The School District of Janesville wants to offer vaccinations to all of its staff next week. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services might not let them.

The district announced Thursday night it is partnering with Mercyhealth to offer staff vaccinations on January 22, and Superintendent Steve Pophal plans to cancel school for students next Friday to accommodate the process.

The state health department said in a statement that teachers are not currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, which is only being administered to the state’s 1A priority group of health care workers and long-term care facilities.

School district employees are included in the recommended group for 1B priority, but that list has not been formally approved by the state.

The health department said it is “following up with vaccinators who are not following the guidelines and will be following up with Mercy.”

It is possible that the state could approve the 1B prioritization group in time for Mercyhealth to vaccinate school district employees next Friday.