Option For All-Remote Learning Won't Affect Stafford School Plans

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Following Governor Phil Murphy's announcement that school districts can begin the year fully remote, the Stafford Township and Southern Regional School Districts will stick with their plans.

At least two dozen school districts — mostly in North and Central Jersey — opted to begin this school year with completely virtual learning. Murphy's announcement Wednesday added another wrinkle for school districts developing plans under changing circumstances and guidelines.

But Stafford officials will move forward with their initial plan, Superintendent George J. Chidiac told Patch. The district has allowed families to choose between in-person schooling five days a week, hybrid learning and remote education. Read more: Stafford School Reopening Plan Offers Options For Families

"We are confident with our plan, as we have established social distancing in all areas and have extensive safety and sanitation protocols in place to do our very best to open and remain open safely for our students and staff," Chidiac said.

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A Southern Regional media liaison told Patch that the district "is not currently considering an all-remote September reopening." The district has planned a hybrid model for reopening, and some students will learn through the virtual model.

Patch reached out to the Barnegat Township School District to ask whether Murphy's announcement will affect their plans. We will update with any response.

Murphy announced Wednesday that school districts can choose to go all-remote when school restarts in September. But he also said that in-school instruction to resume immediately. Read more: NJ In-Person School Instruction To Start; Districts Can Go Remote

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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