Buffalo, NY (WBEN) We're about a month away from the start of the school year in New York, and there are still many open-ended issues facing districts. Among them, whether teachers should be mandated to receive the COVID vaccine.
WBEN reached out to the leader of the largest teachers union in the region and found a willingness for a vaccine mandate, with one important caveat.
Buffalo Teachers Federation President Phil Rumore says the union has no official stance on the issue, but "from what I'm hearing most teachers are comfortable with a mandate as long as they don't really have to do it, as long as they have the ability to be tested (for COVID)," says Rumore. Rumore says he's ok with what a lot of people are doing because teachers need certain vaccinations, but the COVID vaccine isn't fully approved.
Rumore says most teachers he spoke with are comfortable with getting the vaccine. "They are concerned about having COVID, especially transmitting it to younger kids. But there are teachers who have, for religious or other reasons, don't want to, and of course they'll have to wear masks. But they'll have the option of submitting results of a test that will be provided in a school setting by the nurse," notes Rumore.
Can schools be open for full time in-person learning? "September seems like it's so close but it's so far off," says Rumore. "I think we really have to take a look at what's going on. I think what's most important for the district is to have options." Rumore thinks the district needs to be prepared for any possibility, but hopes everyone can be back in school.
Rumore says such a return can be done, but it depends on what the distancing requirements will be in the classroom, and has a suggestion for Buffalo Public Schools. "I hope the district would take the opportunity to use federal money to open up additional schools, so we can have flexible class sizes," says Rumore.
The first day of classes is scheduled for September 8th.
