Prairie Rose board tables vaccine mandate talks until after election

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on October 14, 2021.

The Prairie Rose School Division chose to table a proposed COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff and educators during Wednesday’s board meeting.

Superintendent Roger Clarke stated the proposed policy would require any adult working in the division to either show proof of vaccination or undergo regular COVID testing. The policy would not be applicable to students.

Several trustees raised concern over the fact there will be a new board voted in on Oct. 18.

“I do believe this is something that the new board should be making decisions on, not outgoing board members,” said trustee Lucille Hartz, for Ward 1.

Graeme Dennis, of Ward 3, agreed, stating, “I think it would be wise to table (the proposed vaccination policy) for now and see what the new board brings forward.”

All six PRSD trustees voted to table the motion until the new board trustees take their positions later this month.