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St. Cloud district reports about 2,400 students lack current immunization documentation; exclusion date set for Jan. 5
Summary
District staff told the board the immunization team is targeting outreach and clinics after identifying roughly 2,400 students without verified immunization records or exemptions; district plans continued communications, targeted clinics, and potential exclusion letters with a final exclusion date of Jan. 5.
District staff on Tuesday told the Board of Education that about 2,400 students currently lack verified immunization documentation or an approved exemption under Board policy 530.
Krista Potter, director of Title programs and multilingual student services, said the figure had decreased slightly since Aug. 20 but remained substantial. "As of our current status we have about 2,400 students that we do not have accurate documentation for as of this last week," Potter said.
Why it matters: State and district rules require students to present proof of immunization or a valid exemption to attend school. Potter said the district is increasing targeted outreach and access so students can meet requirements and avoid exclusion.
What the district described: Potter and Kate Petowski, director of student services, outlined actions already under way and planned communications: - Policy basis: The district's immunization policy (policy 530) requires proof of immunization or an appropriate exemption — medical provider letter, notarized conscientious-exemption form, or verification that a student is in foster care or homeless. - Current caseload and grade clusters: Potter said the largest concentrations without documentation are in kindergarten, grade 7 and grade 12 — grades that require different immunization schedules. - Outreach steps: Noncompliance letters have been sent to many schools; the district is using SkyAlert messages, email, Peachjar, social media and website updates; targeted coordination with the Welcome Center, equity team, nursing staff and community agencies is planned. - Access and clinics: The district plans immunization clinics at North and Discovery (full-service/community schools) and is coordinating with health agencies to increase access. - Timeline and enforcement: Exclusion letters for students still out of compliance will be prepared in December–January; the district set a final exclusion date of Jan. 5 for students without required documentation.
Potter described an internal immunization team meeting biweekly and cross-department coordination with equity, nursing, communications and Title staff. "We're working very diligently in the background to get that documentation in," she told the board.
What the board asked: Board members did not move to change the policy at the meeting but asked clarifying questions about the outreach plan and timelines. No changes to policy 530 were proposed at the meeting.
Ending: District staff said they will continue targeted outreach and run clinics this fall and early winter and will notify schools and families before any exclusions occur on Jan. 5.
