The incentive program that offers high school students money if they are vaccinated has been the subject of controversy. In recent weeks, residents in Anderson School District Five have protested the program. On Tuesday night, the District Five School Board met and hundreds gathered at Glenview Middle School.
Many were there to speak out against the incentive plan. The people that spoke out in protest were a collective that ranged from a former district employee, a semi-retired doctor among others from various backgrounds. A lady named Kayla Chastain was among that group, she is a mother who has pulled her children out of the district schools. Chastain had much to say in criticism of the plan, District 5 and its Superintendent Tom Wilson. A video below shows her comments at length.
Many critics of the program describe it as a "bribe" to get students to get the vaccine. District 5 Superintendent Tom Wilson disagrees with that sentiment and has consistently reminded everyone that parental consent is required for the district's incentive.
The meeting had a heavy police presence and attendees had to pass through a metal detector and have their bags searched. Wilson said the reasons for these measures were threats were made that he described as "more than veiled". Wilson also said his personal cell number was posted on social media and he received a message he described as "radical".
Ultimately, the School Board did not vote on the incentive program. Despite the outspoken opposition that was in attendance Tuesday night, the program is still ongoing. District Five does say the current program is set to expire on Oct. 15th
