Class of 2020 Graduates & Families – After the disappointment and understandable frustration following Friday’s decision to cancel the BHHS Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony, I feel an explanation (as best as I can provide) is owed. First and foremost, I would like to CONGRATULATE the class of 2020 not only for their academic accomplishments throughout their K-12 career, but also in demonstrating resilience, compassion and grace in the face of these very difficult times. Please know that if there was any way that this ceremony could have been conducted safely, it would have. It broke my heart to do this, and for that, I am truly sorry. As many of you know, we were able to flawlessly celebrate the 8th Grade Class Promotion ceremony the evening before. All of the decorations were up, speeches were ready, the weather forecast was perfect and we were set to celebrate the Class of 2020! At approximately 3:00 PM, I received notification that the Macoupin Co Public Health Dept, who had approved our graduation plans, was either unable to 1) confirm notification of an order to quarantine or 2) unable to confirm quarantine status regarding multiple potential guests at our ceremony. Between the hours of 3:00 and 4:00, multiple alternatives were investigated, and ultimately the recommendation came from the MCPHD to cancel. At this point, a couple of key factors come into play. First, the district could endanger the public’s health by continuing the ceremony. Secondly, in these highly litigious times, the district could potentially be at risk for liability. Our insurance provider has communicated, as all providers covering schools throughout the state have said, to disregard public health officials’ recommendations would basically warrant our coverage null and void. So whether we feel the Coronavirus is a potentially deadly virus, or that it is overblown by the media, nothing changes the district’s obligation to 1) protect the health of our community and 2) preserve taxpayers’ interest. At the end of the day, it was a difficult decision to make, but unfortunately was the right one. We all have good reason to be upset, frustrated and angry. Hopefully not with each other, but with the situation. After all, we are in this together, and we all want to return to the “old normal” as soon as possible. As is true in all trials, silver linings can be found. Take a look at the social media accounts of these new graduates and you will see hurt and disappointment, yet they are still modeling class and understanding. We at Bunker Hill CUSD #8 love all our students, but this Class of 2020 especially should make all of us proud. Together, we will get through this, and after each day, even tough ones like Friday, we are one day closer to brighter times. Thank you again for the support, patience and partnership during this time, and the days to come. Respectfully yours, Todd Todd Dugan - Superintendent
12 months ago, Bunker Hill CUSD #8