Heights Schools Teachers, Staff Get 1st Shot Of COVID Vaccine

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Nearly 640 teachers and staff from the Heights Schools received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, the district announced.

Teachers and staff received the vaccine during a clinic at the Education Service Center of Northeast Ohio. Pharmacists from Giant Eagle administered the vaccine.

“I am thankful that CH-UH employees have been given the opportunity to receive their vaccines. The process today went smoothly thanks to the hard work of the Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio and the medical professionals who provided excellent service and care for our staff," Superintendent Elizabeth Kirby told Patch in an emailed statement.

The Heights Schools recently released their plan for a phased return to in-person learning.

Gov. Mike DeWine struck a bargain with Ohio schools at the beginning of the year — agree to reopen by March 1 and teachers and staff can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly every school district in Ohio agreed to the deal, including Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools.

Due to a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, the state won't be able to complete the vaccination process for most teachers by March 1. All faculty should receive at least the first dose of the vaccine before reopening.

The Heights Schools and Cleveland Heights Teachers Union sparred over reopening, particularly in the wake of vaccine shortages for teachers.