August 20, 2021 3:50 a.m. 

Officials with Roseburg Public Schools are seeking clarification from the state of Oregon regarding the new vaccination mandate for school staff and volunteers.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said RPS remains committed to the health and safety of its students, staff and community as well as doing everything possible to ensure that students have access to in-person learning full time this school year.

Cordon said the district continues to follow all state laws and mandates with those goals in mind. He said the latest mandate “…will require some time for our district to better understand its implementation and its implications”.

Cordon said, “This vaccine requirement raises many questions for school districts, and we look forward to receiving additional guidance and clarification from the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority”. The release said the district knows that measures such as face coverings and vaccines are intended “…to provide us with pathways forward for keeping our community safe and ensuring our students receive the benefits of full-time, in-person instruction. We all know how important this is for our student’s education and overall well-being”.

Cordon said the district appreciates the patience and partnership of the community during these latest challenges. He said, “…the pandemic remains a fluid situation that we continue to monitor and adapt to as needed”.