Los Angeles Unified: Almost all staff have had at least one Covid vaccine dose

Los Angeles Unified reports that almost all of its employees, including 99% of its teachers, have submitted proof they have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.

The district — the state’s largest — reports that 97% of all their employees, including 99% of their administrators and 97% of classified administrators, have received the vaccine.

The district had been struggling to get employees to turn in proof of vaccination, reporting in late September that only 1 in 5 employees had turned in proof of vaccination. It moved the deadline for all staff to be fully vaccinated from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15. Staff members were required to have had the first dose by Oct. 15.

The district encouraged vaccinations by hosting vaccine clinics on campuses, hosting informational meetings and allowing staff up to three hours of paid time off to be vaccinated.

Employees who do not have their first dose will continue to be paid through Oct. 31, after which they will be terminated.

“We care deeply about all of our employees,” said district officials in a statement. “We appreciate everyone’s commitment to maintaining the safest possible learning environment for the students and families we serve.”