ILLINOIS — Earlier this week, state officials announced guidelines for K-12 schools to return to the classroom for the coming school year. Now, local school officials are preparing for what will be an unusual start to the coming academic year.

Some of the guidelines include required use of PPE, including facemasks, no more than 50 individuals gathering in one space, social distancing when possible, and conducting symptom screenings and temperature checks before individuals enter the school building.

Hardin County Schools Superintendent Andy Edmondson says although it won’t be a traditional start to the year, his district is doing everything they can to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Edmondson says he understands not everyone will be happy with the plan put in place in their district, but that is the new reality for this school year. He says everyone in the district helping to prepare for this school year agree on the importance of seeing the kids in school five days a week.