Dear Students and Families,

As you may know, the State Board of Health (SBOH), who determines immunization requirements for students in all of Washington's K-12 schools, has been considering whether or not to require the COVID-19 vaccine for students.

Today, the SBOH voted to not require Washington's students be vaccinated against COVID-19 for school attendance.

Prior to making this decision, the State Board of Health organized a technical advisory group (TAG) made up of doctors, public health officials, school partners, and other community members. Over a series of meetings, the TAG met to understand the benefits and challenges of requiring a COVID-19 vaccination for students. In late February, the TAG concluded their work and recommended to the State Board of Health that the vaccine not be required. In today's SBOH meeting, the TAG's recommendation was reviewed and the Board agreed to not require the COVID-19 vaccine for school attendance. 

We are anticipating the current health and safety guidance from the state Department of Health will remain in place next fall. This includes providing masks to those that choose to wear one, regular cleaning and disinfecting, sharing reminders of proper hand hygiene, and physical distancing to the extent possible while ensuring a full-time in-person opportunity for all students. As a reminder, as we have learned through the pandemic, the situation with the virus could possibly evolve which may cause the guidance to change in order to provide the safest learning environment possible for our school community. 

If you have questions regarding vaccinations for your children, please speak with your health care provider. For specific questions regarding vaccinations required for school entrance, please reach out to your school nurse for assistance.

Respectfully, 

Rob Roettger, Superintendent