CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago Public Schools announced Friday that it will require all Board of Education employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Board of Education employees includes school-based teachers and staff, central office, regular vendors, and network employees, and all other Board employees. The requirement applies to all, unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption.
The district said the requirement will help "protect students and staff as we welcome back students full-time" on Monday, Aug. 30 for the 2021-22 school year.
“Our Chicago Public School communities deserve a safe and healthy environment that will allow our students to reach their greatest potential,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot, in a statement. “This new policy enhances the district’s comprehensive reopening plan and ensures that students and staff can confidently learn in-person. Taking this step will further our citywide vaccination efforts and build on our progress in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”
As part of this policy, all Board staff will need to submit proof of full vaccination by Oct. 15, unless they have an approved religious or medical exemption.
Additionally, employees who have not previously reported to the district that they are fully vaccinated must be tested once a week at a minimum until Oct. 15 or until proof of vaccination is submitted. Testing will continue throughout the school year for staff with a documented exemption.
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“The science is clear: higher populations of vaccinated people means better health outcomes in communities, safer places of work and public spaces,” said Interim CPS CEO Dr. José M. Torres, in a statement. “This is the right move for the greater good of our school communities and will help ensure we have a successful and healthy school year starting on Monday, August 30.”
According to available data, 78 percent of all CPS employees are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or had a vaccination scheduled as of June, while 67 percent reported being fully vaccinated. This data includes individuals who have reported their status to the district and CPS site vaccination data. Note: it may not tell a complete picture.
“As I have said all along, the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, effective, and anyone 12 and older can get it for free in Chicago,” said Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D., in a statement. “For the social and emotional well-being of our young people, they need to be in school, and the vaccine adds another layer of protection to our plan to safely re-open schools.”
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Consistent with other vaccination requirements, exemptions for employees with a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs will be available upon submission of proper documentation. Employees without an approved medical or religious exemption who are not fully vaccinated by Oct. 15 will be ineligible to work until they are fully vaccinated and provide confirmation of vaccination to CPS.
For more information about the district’s current and future efforts to vaccinate its staff, students and families, visit cps.edu/vaccinations.
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