Red Deer school jurisdictions have yet to put in place vaccination policies for staff and parents.
In an October letter to all school authorities, Education Minister Adriana LaGrange and Health Minister Jason Copping encouraged authorities to develop policies that require proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test for adults.
A school authority cannot deny students access to education due to immunization status.
On Sept. 30, Premier Jason Kenney announced that government of Alberta employees were required to submit proof of vaccination, or provide a negative PCR, or rapid testing result, at their own cost. He also encouraged all public employers, and specifically school authorities, to introduce similar policies.
Related:
Date to be determined for Red Deer school board to consider vaccination policy
Red Deer Public Schools will hold a special meeting to consider a draft policy regarding temporary vaccination or rapid tests for COVID-19 for staff. A date for the meeting has yet to be determined.
The draft was originally scheduled to go before the school board on Nov. 10, but was deferred to ensure there is enough time to look at the draft policy in depth.
The school board approved a motion on Oct. 28 requesting the superintendent develop the draft policy.
Related:
Red Deer Polytechnic not among post-secondary schools introducing vaccine mandate
On Oct. 26, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools trustees unanimously passed a motion to indefinitely postpone a decision regarding the vaccination and rapid screening program.
The superintendent was also directed to gather information to answer several questions trustees raised at the meeting and report back to the board on Nov. 30. The board wanted information about exemption requests, discretionary leave, testing outside of assignable/instructional time, appeal process, supply of tests, insurance, and more.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter