Board Members for the School District of Lancaster unanimously passed a resolution to mandate SARS / Coronavirus 2 testing for employees who do not submit proof of vaccination.

A total of two people spoke during the meeting’s public comment period. Leira Colon, a School District of Lancaster Employee said, “For me, it’s so frustrating that somebody tells me what I need to do with my body.”

“15 of those teachers would immediately resign their position, so I would hope you take into consideration that piece alone,” said Jason Molloy, Lancaster Education Association President.

The Lancaster Education Association President said the organization surveyed teaching staff across the district, and 93 respondents said they would seek other employment if the vaccination and testing requirements passed. However, school board members said those employees were the minority, and the vast majority support the resolution’s passage.

That resolution specifies employees will be tested up to two times per week unless they submit proof of vaccination. The testing methodology will be determined by the district administration to be implemented immediately.

District administrators will also contact “Shultz and Faithful,” the transportation providers for their schools, to review their employee vaccination and testing strategies and encourage conformity with the district's actions.

“People rejecting a testing or vaccine plan is rejecting our chances to have in person learning and to keep in person learning safe. It is rejecting children's safety and our community’s safety,” said David Parry, Ph.D., a School District of Lancaster Board Member.

“Without having full vaccination, the best way for us to make sure that COVID is not being brought in to our schools is to test people,” said School District of Lancaster Board President Edith Gallagher, Ph.D.

The district will also engage in bargaining with the Lancaster Education Association and local unions regarding the impact of the resolution.