By Mike Sandrolini
For the ELMHURST independent
For a period of time last week, Timothy Christian School had its recognition status revoked by the Illinois State Board of Education for what the ISBE said was the school’s noncompliance with Gov. JB Pritzker’s mask mandate for Pre-K through 12 public and private schools issued Aug. 4.
However, the ISBE reinstated the schools’ recognition status in a letter emailed to Timothy Superintendent Matt Davidson on Friday, Aug. 13, after Timothy fully agreed to update its health plan and comply with the mask mandate.
“Thank you for providing the requested evidence on Aug. 12, 2021, demonstrating that Timothy Christian Schools are now in compliance with the universal masking requirements set forth in Executive Order 2021-18,” the letter stated. “Effective immediately, the recognition status of both schools has been reinstated. Please be aware that ISBE will continue to investigate any received complaints of noncompliance. If we determine that the schools are no longer in compliance with the mandate, both schools will be returned to ‘nonrecognized’ status.”
“I’m pleased with this anticipated outcome and appreciate the prompt response from ISBE,” Davidson said in a statement released Friday. “For the glory of God, it’s going to be a great year for Timothy Christian Schools … actually it’s going to be our best year yet. I believe this can be true for all schools in Illinois.”
Davidson said Timothy Christian Schools—which has a high school, middle school and elementary school in Elmhurst—represent more than 1,200 students of diverse backgrounds from 650 homes and more than 60 towns and villages in multiple counties. More than 250 churches also are represented at the school, he said.
In a video released Wednesday, Aug. 11, Davidson said he and the Timothy Christian school board, after taking “a prayerful and very methodical approach,” determined that “our goal is to stick with the Timothy health plan, and thus remain mask optional.”
“This isn’t an act of defiance,” Davidson said in the video. “We’re not puffing our chests out; we’re not ramping up for some big fight. … We’re not making any statement. We’re simply going to explore this further for the next few weeks—maybe longer—but we’re going to turn over every stone.
“We’re going to observe what happens over the next few weeks on this issue as most schools start before us (Timothy starts school Aug. 25), but ultimately, we’re going to reach a conclusion on the legality of the announcement from the governor, especially as a private, faith-based, religious educational institution.”
The ISBE, however, sent a letter via email to Davidson and Timothy Christian shortly thereafter, stating that it was removing Timothy’s status as a recognized nonpublic school, effective immediately. The letter was signed by Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, state superintendent of education.
“Per our discussion on Aug. 11, 2021, you (meaning Davidson) declined to affirm that your schools will comply with the universal masking requirements set forth in Executive Order 2021-18,” the ISBE letter stated. “In a publicly disseminated video, you also stated that your school will not comply with the requirements of the Order. These requirements apply to all public and nonpublic schools serving any of the grades pre-K through 12, without exception.”
Losing recognition status would have meant graduating seniors’ diplomas would not be recognized by the ISBE. Furthermore, students would not have been eligible to participate in Illinois High School Association (IHSA) sanctioned sports and Illinois Elementary School Association sports. Additionally, Timothy Christian, its families and students would not have been able to participate in the Invest in Kids Act tax scholarship program subject to regulations set by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
In a news release dated Thursday, Aug. 12, Timothy Christian clarified the situation surrounding the ISBE’s revocation of its recognition status, insisting Timothy never stated it would not comply with the universal mask requirement in the governor’s executive order.
“Timothy is puzzled by the ISBE’s claim that it received a complaint and is troubled by ISBE’s harsh action of immediate revocation of recognition, especially because the first day of school is not until Aug. 25 and the school never announced that it would be noncompliant,” the news release stated.
“Nevertheless, based on the current situation, Timothy has determined it will follow the executive order, and see one another’s unmasked faces outside. In the meantime, staff is preparing for the start of school and looking forward to welcoming all students with record enrollment.”
The news release also noted “the school’s position is that it cannot allow such significant consequences as outlined by ISBE to adversely impact its students. Many high school students are looking forward to IHSA athletics and other activities; many are counting on college scholarships and opportunities; many of its families are receiving much-needed scholarship money from the Invest in Kids Act (which is unique to private schools); and in a pre-K-12 school, children should not be used as leverage.
“Timothy made a schoolwide commitment to its community that it would use the two weeks before school starts to look more closely at the issue of universal masking in schools, and its impact on Timothy specifically. The intent prior to the first day of school was to spend the time to gain understanding of the executive order, the timing of its expiration, enforcement, and available legal options.
“In essence, Timothy was doing its ‘due diligence’ for its constituents. Timothy made it clear in written and video messaging that it would not support outright defiance if it hit a dead end. That would not align with Timothy’s mission and values.”
“We will start school on Aug. 25 united,” Davidson said. “We will love and respect each other. I’m certain of it. … It’s time to start school!”
