On October 5, 2021, the Ministers of Education and Health sent a letter to all school boards, requesting we develop and implement policies that require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for any adult who enters a school, including teachers, staff and parents but excluding students.

Black Gold School Division acknowledges the Province’s request and strong recommendation, and we are in the process of consulting with our employees and contractors, and with our legal team to consider the implications of proceeding with such an action.

We have to consider the implications of possibly enacting mandatory proof-of-vaccination policies: how do we do it in a fair, equitable manner that respects the Charter rights and freedoms of staff and all adults who enter our buildings? What are the health and safety considerations? How would we manage such a decision from an operational/logistics point of view? How would we handle requests for exemptions? What other considerations are there?

The Division will be exploring these questions and more over the coming weeks. A final decision will be communicated to all staff and the school community.