Impact Of Gov Orders On Madison Schools Is Unclear

MADISON, NJ—As the start of the school year looms, Governor Phil Murphy said on Wednesday that districts can opt for all-remote instruction this Fall, a reversal of his previous position that all schools had to offer some in-person classes. Murphy also said that in-person school can resume immediately—with a catch.

"In-person instruction may fully resume immediately should institutions so desire and so long as social distancing among other protections are strictly adhered to," he said.
Districts that cannot meet New Jersey's core standards for in-person school will begin the year with all-remote instruction, the governor said. The state requirements include social distancing, masks, proper ventilation, and other precautions.

Murphy made today's announcement as some school districts, including Elizabeth, defied his previous order and announced remote-only instruction this Fall. The state's teacher's union yesterday called for Murphy to mandate remote-only schooling.

"The question of whether and when to reopen for in-person instruction is first and foremost a public health decision that cannot be left in the hands of nearly 600 individual school districts," said a statement by the New Jersey Education Association. "The stakes are too high, and the consequences of a wrong decision are too grave."

The Madison School District presented its return-to-school plan, a "phased/hybrid" model of online and in-person classes, last month. Phase 1 of the plan involves students physically returning to school on staggered schedules with early dismissal, but also allows parents to choose 100 percent virtual instruction.

Phase 2, a full physical return to school with early dismissal, would be attempted once the New Jersey Department of Health approves. Phase 3, implemented after one or two months in the previous phase, involves a full return to school for all students, and would also proceed after state approval.