Proof of Vaccination deadline paused for SD8 staff, contractors
By The Nelson Daily Staff
Kootenay Lake School Board of Education has decided to pause its Proof of Vaccination mandate for staff and contractors.
In a media release Tuesday, the SD8 Board of Education said Superintendent Trish Smillie has been directed to pause the Proof of Vaccination Regarding COVID-19 Administrative Procedure pending further changes to public health orders and further information from BC Public School Employers’ Association (BCPSEA).
The decision was made during Monday’s board meeting.
“This decision allows our board more time to consider evolving COVID-19 data and changes to public health directives expected in the coming days and weeks,” said Board Chair Lenora Trenaman in the media release.
SD8 Board of Education said the decision means unvaccinated SD8 staff and contractors no longer face a deadline after which unpaid leaves or rapid testing are required.
The media release said all SD8 staff and contractors can continue to work as they normally would, in keeping with provincial and federal health and safety guidelines.
This announcement follows a Board of Education decision on March 3 to extend the implementation date of the vaccine mandate by a month, from March 11 to April 11.
“Our staff and contractors will continue to work together every day to ensure our students thrive, and our families and school communities are healthy and supported,” said Superintendent Trish Smillie.
The Board said it could bring the Administrative Procedure back into effect at a later date, or remove it entirely depending upon future changes to provincial health orders and directives.
The purpose of the Proof of Vaccination Procedure is to safeguard the health and safety of employees and students from COVID-19.
