of how many have been tested and how many are confirmed,” Chad Willis, superintendent for Indian Creek, said. “We look at staff and students and see how many have it. There’s a collaboration of factors to help determine what we do, and [the IDPH metrics are] one piece of the puzzle.”

DeKalb is taking a measured attitude toward returning to in-person instruction said Ray Lechner, one of DeKalb’s interim superintendents.

“We’re looking to emphasize K-2 to start, make sure we get it down real well,” said Lechner. “We think it’s best to be successful at what we do instead of trying to get it done all at once.

Griff Powell, DeKalb’s other interim superintendent, said while the IDPH’s metrics will be taken into consideration, they will only be part of the decision-making calculation.

“I don’t think any one category would prevent us from anything, but I’m not quite sure because we haven’t crossed that bridge yet,” Powell said. “Any decision we make would be made with an abundance of caution to protect the health of our staff and students.”