(File photo/Vernon Matters)

By Pete McIntyre

'unsafe situaiton'

Vernon Teachers Association raises concerns about format of parent-teacher conferences

Oct 20, 2021 | 12:47 PM

The Vernon’s School District’s plan for parent-teacher conferences next week is generating some controversy.

The Vernon Teachers Association (VTA) is opposed to the district’s expectation that the conferences be held in person without getting feedback from the union.

VTA president Cory Huizer said while they don’t dispute the need for the conferences, they do object to the recommendation they be held only in person unless otherwise requested by a parent, which she said has left many teachers feeling unsafe given the current COVID-19 risks.

“During conferences, teachers speak to over 50 people at elementary schools and over 100 at secondary schools in the span of several hours,” Huizer said in a letter to the district. “This contact will put us all in an unsafe situation. Teachers feel that in-person conferences will increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for everyone, including administrators, teachers, parents, and students. Students between the ages of 5 and 11 who are currently ineligible for vaccination will likely be exposed to unvaccinated adults and vice versa.”

Huizer said another concern is that “the tension that exists over masking and vaccinations will detract from the intention of the meetings and potentially put teachers in a position where there is a real threat of harm to their mental health.”

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School District 22 superintendent Christine Perkins told Global News, teachers won’t be forced to meet parents in person and the meeting format can be discussed beforehand. Perkins said there are options to conduct the meetings virtually or over the phone.

The Clarence Fulton Secondary Teachers have also sent a letter to District 22, with the same opposition.

The issue could be discussed at tonight’s School District 22 board meeting.