Jersey City Schools To Follow Original Reopening Plan

JERSEY CITY, NJ — The Jersey City Public School district flipped its reopening plan for the second time on Wednesday afternoon — the district will bring students back into classes next week as originally planned.

The district is stepping back from an announcement Superintendent Franklin Walker made via robocall on Sunday night, delaying the planned reopening. The delay drew wide criticism from officials, including Governor Phil Murphy as well as a planned protest Thursday by frustrated parents.

The district released a statement that said the initial announcement was guided by science and the safety of the students for learning in a hybrid environment. In the statement, Walker says he met with members of the Board of Education and the Teacher's Union to further discuss reopening.

"The increased concerns of parents, especially those with young children, made us reconsider," the statement reads.

Starting April 29, Pre-K through 3rd grade students will be welcomed back for in-person with dismissal at 12:45 a.m. All other grades will be able to return in-person on May 10.

Mussab Ali, Jersey City Board of Education President said in a tweet, "This is a vital step for the mental health of our students. Thank you to the superintendent and union leaders for coming together on this decision."

Walker's original message delaying the reopening cited a lack of necessary staff to reopen the schools. Several teachers spoke at the Jersey City Board of Education caucus meeting on Monday and explained that as much as they want to be back in the classroom with students, the district's schools are not in safe conditions for public health or equip to allow teachers to teach in the planned hybrid-style.

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