Minnesota's second-largest school district unanimously approved a motion Friday that requires all staff to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
The mandate approved by the St. Paul Public School District means staff who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to submit to regular testing.
The policy goes into effect October 15.
St. Paul Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard told the school board the cost of the program is not yet known.
“We fully understand that this resolution may cause us to have to look at all of our labor contracts with all of our groups and make the appropriate adjustments,” Gothard said. “Again, we do not want this to be something that divides us. We want this to be a way that brings us together to safely bring our staff back and bring our communities back to our school.”
Gothard also is hoping this leads as an example to others.
“I hope that this can also be seen as a way that we can lead our community in fighting COVID,” Gothard added. “And that others will, because of this, form similar policies as well. I think, for me, it is how do I keep these doors open every day? Keep our children and families and staff safe.”
Just last month St. Paul Public Schools approved a district-wide mask mandate for anyone two-years old or above, regardless of vaccination status.
