By Heart of Illinois ABC

SPRINGFIELD – Several District 87 parents attended Wednesday’s board meeting to share their thoughts and concerns on some district policies.

One parent spoke out against the Illinois State Board of Education’s decision to require students to wear masks in the fall.

Others questioned the district’s focus on ethics, diversity and inclusion, asking that they change the curriculum to focus more on standard educational topics.

“We do not need (District 87) schools to teach our kids how to feel about each other or themselves based on skin color, sexual orientation or financial status,” one parent said. “All of these are conversations that should be had amongst families.”

Another parent claimed his child lost a year of education due to changes amid the pandemic, and challenged the district to find a solution.

After the meeting, superintendent Barry Reilly said he was proud of the way the district handled things during the pandemic.

“This something that none of us expected, created or had been prepared for,” Reilly said. “People quickly spring into action and we work really hard together to plan for the best with the circumstances that we have.”

The next district board meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 9.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].