SD23 approves COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all staff

School District 23 has finally come to a decision on a vaccine mandate for staff.

During a meeting on Wednesday night, the Board of Education approved a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all staff of Central Okanagan Public Schools.

There was a thorough debate, the school district said, followed by an extended opportunity for public comments, and the meeting ended in a 5-2 vote in favour of the mandate.

“Central Okanagan Public Schools currently has a vaccination rate of 90% of assigned staff,” said a release from SD23.

“Senior staff will now work with the Central Okanagan Teachers' Association and CUPE Local 3523 to determine the rollout of the mandate.”

There will be options for unvaccinated staff, according to the Letters of Agreement already in place between the BC Public School Employers Association, the BCTF and the CUPE Presidents’ Council.

They will be able to continue work if they participate in a district-organized weekly COVID-19 testing program.

It also allows employees who do not wish to test to take unpaid leaves for the length of the agreement, which expires on June 30 unless extended by a mutual agreement.

“The Board of Education continues to encourage those who are eligible to get vaccinated and recognizes the public health guidance that vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness from COVID-19,” the SD23 release added.

KelownaNow will have more details on this story, including an interview with chairperson of the Board of Education Moyra Baxter, later this afternoon.