School District 57 Board members approved a letter advocating for education workers being prioritized in Phase 2 of BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan at last night’s (Wednesday) board meeting.
The letter addressed to BC’s Health Minister Adrian Dix and BC’s Education Minister, Jennifer Whiteside, highlights the importance of the work done by those in the education sector throughout the pandemic.
Board Chair, Trent Derrick says not only would prioritizing education workers be beneficial for the teachers, but it would also have a positive impact on students.
“By prioritizing teachers, there would be more confidence in their (students) safety and confidence in their parents as well that we’ve created the safest and the best possible work environment for their staff,” he explained.
He adds the steps taken and protocols followed in the District’s COVID-19 Safety Plan are definitely having an impact on the safety of the school community, but prioritizing teachers would add one extra layer of protection.
“They are working on the front lines for the health and safety of our students and giving them a safe place to learn so we just want to support our teachers and other staff in our district,” Derrick noted.
Meanwhile, Trustee Ron Pollilo also shared praise over the letter, adding, “they should be in the queue and should be vaccinated in the same way as healthcare workers and first responders are.”
Prince George District Teachers Association (PGDTA) President, Joanne Hapke was grateful that the letter was being moved forward.
“I think it is important that we be recognized as the frontline workers that we are,” she added.
The next meeting will be held on April 27th, all meetings are being held virtually.
The letter goes as follows:
Dear Minister Dix and Minister Whiteside:
We recognize that the Education system in British Columbia has played a large role in providing stability and a sense of normalcy to communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
In order for our school based staff to continue to contribute a strong and healthy provincial recovery we ask that they be included in the priority groups currently able to access vaccinations during Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Immunization Plan.
We encourage the Ministries of Health and Education to consider our strong support for school based staff to be included with the priority groups who are able to access vaccinations during Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Immunization Plan.
Sincerely,
Trent Derrick, Chair Board of Education