Superintendent Massey Urges Gov. Abbott to Prioritize Educators for COVID-19 Vaccine
December 17, 2020
Dear Governor Abbott and Members of the COVID-19 Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel:
On behalf of the faculty and staff of Brazosport ISD, we would like to thank you for your efforts in ensuring that Texas front line workers are already receiving the COVID-19 vaccination and distributions will continue so that all Texas can move forward safer and healthier.
We believe that the best path forward for all Texans is to include educators and school nurses in the next wave of COVID-19 vaccination distributions. Our campus-based educators are on the front lines every day, and, while they are utilizing best practices in safety protocols, they are still at a much higher risk of contracting COVID than those who can work in a closed office setting or from home.
Designating teachers as front lines workers is happening all over the country, and I urge Texas to follow suit. Several other states have already given classroom teachers at least some priority. Massachusetts will include teachers in its second wave of vaccinations, as well as Colorado and Montana. Utah included educators in its initial round of vaccinations, meaning some could get their first shots before the new year. Additionally, many states are placing educators in a higher priority group, and are determining, like Texas, how early they may receive a vaccination.
It has been clear since the beginning of this pandemic that teachers and school employees are frontline workers and should be treated as vital to the economy by ensuring they can continue to work. The vaccine makes that possible. Teachers are working feverishly to close the learning gaps from March while also teaching new material for the 2020-2021 school year. Making a vaccine available to teachers as soon as possible keeps schools open, closes learning gaps, keeps parents working, and keeps the Texas economy moving.
We appreciate your consideration and support in keeping Texas teachers safe and Texas schools open.
Sincerely,
Danny Massey
Superintendent of Schools
Brazosport Independent School District
Superintendent Massey's Letter