Sen. Ruiz Says Murphy’s Decision On Schools Strikes Good Balance

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A state lawmaker who represents Belleville and Newark says the upcoming return to classrooms amid the coronavirus will be a win for the district – and for New Jersey.

On Monday, Murphy announced that in-person schooling will return for the 2021-22 academic year. Since districts will return to full in-person remote learning, there will no longer be a full-remote option. Summer school programs are not impacted.

More details on what the safety guidelines and protocols will be for the next school year should be expected in June, Murphy said. Read More: NJ Lifts COVID Travel Advisory, Orders In-Person School Next Year

The news was received well by Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz of the 29th District, who serves as the Senate education chair.

“While the shift to remote instruction was necessary to protect the health and wellbeing of our teachers, staff and students, it has taken a toll on the academic standing and social-emotional health of our students,” Ruiz said.

“I am grateful to see that come September, all of our students will be in the classroom, for a full school day, five days a week,” Ruiz continued. “Making this announcement now will not only give districts adequate time to prepare, but will also provide the community time to plan.”

“Our return to normalcy hinges on students returning to school, and for many parents, this will allow them to return to work in a capacity they have not been able to since last March,” the senator added.

The state’s 29th District includes Belleville and Newark.

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