Chicago Public Schools is requiring its employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they qualify for a medical or religious exemption, the district announced Friday.

       Employees without an approved medical or religious exemption who are not fully vaccinated by Oct. 15 will be ineligible to work until they are fully vaccinated and provide confirmation of vaccination to CPS.

       The mandate covers all Chicago Board of Education workers, which includes school-based teachers and staff, central office, regular vendors and network employees. The announcement comes just over two weeks before CPS is set to welcome students back for full-time, in-person learning starting Aug. 30.

       Chicago Public Schools teacher Mary Caffero receives a COVID-19 vaccination at a CPS-run clinic at Chicago Vocational Career Academy in March. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

       “Our Chicago Public School communities deserve a safe and healthy environment that will allow our students to reach their greatest potential,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in a statement. “This new policy enhances the district’s comprehensive reopening plan and ensures that students and staff can confidently learn in-person. Taking this step will further our citywide vaccination efforts and build on our progress in slowing and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

       Staff members will need to submit proof of full vaccination by Oct. 15 unless they have an approved religious or medical exemption. Employees who have not previously reported to the district that they are fully vaccinated must be tested at least once a week until Oct. 15 or until proof of vaccination is submitted. Testing will continue throughout the school year for staff with a documented exemption.

       According to CPS, 78% of its employees are fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated or had a vaccination scheduled as of June, while 67% reported being fully vaccinated. This district noted its data “may not tell a complete picture.”

       “The science is clear: higher populations of vaccinated people means better health outcomes in communities, safer places of work and public spaces,” Interim CPS CEO José M. Torres said in a statement. “This is the right move for the greater good of our school communities and will help ensure we have a successful and healthy school year starting on Monday, August 30.”

       A representative for the Chicago Teachers Union did not have an immediate comment on the new policy.

       More to come.

       tswartz@tribpub.com

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