Local News
Rochester City School District requiring vaccination or weekly COVID-19 testing for employees
By 
Editor
Rochester, New York — According to officials, the Rochester City School District will require employees to be vaccinated, or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing for the upcoming school year.
“The safety of our students, staff, and school community is one of our highest priorities as we prepare to begin the new school year. To ensure the safety of all who enter RCSD schools and facilities, we are requiring all RCSD staff to take a weekly COVID test beginning the week of September 6, 2021,” the letter read. “Vaccinated staff who voluntarily present confirmation of their vaccination status by Friday, September 3, 2021, will not be required to participate in the weekly COVID testing. Staff who present confirmation after this date will continue to test until their status is confirmed by our office.”
If vaccination is not verified, staff members will be required to take their COVID-19 test outside the staff member’s work hours, according to the letter.
According to officials, any employee may have their test taken at a local Walgreens Pharmacy for free, and the participating Walgreens stores will “ensure” data is submitted directly to the district upon completion.
Rochester Teachers Association President issued the following statement to district employees Wednesday:
“Earlier today you received a communication from the District notifying you about the District’s policy regarding weekly testing of RCSD employees who are not able to demonstrate proof of COVID-19 vaccination. It represents an attempt to balance individual rights with our collective responsibility to help ensure greater safety for all.
We recognize that there are lots of unanswered questions as well as details that are yet to be worked out and clarified. That is we have requested to formally negotiate the impact of the new policy on the terms and conditions of work for our members. The District has already agreed to such Impact Bargaining and the negotiations sessions are scheduled to begin this Friday.
We will keep you informed about the progress of our efforts on your behalf. Meanwhile, please feel free to contact us if you have specific questions or concerns about aspects of the District’s new policy.“
-
Local News2 weeks agoThe people of Rochester come together to honor Reverend Iris J. Banister’s life and legacy
-
Local News2 weeks agoThe yearly Flower City Challenge attracts almost 2,000 participants
-
Local News2 weeks agoFormer Rochester spa owner charged with leveraging company to engage in prostitution around WNY
-
New York2 weeks ago$10 million allocated to improve New York State’s falling reading levels
-
Local News1 week agoRochester Board of Education vice president under investigation for alleged threat
-
Local News1 week agoAt the age of 100, Rochester area educator Dr. Alice Holloway Young passes away
-
Local News1 week agoAfter a traffic stop, DA Doorley is being investigated by the Monroe County Office of Public Integrity
-
Local News1 week agoFollowing sponsor rejection, millions of dollars are put on hold for community organizations in Rochester