TVDSB trustees defer decisions on mandatory vaccines, COVID-19 safety to allow for public input – London

The Thames Valley School Board has postponed some COVID-19-related motions until its next board meeting on September 28, to allow time for public comment.

During a special meeting on Wednesday, September 8, the school board considered a number of motions related to vaccines, face masks and restrictions on certain indoor sports. and musical instruments due to COVID-19.

A proposal from trustee Corrine Rahman, asking the board to develop a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, trustees and frequent visitors, was withdrawn after a similar request was made. the provincial government announced a few days ago.

On Monday, a memo from Deputy Secretary of Education Nancy Naylor was sent to superintendents of education and other school authorities, requiring that unvaccinated school workers in Ontario be submit negative COVID-19 test results twice weekly.

TVDSB trustee Jake Skinner proposed that some issues be adjourned to a later date.

“We all agree that we want to be as safe as possible for our students and staff, but there are only six business days from notification of motion to review of maximum motion notice. now on.”

After hearing from several community members, Skinner said, it’s important to give the public the opportunity to provide input on these topics before they move on.

Among those delayed until the end of the month was Rahmans’ proposal to write a letter to local health officials, provincial health officials and the minister of education, “affirming that the council supported COVID-19 vaccine is added to the list of mandatory immunizations for all eligible students, following the backing of the Ontario Association of Public Schools.”

Requests for further instruction on wind instruments and contact sports have also been deferred to allow more time for community response.

TVDSB students officially returned to class at the beginning of the school year on Tuesday, after the summer break and final year of a combination of online and face-to-face learning due to COVID.

– with files by Ryan Rocca and Jacquelyn LeBel

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