COVID cases are on the rise — again. And, expectedly, so, too, is concern. The timing couldn’t be worse for parents who soon will be sending off to school their unvaccinated children.
The region’s education leaders are in a tricky situation. There is little taste for another year of hybrid or at-home learning. Some parents and elected board directors are opposed to universal masking of kids within school buildings during the school day (a bewildering resistance in the face of advice from health officials). Keeping staff and students healthy will be an uphill battle.
An obvious foothold on that hill is vaccination.
National reports indicate that the vast majority of teachers have voluntarily rolled up their sleeves for a COVID-19 vaccine. The percentage being bandied about is 90, though how reliable that number is, we cannot be certain.
The president of Western Pennsylvania’s largest school district, Pittsburgh Public Schools, went on the record with her belief that 100% of school staff should be vaccinated. Of course, barring medical or religious objections, Nina Esposito-Visgitis is correct. The goal should be 100%.
But, administrators at PPS and across the state are clearly hesitant to issue a vaccine mandate. It’s a certain reflection of recognition that the matter is one that should be hammered out with unionized staff.
Ideally, a mandate shouldn’t be necessary. Union leaders across the state should follow the lead of Ms. Esposito-Visgitis and state clearly their support for across-the-board vaccination. Then membership should rally around their leaders — for the sake of their own health, students’ health and labor unity.
On Thursday, the National Education Association announced its support for mandatory vaccinations and testing for school employees. The Pennsylvania State Education Association, an affiliate of the NEA and the largest teachers union in the state, stopped short of endorsing a mandate, but encouraged all of its members who are able to get vaccinated. Since Gov. Tom Wolf has not called for mandates on vaccines or mask wearing in schools, the union said school districts should work with PSEA’s local leaders to collaborate on policies that make sense for the individual district.
With its outsize influence, PPS could show everyone how it’s done. The union and administrators should carve out some time (it shouldn’t take long) as well as the terms for getting all teachers vaccinated (except for those with medical or religious concerns).
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association has advised boards that employers can legally mandate vaccination (with some exceptions.) It may be legal, but any mandate should be worked out with the unions if for no other reason than to avoid any potential for costly legal battles — battles that ultimately would be paid for by taxpayers. And, again, better than a mandate, how about a consensus? The clock is ticking. This should be top priority for all school districts in Pennsylvania.
Everyone is on the same team. There is no us and them in this matter. The same outcomes are desired by all: the safest environment possible for students and staff.
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS
