An Orange County school district is now one of the first in the state requiring teachers and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to keep their jobs.

Teachers and staff at Highland Falls Fort Montgomery Schools are now mandated to get vaccinated against COVID-19 - or be fired.

The policy makes it one of the first districts in New York to require vaccines for staff, outside of New York City.

All district employees must be vaccinated by Feb. 1 or lose their job by the end of the school year.

Critics say the mandate is an attempt to keep the district's federal funding at a time when it faces losing its contract with West Point.

District Superintendent Frank Sheboy says the measure is about the health and safety and that it helps keep kids in the classroom.

Staff have until Jan. 1 to submit medical and religious exemptions for review.

The mandate also requires vaccinations for anyone hired within the district as of this summer.