School District No. 57 (SD57) is asking for school-based staff to be prioritized in the province’s COVID-19 vaccination roll-out.
At tonight’s meeting (March 16), the board approved a letter addressed to Health Minister Adrian Dix and Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside advocating for school-based staff to be included in the priority groups currently able to access vaccinations during Phase Two of B.C.'s Immunization Plan.
“We recognize our school-based staff contribute to a strong and healthy provincial recovery and we ask they be included as priority groups,” said Trustee Tim Bennett.
The B.C. School Trustees Association (BCSTA) has also been advocating that public education workers be prioritized in the province’s immunization plan.
“School staff are essential to maintaining the functionality of a critical sector that supports our society and economy. They are also responsible for supporting the general health and mental well-being of students,” says BCSTA president Stephanie Higgins in a letter to Ministers Dix and Whiteside.
“While the current safety precautions have proven to be effective in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in schools, this measure would add an additional layer of protection to keep schools as safe as possible.”
Trustee Sharel Warrington said she strongly supports SD57 adding its voice to the BCSTA advocacy.
"Given that our teachers and educators are frontline workers and they are the ones that we count on to be present in our classrooms to be role models and examples for our students they do need our support."
SD57 Vice-Chair Shuirose Valimohamed noted this prioritization would not just benefit teachers but also custodians, CUPE workers, and anyone who helps with student learning in school buildings.
“This is a no-brainer,” added Trustee Ron Polillo.
“As a board, we are showing our strong support for all of our school-based staff this is important and they should be in the queue and should be vaccinated in the same way as healthcare workers and first responders.”
Phase Two of B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccination plan takes place between February and April 2021 and currently includes seniors aged 80 and over, Indigenous people aged 65 and older, hospital staff, select vulnerable populations, staff in community home support and nurses caring for seniors.
