Bentonville schools back off plan to suspend students for not getting vaccines

BENTONVILLE, Ark. —One school district is going back on its word that it would suspend students if they don’t get the proper vaccines by Wednesday.

Bentonville schools won’t send kids home because they’re having trouble keeping up with who has had their shots and who hasn’t.

School administrators sent out a newsletter to parents warning that students would be suspended if they were not vaccinated by Oct. 1.

A spokesperson for Bentonville schools said school nurses keep records of which students have had their vaccines and that’s caused confusion for administrators.

“In our elementary buildings, the nurses have a better handle on the number of students, so they can tell more easily. Once we get into our upper-level buildings, there’s more nurses who are also looking at the paperwork that’s come in. You know, they’re calling parents, asking parents, and getting that information put together,” said Paul Stolt, spokesman for the Bentonville School District.

The district had sent out a warning to parents in May and again at the start of the school year to warn them about the new law. They also worked with Mercy’s Mobile Clinic to help make sure students get their vaccines.

Fayetteville Schools said they will send students home Wednesday if they don’t have proof they’ve had their vaccines or that they have made an appointment.

In Springdale, students have been given more time to get their shots, and no student will be suspended because they are not up to date.