tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609683919099708226.post6387858911332298232..comments2023-06-16T09:39:07.504-04:00Comments on Harpocrates Speaks: Mostly Good News from VermontTodd W.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16192694127268195554noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609683919099708226.post-79363150710278892482012-06-02T17:43:01.347-04:002012-06-02T17:43:01.347-04:00I understand where you are coming from Todd but in...I understand where you are coming from Todd but in reality, most schools are operating above capacity so transfers are rarely optional and slots available only for special circumstances like keeping a child in a school for their last year even though s/he moves out of the district. I suppose it could work for children who have a serious medical condition for which illness could be critical but it's a shame to place that burden on the parents you know? A flat cap on exemptions would solve the problem in my estimation. Medical exemptions would have to factor into that first as they should get preference and once those are accounted for, allow the remaining percentage to the special snowflakes. And bonus, places the burden on the non-vaccinating parents to find another school to accept them.Science Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08832263571481452559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609683919099708226.post-21921980714972619712012-06-01T13:52:00.992-04:002012-06-01T13:52:00.992-04:00The decision of whether or not to transfer a vulne...The decision of whether or not to transfer a vulnerable student to a neighboring district should be up to the parent. However, I don't see why the home district couldn't inform the parents of the current immunization level and neighboring districts' levels, then handle the paperwork and arrange transportation if the parents decide to do the transfer, provided the home districts immunization rates are a) lower than what is required for herd immunity and b) lower than neighboring districts.<br /><br />I agree with your statement about no legal need for religious or philosophical exemptions and am frankly of the opinion that they should not be available in any state (though I know that will never happen, unless all of the objectors decide to suddenly emigrate to Ecuador or something). Putting a cap on the number of non-medical exemptions is an intriguing idea. In order to maintain herd immunity, exemptions would be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis up to X% of the total student population. Two ways to implement it: straight, across-the board percentage; or, different percentages allowed depending on the vaccine (e.g., 95% uptake is about the level needed for measles herd immunity, while lower thresholds are acceptable for some other diseases). Interesting idea.Todd W.https://www.blogger.com/profile/16192694127268195554noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3609683919099708226.post-78363224705871445172012-06-01T13:03:09.823-04:002012-06-01T13:03:09.823-04:00Parents of vulnerable children should not have to ...Parents of vulnerable children should not have to be the ones to seek other schooling alternatives. Besides, changing schools is not always an option. Legally, religious and philosophical exemptions don't even have to be offered but if lip service wants to be provided by credulous legislators then why not put a cap on how many exemptions/school can be allowed? It's a reasonable compromise.Science Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08832263571481452559noreply@blogger.com