RC Superintendent Tidbits
By: Mark Otten
It is finally time to start talking about a COVID-19 vaccine becoming a reality in Rock County. This is a sensitive subject for some so I am writing this with my opinions and not necessarily the opinion of the school district. I do not plan to get political or too controversial in this article but I also want to be respectful of individual beliefs.
Rock County Public Schools will be providing a list of employees, including active substitutes, to the health department when it comes to getting vaccines. We will only be providing names of current employees as well as substitutes who have subbed for us this school year. With the limited number of doses available, I would not feel good about asking for doses for people who have not been actively subbing in the district this year. It is not that I do not appreciate our subs who have opted out of subbing this year, I just feel it is important for everyone currently working in schools to be able to receive the vaccine, if they choose to do so. As of this time, I have not been informed of a timeline to get our staff vaccinated but I have been told we will be in the 1B group.
I also want to address a question I have heard from some people in the district since the vaccine has become more “real” to us. I have been asked if we will still be required to wear masks once we get the vaccine. The answer in the short term is yes. I have been informed by the North Central District Health Department that masks will still be required for our employees after receiving the vaccination but they are discussing and considering options for changing this as more people get the vaccination.
Rock County Public Schools and myself personally would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. We have so much to be thankful for and now is a great time to recognize that. I need to put a special thank you out to all students, staff, parents, community members, and board members for working to keep our kids in the buildings and allow us to build relationships with them as a staff. Happy Holidays!!!