By Caitlyn Freeman
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Public Schools will require all staff to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or partake in weekly testing.
The school system announced the changes Tuesday, a little over one week before teachers return to prepare their classrooms for the upcoming school year. BCPS officials said the decision was made with the guidance of medical experts from both Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland medical as well as County Health Officer Gregory Wm. Branch.
BCPS Superintendent Darryl L. Williams said the requirement reflects the school system’s desire to maintain an environment that enable’s continuous in-person learning during the upcoming school year, which begins on Aug. 30.
“We are creating this requirement to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff during this continuing pandemic,” Williams said in a statement.
Echoing Williams’ sentiment, school system officials said union leaders who represent teachers and other school employees have supported the mandate.
“[the Teachers Association of Baltimore County’s] position continues to be a safe reopening based on the science,” said Cindy Sexton, the president of the county’s teacher’s union. “We support a vaccine mandate, and we can’t wait to see our students in our classrooms.”
Additionally, the school system said they also have the support of the Education Support Professionals of Baltimore County (ESPBC) and the Baltimore County Public Schools Organization of Professional Employees (BCPSOPE).
In addition to the vaccine requirement, BCPS will be imposing several other mitigation efforts, including physical distancing and regular COVID testing to identify cases, clusters and outbreaks.