Parents wake up

It was an awesome school board meeting at the Vacaville Unified School District on Oct. 7.

Prior to the meeting, about 40 parents with flags and signs calling for “No vaccine mandates” lined the street in front of the Vacaville Unified School District Education Office.

As the doors opened, parents distributed fliers about home schooling and education alternatives available. Everyone walked past several Vacaville police officers flanking the door and filed into the chamber. Unlike previous meetings, masking was optional — not mandated.

It was a full house — standing room only. No more limited attendance with chairs placed six feet apart and mandated masking. Previously, most school board meetings consisted of board members, staff and a few others who make their presentations and leave. Not this time.

Following the perfunctory 15 seconds of silence, Superintendent Shamieh revised the agenda to allow for additional public comment, and there was plenty of it. It began with the first speaker asking all present to join her in a real prayer, for devine wisdom, guidance, understanding, and courage to do what is right. What a beautiful way to use her three-minute time limit and set the tone for the entire meeting.

These parents came prepared. They had all done their research and presented fact after fact regarding COVID-19; the efficacy of the vaccine; and mounting evidence about its side effects, especially when administered to young people. Beyond facts, they passionately expressed their determination to do what they believe is best for their children.

The underlying message they delivered was, “As parents, we are ultimately responsible for our child’s well-being, not the school, not the governor. We will sacrifice whatever is necessary to keep our children safe. This is a hill we are willing to die on, and if it means removing them from this school system, we will do that in a heartbeat.”

One of the board members, Shelley Dally tried to reassure parents — not to worry — there is a medical and personal exemption that applies to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. She was quickly corrected by parents who had watched the 5 p.m. news that night reporting state Senator Pan was currently drafting legislation to nullify any exemptions.

Ms. Dally also suggested that parents contact their legislators. She is correct. To stop the madness from Sacramento, pressure must be applied to our elected representatives across the state. That means educating and empowering Californians to take back their voice.

For many of these parents, it was the first time they had attended a school board meeting. I feel confident it will not be their last.

— Colleen Britton/Vacaville