Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES has canceled all K-12 classes for Friday, March 12, because of a one-day staffing shortage.
Herkimer BOCES worked with the Herkimer County Public Health Department to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to Herkimer BOCES staff members. Almost 80 staff members from the many BOCES programs and locations received their first shots on Thursday, Feb. 11, and their second shots on Thursday, March 11.
Because of the common side effects of receiving the second vaccine shot, many Herkimer BOCES staff members were reporting symptoms in the evening of Thursday, March 11, that are listed on COVID-19 attestations that employees must complete each day before attending. This would have caused insufficient staffing on the morning of Friday, March 12, so classes have been canceled.
“The downside of having to cancel classes for one day was far outweighed by the ability to get so many of our staff members vaccinated as quickly as possible,” Herkimer BOCES District Superintendent Sandra Sherwood said. “We appreciate the Herkimer County Public Health Department for helping to provide these vaccinations, and we are thankful that we had a large turnout from our staff.”
The cancelation will not stop Herkimer BOCES from completing the 180 days of school requirement, and component school districts were notified of the possible cancelation in advance. Holding Herkimer BOCES classes virtually on Friday, March 12, was not an option because there is no way to predict which teachers would feel well enough to offer virtual instruction.
K-12 students who would normally be attending Herkimer BOCES on Friday, March 12, will not have any classes at BOCES, but should instead follow the schedules of their home school districts, if appropriate.
Herkimer BOCES classes will resume as regularly scheduled on Monday, March 15. Families with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Herkimer BOCES district office at 315-867-2023.