Melrose Teachers President: Vaccine Is Good, But 'Not A Panacea'

MELROSE, MA — The teachers' union president said getting educators vaccinated is an important step in the right direction, but COVID-19 precautions — including maintaining 6 feet of distance in the classroom — must remain to keep everyone safe.

Melrose Education Association President Lisa Donovan said in a statement Thursday the vaccine will help safely get teachers back in the classroom, but it doesn't represent suddenly fix teaching during a pandemic.

"Melrose educators have always wanted nothing more than to be safely in person with our students," the statement said. "The vaccine gets us one step closer to that reality. However, the vaccine is not a panacea."

Donovan said other COVID-19 protocols must remain, citing the threat of new variants. Those include maintaining 6 feet of social distance, which could potentially limit how many students are able to get back in class.

Superintendent Julie Kukenberger told Patch early last week that the district is still operating under 6 feet of distance as it works to bring students back. Moving to 3 feet of distance would take more data and conversations with the union, as well as possibly new safety protocols.

Donovan's statement came one day after Gov. Charlie Baker announced teachers would be able to book vaccination appointments beginning this week. Baker's announcement followed pressure from President Biden nationally and lawmakers locally to get teachers vaccinated so in-person learning can resume five days a week.

You can read the full MEA statement below:

Melrose educators have always wanted nothing more than to be safely in person with our students. The vaccine gets us one step closer to that reality. However, the vaccine is not a panacea. All of our other protocols in place for mitigating the risk of contracting COVID-19 are helping to keep transmission rates down and must continue, especially with the new variants that are out there. Even after all educators are vaccinated, our students will not be vaccinated. Continuing our protocols of six feet of distance, mask wearing, hand sanitizing, and staying home when you are not feeling well all need to be kept in place in order to protect our students, their families, and the Melrose Community. The Melrose Education Association (MEA) wants to thank our Melrose Community for the support that has been shown for our educators. We have embarked on this journey together and will be stronger for the experience. Students have been incredibly positive and adaptive. Caregivers have attended two MEA Educator/Parent Forums to collaborate with educators to make this year as meaningful and manageable as possible for everyone. The outpouring of support from students and caregivers alike on the Lynn Fells Parkway prior to the February break was amazing and so appreciated. It was just the energizing boost that everyone needed.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.