A Statement from the Chair of the Board on Mandatory Vaccinations
This statement is in response to a media inquiry from the Hamilton Spectator.
The clear message that we’re hearing from public health is that additional steps need to be taken to get more people vaccinated; that’s our only way out of this pandemic as we enter the fourth wave.
Our priority at HWDSB is to ensure that our schools and workplaces remain as safe as possible for students and staff.
Nothing is off the table in terms of what we can do to advocate and raise the bar on our safety protocols. As trustees, we’re reviewing all protective measures that support safe and healthy environments.
Mandating vaccinations for all eligible students, staff and visitors in our schools would require a policy change at the provincial level.
Trustees are scheduled to meet on August 30*. Until then, we will continue to listen to public health officials, our staff, the community and families on this matter.
This discussion is important and we encourage continued public debate on mandatory vaccinations in the education sector.
Sincerely,
Dawn Danko, Chair of the Board
*Note: A Board meeting will be held on August 23, 2021.
Updated on Friday, September 24, 2021.