Livingston Teachers ‘On Deck’ For Vaccines Long Enough, BOE Says

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Teachers and school staff have been in the “on deck circle” for COVID-19 vaccinations long enough, Livingston Board of Education members say.

During their Monday meeting, the school board unanimously passed a resolution that urges Gov. Phil Murphy to include school staff on the state’s vaccination eligibility list.

Speaking prior to the board’s vote, Superintendent Matthew Block supported the idea of opening the eligibility list to school staff. He added that it may give them more confidence to return to classrooms, an issue the district has struggled with during the pandemic.

• See related article: Coronavirus 'Seriously Impacting' Staffing In Livingston Schools

“I think it will make a very big difference – and this is just an opinion – when our teachers will be able to get vaccinated,” Block said.

“The teachers have been on deck now for about three weeks, and we’re ready to be at the plate,” Block added, referring a metaphor that Gov. Murphy made in January.

• See related article: NJ Issues New COVID Vaccine Priority List; Teachers 'On Deck'
• See related article: COVID Vaccines In Essex County (Where, How To Get A Shot)

The symbolic resolution can be seen below. Watch a video of the board’s Feb. 8 meeting here.

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING GOVERNOR MURPHY TO INCLUDE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL IN THE OFFICIAL EXPERT VACCINE ALLOTMENT PANEL’S DEFINITION OF FRONTLINE WORKERS

WHEREAS, the Livingston Board of Education recognizes that the United States, the State of New Jersey and local health authorities, as well as the World Health Organization, have declared a public health emergency regarding the Coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the federal and state authorities have put in place guidance detailing the precautionary measures schools must implement to stop its spread of this disease; and

WHEREAS, public schools have a profound impact on millions of students, families and staff and are charged with the care, education, nourishment of their students and are an integral part of the health and safety of our communities; and

WHEREAS, our district has responded to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing students and staff members with the technology and resources necessary to ensure the efficient delivery of instruction, virtually and in-person; and

WHEREAS, the board has a substantial public interest in protecting the health and safety of its students, staff, and community and ensuring that the district can provide staff and students with a safe and effective educational environment that supports student achievement; and

WHEREAS, the board recognizes that this health emergency made it necessary to close schools and reinvent and deliver the educational programs in a virtual setting and that this may have an adverse impact on student achievement and the emotional and social wellbeing of students; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 Vaccination Plan published by the State of New Jersey Department of Health (December 15, 2020, pgs. 36-37) prioritizes the availability of vaccines to “essential workers” in Phase 1B of the vaccine protocol; and

WHEREAS, school district staff at all levels are essential to the day-to-day operations of this district, responsible for the thorough and efficient education of all students and their social and emotional wellbeing, are critical for virtual and in-class instruction should be considered “essential workers;”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Livingston Board of Education finds a substantial public purpose exists to request that Governor Murphy give appropriate priority in the statewide administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to all public school district personnel.

RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to each member of the 27th legislative district delegation, Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney, Governor Phil Murphy, and to the New Jersey School Boards Association.

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