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Public Health Order: Reminders, Resources and Next Steps

9/10/2021 Comments (-1)
Dear Team DPS, 
Thank you for all of your support and collaboration as we work to support you in complying with the city’s public health order, which requires all employees working in high-needs areas in the City & County of Denver -- including public school districts -- be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 30, or receive an approved exemption. 
For those who have already taken action and uploaded their vaccination card or request for an exemption -- thank you! If you have not yet taken action, we wanted to share a few reminders, resources and information on next steps for those who don’t reach compliance by the deadline. According to a summary of state records, we understand that most of Team DPS is vaccinated already, so please take action today if you haven’t yet to help our district get in compliance by Sept. 30. 
How do I become compliant with the public health order?
There are three ways to be compliant: Submit your proof of vaccination (either your COVID-19 vaccine card or your immunization record), or request a medical or religious exemption. 
Where can I get vaccinated? 
Any Colorado resident 12 and older has many options to receive the COVID-19 vaccine:
How do I submit my documentation?
Log in to Employee Space and follow the steps below to upload your vaccination documents or apply for a medical or religious exemption. 
  • Submit Documentation of Vaccine Completion: Upload a picture of your completed vaccination card using these instructions. Note: Only JPEG and PDF file types are allowed in the system.
  • Lost your vaccine card? Click here to learn how to obtain your COVID-19 vaccine record. If you got your vaccination in Colorado, you can also download the myColorado App and click on the myVaccine Record section. The app may require additional log-in information to access the record the first time.
  • Submit a request for a medical exemption: You and your medical provider will need to complete this form prior to uploading to Employee Space. Follow these instructions to upload your documentation.
  • Submit a request for a religious exemption: Complete this form to request religious exemption. Please note that all sections of the form must be completed, including a description of the sincerely held belief. Follow these instructions to upload your documentation.
To support those who may not have regular access to a computer or would like assistance in uploading their information, members of our Human Resources team are available to help in person. View these in-person opportunities here.
What happens if I’m not in compliance by Sept. 30?
DPS is committed to fully supporting our staff in complying with the order and no employees will be immediately dismissed on Oct. 1 for not complying with the public-health order. However, we will begin corrective action and progressive discipline processes beginning Oct. 4. See a timeline of these next steps for those who aren’t in compliance by Sept. 30:
  • Oct. 1: A reminder will be sent to those who did not take action with instructions on how to take a step toward compliance. 
  • Upon request, DPS is required to share records of full vaccination status for all personnel to the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE). 
  • All unvaccinated employees must continue to mask at all times and comply with weekly testing. The first test must be submitted on or before Oct. 8. All testing must go through COVIDCheckColorado. Employees who are out of compliance with the vaccine mandate must complete testing on their own time. 
  • According to the DDPHE, any person or entity who is not fully vaccinated by Sept. 30 or who has failed to ensure compliance with the mandate may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation by DDPHE (Sec. 24.5 Administrative Assessment of Civil Penalties). 
  • Oct. 4: Letters of Reprimand will be issued to all non-compliant employees. This formal action will include instructions for complying with the vaccine mandate. 
  • The same processes and stipulations listed above, including weekly testing, will apply to those who aren’t in compliance. 
  • Nov. 18: The district will make a recommendation to dismiss employees who aren’t in compliance, effective Jan. 2, 2022.
  • Any employee who is not in compliance, regardless of role or bargaining unit, will be able to work up until Jan. 1 and will be terminated on Jan. 2. 
  • If an employee becomes compliant between Nov. 18 and Jan. 1, the recommendation for dismissal will be dropped. However, the district will post your position after Nov. 18 on the assumption that the position will need to be filled after Jan. 2. If the position is filled before you get vaccinated, you may not be able to go back to your current position.
  • The same processes and stipulations listed above, including weekly testing, will apply to those who aren’t in compliance.
Have questions?
Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines -- including testing/trial facts, dosage and potential side effects -- through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, including through this FAQ. 
Additionally, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs on The Commons for more information about the city’s mandate. This page is updated regularly with new information as it’s available. 
If you have specific concerns regarding your unique situation, please contact HR Connect by email at hr_connect@dpsk12.org or over the phone at 720-423-3900. Note: HR Connect’s phone hours are 7:45 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday. Emails are responded to from 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Due to increased volume, email and phone inquiries to HR Connect may be delayed. Please check The Commons first for up-to-date information regarding the vaccine mandate and requirements for DPS.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to comply with the health order. 
Sincerely, 
Your Human Resources Team



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