Mask Rules Change In Hoboken Schools During Extreme Heat

HOBOKEN, NJ — After Gov. Phil Murphy said on Monday that school mask-wearing requirements include an exception for "extreme heat" — such as the 90-degree temperatures New Jersey experienced this week — some school superintendents announced that masks are optional on hot days, but how far they took the change tended to differ from community to community.

This week, Hoboken Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine Johnson said, "[Gov.] Murphy did announce that the portion of his executive order on mask wearing does have a provision to remove masks in extreme heat, particularly if the heat and mask wearing create safety and wellness hazards."

She added, "Schools may interpret that in the manner in which they see fit for the purpose of end of the year outdoor activities, schools without air conditioning, outdoor PE classes and outdoor recess."

Johnson said that as a result, "I announced that it would be up to the parent and or guardian if they wanted their child masked or unmasked during those conditions stated above, at the end of this school year until the last day of school."

Here is the most up-to-date Hoboken school calendar, approved by the school board in March.

While the area was in a heat wave through Wednesday, temperatures began to cool on Thursday.

What About September?

Johnson said, "During the summer months, our district will assess all recommendations by the NJ Department of Health and the CDC, analyze the most recently modified governor's executive orders, and review all requirements set forth by the NJ Department of Education to develop an updated reopening for September."

Other Districts

Superintendents around the state reacted to the governor's statement in different ways.

Westfield Superintendent of Schools Margaret Dolan released guidance Tuesday saying after hearing varying opinions from parents, she will still require masks for students and staff indoors, but not outside during "extreme heat." She said that the school's ability to provide air conditioning units and other factors came into play in determining indoor requirements.

Some school leaders said they were irked by the rapidly changing guidance.

After Murphy Tweeted Monday evening:

The superintendent of the Millstone schools Tweeted in response:

And a woman wrote in response, "Many students are still not vaccinated, & those under 12 are not able to be vaccinated yet. Making knee-jerk decisions regarding masking is not the appropriate response. Schools should have proper ventilation & air conditioning."

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