BCSTA’s advocacy efforts to include K-12 staff on the COVID-19 vaccination priority list have been successful! We’re proud to have worked closely with Minister Whiteside to bring this critical layer of protection to the education sector.
Today’s announcement has brought relief across the entire education sector. On behalf of B.C.’s boards of education, I want to express gratitude to the provincial government for ensuring K-12 school staff are included in the government priority vaccination list. We are also thankful to Dr. Bonnie Henry and the provincial health office for their tireless efforts to keep British Columbians safe as well as their work with the education sector to keep schools open throughout this school year.
The pandemic has demonstrated the important role schools play in supporting a well-functioning society. K-12 staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that schools stayed open to support the students and communities we serve. They have worked tirelessly to support the mental health and well-being of students and families within their school communities. This announcement brings a much-deserved layer of protection to these essential workers who have given so much to support the students of British Columbia.
We look forward to working closely with the PHO and other education sector partners and rightsholders as we learn more details about this announcement. I hope the timing of this announcement allows for a little more peace of mind for school staff over this well-deserved spring break.
Stephanie Higginson
President, BCSTA