With Texas Governor Greg Abbott announcing his initial COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, one North Texas school superintendent is pushing for teachers to be among those at the front of the line.
In his capacity as chairman of the Texas Urban Council of Superintendents, Fort Worth ISD Superintendent Kent Scribner sent a letter to Abbott, urging him to include teachers and other school personnel among those classified as frontline workers and, thus, among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
"Teachers and school site staff are among the heroes in this pandemic," says Dr. Scribner. "Our on-campus educators are at the front lines every day, interacting with students, with parents, with community."
Scribner says teachers are among the most essential workers out there.
"Every time we talk about keeping society open -- to opening up the economy -- schools are at the center of that decision," Scribner says.
Scribner wrote in his letter that even though teachers use best practices in safety protocols, they're still at a much higher risk than those who work from home or in a closed office setting.
Abbott has said the first vaccines should begin arriving in Texas the week of December 14th.
Dr. Scribner's letter to Gov. Abbott reads as follows:
Dear Governor Abbott:
In these difficult times, we are all excited to hear good news. That certainly includes the state's preliminary guidelines for the distribution of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. We appreciate the dedication and diligence of those who are working to implement these vaccinations – and that they are doing so on a greatly accelerated timeline.
However, we'd like to request an addition to the plan.
Our campus-based educators are on the front lines every day. They are teaching in person, interacting with children and other adults. And, while they are utilizing best practices in safety protocols, they are still at a much higher risk of contracting COVID than those of us who can work in a closed office setting or from home.
We, the superintendents of the Texas Urban Council, would urge you to include our teachers and principals in the initial distribution of COVID vaccine. We would also ask that this distribution be prioritized for educators who work in the cities and counties where COVID infection rates are the highest. They are public servants who are doing their very best to keep children safe and educated, and their work has lasting implications for generations of Texans to come.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Kent P. Scribner
