The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education has been preparing for weeks to implement a policy to enforce an Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) rule regarding COVID-19 vaccinations but declined to take action at last night’s (Monday) meeting due to lingering concerns about its effectiveness. Under the proposed rule, companies or organizations with 100 or more employees must have their staff fully vaccinated. Alternatively, staff members can be tested weekly and wear a face covering if they choose to forego the shot. Superintendent, Dr. Casey Berlau, says they have two key dates to watch for: Jan. 10 and Feb. 9.
Organizations found in noncompliance could face stiff fines per violation per day. Board member, Duane Horsley, notes Iowa is one of 26 states that has adopted OSHA guidelines as the state’s default regulations, which requires Iowa employers to comply with the vaccine/testing mandate. Horsley believes the proposed rule puts an undue burden on the district’s administration, teachers and staff.
While the OSHA rule does not force vaccine uptake, it does require staff who have opted out to be tested weekly. Tests vary widely in price and availability, and the board has the option to pay for tests themselves or pass the cost on to employees. Board President, Cindy Johnson, says the rule feels like a punishment, regardless of how you look at it.
Board members also had questions on how the mandate would apply to staff members who have already recovered from COVID-19, how accommodations for medical or religious reasons would be granted, when these requirements would be lifted and more. Brett Nitschke, who is the district’s attorney, joined Monday’s meeting by telephone to answer some of these questions. The many unknowns make it difficult for him to give concrete answers, but he says school officials need to understand what OSHA is trying to achieve through this mandate.
The board did not feel comfortable moving forward with the first reading of the policy, at least not until the U.S. Supreme Court has a chance to rule on the issue. Justices are scheduled to hear oral arguments on Friday, Jan. 7. The board is tentatively scheduled for a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10 to put a policy in place if still necessary.
