Dear Parent/Guardian:

Fall has arrived, and before we know it, winter will be here as well.  With winter, of course, comes the possibility of weather that impacts school.  With over 260 square miles, we have road conditions that vary greatly from one side of the district to the other. The decision to cancel classes due to weather is one of the most difficult decisions that we make at Illini Central.  This decision is based on whether or not the road conditions and/or temperatures allow for safe travel to and from school. There are times that these conditions can improve if only more time was allowed for road crews to salt and plow roads or for the temperature to rise a few degrees.  A delayed start will provide the time needed for safe conditions to exist.  

During the 2019-2020 school year, Illini Central will utilize a delayed start protocol with the goal of minimizing disruptions to our students and families.  Please review the following details and develop a plan that allows you, your student, and your family to be prepared for the possibility of a delayed start.

  • A notification call will be sent as soon as the decision to employ the delayed start protocol.

  • Local media outlets will be contacted.  

  • Social media platforms will be utilized to communicate the plan.

  • 1 1/2 hour delayed start (9:30)

  • Bus pick up 1 ½ hours after regularly scheduled pick up time.

  • No morning Pre-K; afternoon Pre-K will be in session

  • No LTEC transportation in the morning. Special Education routes will run.

  • No breakfast-a snack will be made available

  • After school activities will operate normally unless announced otherwise

  • High school classes will run on an adjusted schedule.

  • Middle school classes will run on an adjusted schedule.

  • Grade school students will report to classes and run a regular schedule as normal.  K - 2 9:45 - 10:00 morning recess will not be held.

It is our goal to insure that students can be at school and actively learning. In the past, there have been instances where the cancellation of school could have been prevented through the use of a delayed start.  Please make sure to prepare yourself for this scenario in the event we should need to enact these procedures. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Ward, superintendent at 217-482-5180.

Sincerely,

Mike Ward