The Ames Community School District is moving forward with the OSHA COVID-19 injection mandate. Employees were told that while legal challenges continue, the standard “is in effect and ACSD is required to comply.” This is according to an email from last week.
All district employees, including substitute teachers and coaches, are required to either provide proof of vaccination status or test for COVID every seven days and wear a face covering while working. Employees will receive an email asking for their status to be submitted prior to Jan. 10, 2022.
While the district acknowledges not all employees will be comfortable with the new requirements, it said it “must comply” or face penatlies for noncompliance. Employees who do not comply may face disciplinary action up to and including termination, the email states.
Those not fully vaccinated by Feb. 9 will be required to submit the weekly testing results until they reach full vaccination status. The vaccine requirement may be waived for employees for whom a vaccine is medically contraindicated, for whom medical necessity requires a delay in vaccination or those who are legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief, practice or obersvance.
Employees granted waivers, however, will still be required to provide proof of COVID testing on a weekly basis.
