NEWS pages by Lauren Tao story by Zanna Ingram
A
a SHOT of
Relief
s of March 22, over 86% of staff who signed up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine have received at least one dose. Julie Boyle, USD497’s executive director of communications indicated the district believes the percent of staff vaccinated may actually be higher because not all members of staff updated the form after receiving their first dose. “The district has completed our staff vaccination prioritization plan,” Boyle said. “Staff who indicated an interest in receiving the vaccine have received at least two opportunities to schedule an appointment for their first dose.” The district asked members of staff to fill out an interest form if they were
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interested in receiving a vaccine. Based on that, four phases were created based on an equity formula that prioritized in-person staff, staff working with large groups of students and staff in racial groups at higher risk from COVID-19. “This helped us maximize the number of doses allotted to our staff and to assist [Lawrence Douglas County Public Health] with efficient vaccine distribution,” Boyle said. “The signup was voluntary. We did not require staff to share this information.” Although most staff members are on track to be fully vaccinated, the district is still taking as many COVID-19 safety measures as possible to ensure that all students and staff stay safe and healthy. “According to the CDC, the medical
• Special education teachers, paraeducators & other staff members working closely with students
• In-person & hybrid teachers • 75% of these doses are reserved for elementary-level staff
Phase 1
Phase 2
