(Griswold, Iowa) – Rather than face a possible $136,000 penalty for a potentially willful, blatant violation of the Federal Government’s Mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for businesses with more than 100 employees, the Griswold School Board, like many others in our area, have enacted a policy for its staff, effective Monday, January 10th. Griswold Superintendent Dave Henrichs told KJAN News the board voted Thursday night to adopt a policy presented by the School Board Association.

He said some of the vaccination cards were collected before Christmas.

If any employee is not vaccinated as of Monday, they will be required to wear a face mask while at school, in the building and in district vehicles.

Henrichs says a District employee may request a medical or religious exemption for any or all of the three requirements (Vaccine, mask and tests) if they provide proof from their physician and/or clergy why they should be exempt. As of this writing, the case is currently before the Supreme Court. If the high court places a stay on the mandate, District Administration will re-evaluate the policy. On another note, the Griswold School Board will hold their Regular monthly meeting January 17th, which includes a public hearing that follows a presentation on the 2022-23 School Calendar.

Henrichs says the calendar is very similar to the 2021-22 school year.