Verndale School board: Tensions rise over OSHA mandate
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Verndale School Board held a special meeting on January 10 to approve mandatory COVID testing and face coverings as per the federal OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) mandate. Member Jeremy Schwartz was absent.
The school board held off on this as long as they could, waiting on a verdict from the supreme court. As of Monday, no verdict had been reached and the school board was instructed to move forward with the policy in the meantime.
Superintendent Paul Brownlow explained this policy would affect anyone employed by the school, including board members.
MNOSHA will be enforcing the policy. Employees are to turn in their vaccination card by the end of the day Tuesday, January 11. Unvaccinated employees will be required to wear a face mask starting Tuesday.
Levi Willis, HR payroll specialist, is the school’s official to gather the employee’s proof of vaccination and secure them separate from personnel files. Falsifying records is a federal offense. . .