Vaccine providers step up for Oconee schools

After the first day for Oconee school staff to be vaccinated, the district superintendent has changed his tune when it comes to protecting his teachers from the spread of COVID-19 in school settings.  Previously, Dr. Michael Thorsland registered his disappointment that vaccine providers would not agree to conduct mass vaccinations for school personnel.  But, after got to roll of up their arms on yesterday alone, Thorsland is expressing his gratitude to vaccine providers, especially Prisma Health’s Oconee Memorial Hospital which is the designated dose provider for the county schools.  Thorsland is optimistic for a quick vaccination period and the likelihood that the county’s public schools will be able to return to a normal schedule starting with the 2021-22 year in August.  Meantime, the option of virtual learning is not going away.  Thorsland told trustees that administrators are convinced that, going forward, that online learning will be a valuable addition to the curriculum for those students who feel it’s a better way for them to learn.