Coronavirus Delays Nutley School District's Reopening Plan

NUTLEY, NJ — The Nutley Public School District has joined a flurry of others in Essex County that have hit the brakes on plans to reopen for in-person classes amid the coronavirus.

Citing issues such as ventilation and special education, Nutley schools started the year with all-online classes. The plan was to bring students back in stages for a hybrid mix of in-person and remote learning.

But that plan has hit a snag, Nutley school officials said Tuesday.

Superintendent Julie Glazer issued the following statement to the school community:

“At a special meeting of the Board of Education held last night, the board voted to approve a resolution which will keep students in grades PreK through 6 and self-contained special education in their current hybrid schedule until Wednesday, November 25. Students in grades 7 through 12 will NOT return to school on November 16 as originally scheduled. They will remain virtual during this time. The return of all students and teachers to 100 percent virtual instruction will begin on Monday, November 30. The timeline for a return to school will be revisited at the December 21 Board of Education meeting. At this time, no return date has been specified.”

Glazer said that information regarding childcare options will be shared with the community, and will be available five days per week, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meals will be provided. Additionally, the community meal distribution will continue each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Lincoln School.

“Please know that the board and I did not come to this decision lightly,” Glazer said. “We have seen the rising numbers of cases both locally and nationally, witnessed cold temperatures in classrooms and schools, and recognize the potential for holiday travel and celebrations, which while not advised, may be a reality for many.”

“As we have done since the start of the pandemic, we must maintain our first priority as the health and safety of our staff, students and families,” Glazer stated.

The superintendent added:

“To return to in-person learning, local data will need to demonstrate a clear and lasting decrease in COVID-19 cases. Reaching this milestone will take cooperation from our entire learning community in following best practices we know to prevent the spread. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and stay home if you are feeling unwell. Together we make a difference to the whole learning community.”

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