As the COVID-19 situation continues, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker has made the determination that schools across Illinois will close, we have made the decision to follow suit in the best interest of the health and safety of our staff and members.
Starting Tuesday, IEA offices in Illinois will close and remain closed until Illinois public schools reopen. IEA staff will be working from home during this time. Public health officials have determined that social distancing, along with common sense measures such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough, are some of the best ways to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.
This decision was not made lightly and it is in conjunction with other states, including Michigan. The National Education Association is doing a trial run of this on Monday and if all goes well, it may choose to do the same.
There are several things we’d like to share with you.
Please note the offices are not contaminated and are not unsafe. Our goal here is to prevent human transmission of the Coronavirus and we are taking this extraordinary measure to try and limit human interaction, as is being suggested by the Centers for Disease Control. Offices may still be entered and work may be done inside them, if it is absolutely necessary, or of a crisis nature, although we strongly encourage our staff to remain at home during the time of the school and office closings.
In addition, this is not the same as a holiday closing and staff will be working regular work hours. They may intermittently be in offices to check for mail or do other routine office duties. And, IEA Connect will be available to answer questions, if you have any, by phone at 844-432-1800, by chatting on the website in the bottom right corner or through email.
We are asking that few, if any, face-to-face meetings take place and will help you set up technology if you need to have meetings by setting up conference calls through your region offices.
Please check the COVID-19 Update Page for new information added today.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this unprecedented time. We will revisit the closure policy, as necessary.
Kathi Griffin
President
Illinois Education Association
IEA Education Support Professional Council 