Editor’s note: Noblesville Schools has called upon Gov. Eric Holcomb to prioritize vaccinations for school staff. The district sent a letter to Holcomb on Thursday, signed by Superintendent Beth Niedermeyer and all five school board members, asking Holcomb to authorize the vaccinations of employees at Noblesville Schools.
* * *
Governor Holcomb –
Thank you for your commitment to thoughtfully managing this pandemic and for your support of Indiana schools.
We know you recognize the critical importance of ensuring that our children can safely continue their education, and their access to support services, during this difficult time.
We ask you to take additional action to support and protect the continuing operation of schools by prioritizing vaccinations for our staff.
We believe we are one of only a few school districts in the state that has been able to continually serve our students in-person since August 4, 2020 thanks to the dedication of our over 1,500 teachers and support staff.
They have pushed through fears for their own health and overcome significant challenges to be present and engaged in support of students. They have also worked hard to follow safety protocols aimed at keeping schools open.
Despite this, our staffing continues to be delicately balanced and absences among any employee group (teachers, bus drivers, food personnel, custodians, principals, etc.) could quickly turn into a situation that forces us to close our buildings.
Indiana students must not fall further behind.
We take care of our staff so they can take care of our children. We urge you to authorize the vaccination of school staff now, with the goal of keeping our facilities open and operating to best serve Hoosier families.
Respectfully,
Dr. Beth Niedermeyer
Superintendent, Noblesville Schools
Dr. Joe Forgey
Board President, Noblesville Schools
Mrs. Laura Alerding
Board Vice President, Noblesville Schools
Mrs. Christi Crosser
Board Secretary, Noblesville Schools
Mrs. Lisa Sobek
Board Member, Noblesville Schools
Mrs. Stephanie Lambert
Board Member, Noblesville Schools