BEACHWOOD, Ohio — Staff and some high school students in the Beachwood City Schools could soon be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of a negative coronavirus test weekly. 

What You Need To Know

  • Beachwood City Schools staff could soon be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative coronavirus test

  • Students ages 16 and over who participate in extracurricular activities could also be under the same protocols

  • The school board will discuss the policy at its meeting on Monday

  • A vote on the new policy could come on Oct. 11, according to the district superintendent

The district will begin discussions on Monday of the new protocols. 

In a video statement by Superintendent Robert Hardis, he said that students ages 16 and over who participate in extracurricular activities would be part of the vaccine or testing requirements in addition to staff. 

“This proposal has the support of the doctors who have consulted with the district throughout the pandemic,” Hardis said. 

Hardis said if the proposal has the support of the school board, it could get a vote on Oct. 11. 

Hardis cited the Food and Drug Administration’s decision to fully authorize the Pfizer vaccine for ages 16 and up for adding some students into the vaccine or testing protocols. 

“The goals of this vax or test are simple — help create the safest, healthiest community we possibly can, protect those who don’t have the choice to be vaccinated, our youngest students, anyone 11 or under, and our medically fragile students and staff” Hardis said. “ 

The district has required the use of masks in schools since the start of the school year. Hardis said he is “pleased” with how the school year has started in Beachwood. 

According to state data, the district has had relatively few COVID-19 cases, with eight cases reported among students so far this year.

 

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