‘Confusing’ COVID Guidance: Middlesex Superintendents Tell Murphy

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Association of School Administrators have written to Gov. Phil Murphy requesting “consistency, clarity and timely guidance” on COVID-19 mandates ahead of the upcoming school year.

The superintendents said that for the past 15 months, the school districts have “independently developed plans” to keep the entire school community safe while maintaining educational excellence. “All while continuing to decipher guidance that ranged from complex to contradictory.”

“The value of what has been accomplished cannot be overlooked as districts found new ways to connect with students and families. Partnerships developed that led to the entire county working hand-in-hand with local medical agencies to provide both Covid testing, as well as vaccine administration,” the letter said.

The Superintendents said that county schools have grown closer as they "continue to lean on each other in interpreting guidance and implementation plans.”

They were now looking to Murphy “to provide the necessary support that will enable local districts to implement exciting and enriching educational opportunities for our students, while always ensuring a safe environment for teaching and learning.”

“As we approach the next school year, we are seeking the support of Trenton in providing consistency, clarity, and timely guidance,” the letter said.

The Superintendents said that the recent messages have been “contradictory as well as confusing.”

They cited the example of masking mandates. According to recent guidance, a group of students can play soccer three times in the same day - once at recess, once during PE class, and once after school during an NJSIAA sanctioned event. During recess and PE, children must be masked and socially distanced at all times while outside.

“However, when the bell rings at 3 p.m. masks are off, unlimited numbers of outside visitors can now come to the schools unmasked and no social distancing requirements, even if this were to be an indoor soccer match.”

“Not only does this not follow science, but it causes great confusion amongst educators, students and families,” the association said.

The Middlesex County Superintendents clarified that their goal was not to criticize the government but to share the struggles educators faced due to lack of clarity and inconsistency in messaging.

“We also want to share that we are here to help in any way. We fully understand the impact of any and every decision and would welcome providing that insight to Trenton. We all want the same thing and we look forward to partnering with the DOE, DOH and Governor in setting up all schools for amazing successes come September and beyond,” the association said.

In May, Murphy announced that school districts must return to full in-person learning for the 2021-22 academic year, and there will no longer be a full-remote option.

On May 25, he said he expects masks will be worn in New Jersey schools in the fall. But then he did a reversal earlier this month, saying "there is a chance" students may go maskless in September.

The letter by Middlesex County Superintendents comes close on the heels of a letter sent to Murphy by Monmouth County superintendents on a similar issue.

The association represents 25 school districts in Middlesex County. Members include Scott Taylor, Highland Park; Stephanie Brown, Milltown; Vincent Caputo, Metuchen; Jorge Diaz, South Amboy; Scott Feder, South Brunswick; Aubrey Johnson, New Brunswick; Victor Valeski, East Brunswick among others.

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