Monday, Blue Ridge staff began the vaccination process.

Superintendent Dr. Hillary Stanifer indicates their staff will be vaccinated thanks to a partnership with Gibson Area Hospital. She explains around 100 vaccines were made available to the district and 84 of their staff will be participating by getting the first of the Moderna vaccine.

Opinions on the vaccine vary and Dr. Stanifer believes it is her job to provide as much information as possible and allow her staff to make their own decisions. She points out they've also been able to get access to the vaccine for substitute teachers they've worked with this year.

As the area teachers get vaccinated in the weeks ahead, Dr. Stanifer says this will be a big step forward in providing consistency in keeping their school doors open.

Dr. Stanifer says about 75-percent of their full-time staff is getting vaccinated. The district has begun to have conversations about expanding its school day. We'll have more on that soon on Regional Radio News.