Prairie State Wire

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is standing against the efforts of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) to resume control of the prep sports schedule. 

The ISBE is controlled by Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration and has no influence on prep sports in the state.

Nor does Pritzker for that matter, now that the IHSA has decided to resume control of the high school sports calendar. 

The IHSA has been in battle with Pritzker since early this year when he denied the group’s request to take over sports scheduling prior to the football season. 

In the wake of Pritzker’s announcement that he would be cancelling basketball season, the IHSA yesterday determined they were better suited for the job.

“The Illinois High School Association Board of Directors made the decision today to continue with the IHSA basketball season as scheduled in 2020-21,” the IHSA said.

The IHSA noted in its decision that it was taking into account the students’ mental health, as many students are struggling with the shrinking calendars.

“Mounting challenges, from increased mental health issues among our students to a shrinking calendar that limits our ability to move sport seasons this school year, were instrumental in this decision to move forward with basketball as scheduled,” the IHSA said in a statement. “We see our students regularly leaving the state to play sports, or covertly continuing to play locally. Students can be better protected in the high school setting.”

ISBE tweeted a message from State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala, urging superintendents and principals to focus on their students’ health and safety as COVID-19 numbers have begun to rise.

“We recognize the value of sports in students’ lives and share your hope that students can return safely to play this school year,” Ayala said in the letter. “However, at this moment, we urge you to prioritize health and safety, and to returning the 1.76 million students currently learning remotely to the classroom.”

Ayala said in the letter that they are relying on superintendents and other school leaders to make the proper choices when it comes to health and safety. She said the focus should be on bringing students back to the classroom.