Hearing in Suit Against ISBE, Ayala Continued to End of Month

A hearing scheduled Wednesday in Effingham County Circuit Court in the suit brought against Illinois School Superintendent Carmen Ayala was continued.

Judge Don Sheafor continued the matter to allow Dr. Ayala time to answer a written deposition in a suit brought by the Beecher City, Cowden-Herrick and Red Hill Boards of Education.

An emergency TRO granted in October restored the Beecher City and Cowden-Herrick school districts to fully recognized status, and enjoined Dr. Ayala and the State Board of Education from altering the districts' recognition status. ISBE had removed the districts' "fully recognized" status after the school boards of the districts declined to require district students to mask up.

The case is next due in court on January 31.