The Central Okanagan Board of Education will soon review the implications that a staff vaccine mandate could have on local schools.

In a statement, the board said its trustees were surprised to find out that each school district can mandate COVID-19 vaccination for their employees on their own, rather than it being a provincial decision. B.C. Premier John Horgan said on Oct. 7 that elected board trustees know best what含羞草研究社檚 needed in terms of mandates for their schools.

含羞草研究社淲e know that getting immunized against COVID-19 is the most important safety measure people can take to protect themselves and those around them,含羞草研究社� board of education chairperson Moyra Baxter said.

含羞草研究社淲e also know that mandating vaccines for all staff carries many implications, so as a board we must consider this important decision carefully and with a full knowledge of the potential consequences.含羞草研究社�

READ MORE: Mandatory vaccination for B.C. school staff up to boards, says B.C. premier

Educational board chairs from across the province will be meeting with the Ministry of Education to discuss these implications tomorrow, Oct. 14. SD23 superintendent and CEO Kevin Kaardal will compile a report that will detail the potential impact of a vaccine mandate on Central Okanagan staff, which will be submitted to the board of education.

含羞草研究社淪ince we provide governance for our district, we have a duty of responsibility to consider the rights of everyone in our district when making impactful decisions,含羞草研究社� Baxter said.

含羞草研究社淎s a board, we continue to prioritize the safety of all staff and students. As we discuss and consider this significant decision, we will notify our community each step of the way.含羞草研究社�

The board will be discussing the matter at tonight含羞草研究社檚 (Oct. 13) meeting.

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twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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