On March 19, 2021, the TDSB's Director of Education sent the following letter to Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, the Toronto Central LHIN and local health partners about the urgency of prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for education workers in our Board. 

Re: Urgent Request for COVID-19 Vaccinations of Education Workers

I am writing to you today with an urgent request with regard to COVID-19 vaccinations of education workers at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).

As the City of Toronto is the area of highest incidence with regard to COVID-19 cases in Ontario and education workers having been named as part of Phase 2 of the Province’s vaccine distribution implementation plan, we are requesting that education workers at the TDSB be vaccinated at the earliest possible opportunity.

As the March Break has been delayed until the week of April 12, 2021 this year, we believe vaccinations would be best timed to coincide with this period (Saturday, April 10 to Sunday, April 18). This would maximize the number of education workers who wish to be vaccinated during this period, to be able to do so, while also allowing for a more timely and straightforward process given all schools will be empty. Providing greater access for education workers to receive the vaccine will demonstrate support of our employees and also minimize challenges that can be created when larger numbers of staff must be absent from work. We want to provide every opportunity for education workers to receive the vaccine. We also ask for the strongest possible consideration with regard to the vaccination of staff who work in our congregated school settings. We believe these staff, who work closely with students with complex medical needs, should be vaccinated as soon as possible during Phase 1 of the vaccine distribution implementation plan to ensure we are supporting the health and well-being of them and the students they serve.

We are committed to supporting local health partners in any way we can to help facilitate these requests, including making TDSB schools and/or buildings available for use as vaccination hubs for staff, so that access to vaccinations can be maximized without creating strain on already existing sites.

Please share with any other hospital contacts who may assist in furthering this request. I look forward to discussing this opportunity at your earliest convenience. In the meantime, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Karen Falconer
Director of Education, Interim

Read letter as a PDF