Education has been especially impacted by politics and the pandemic this fall. Students were back at school Wednesday without much mention of the recall election that failed with California voters. But parents were talking about it as they waited in the carpool line at Hardy Elementary School in the College Area.
The recall was a referendum on the governor’s handling of the COVID epidemic, and controversial steps like vaccine mandates for school kids.
RELATED: San Diego Unified Begins 2021-22 School Year With COVID-19 Safety Measures
The parents at Hardy were wondering whether San Diego Unified School District officials will move ahead with a mandate for vaccinations.
Robert Anguiano has a granddaughter in 5th grade and he supports vaccinations for all students who qualify.
“That way all the children will be vaccinated. They will be taken care of with a better chance of staying healthy. We grandparents won’t have to worry that they’ll end up really sick or in the hospital,” Anguiano said.
San Diego Unified has implemented aggressive COVID-19 testing protocols at its 151 campuses. The effort also includes improved air purifiers and ventilation systems, and the mask mandate requiring all students and staff to wear face coverings inside and outside classrooms, except in special circumstances.
RELATED: Schools’ Quarantine Protocols Are a Lot More Confusing Than Last Year
School Board President Richard Barrera said the district is considering a mandate to require all staff and students 12 years and older to be vaccinated.
“We are committed to making real change in a way that makes the experience of our students going forward different than it has been,” Barrera said.
The School Board is expected to discuss the vaccination requirement at its next meeting September 28th.
Meanwhile, Maria Gonzalez has a son in 4th grade at Hardy Elementary. As she waited to pick him up Wednesday for early dismissal, she said schools and society have to take strong steps.
“It’s all about herd immunity,” Gonzalez said. “That’s how we’re going to get out of this pandemic. Everyone must be vaccinated.”
