Teachers Union Calls For Remote Instruction In Madison

MADISON, NJ—The union that represents Madison teachers is calling for the district to switch to all-remote instruction, days after individual teachers voiced health concerns at the board of education meeting.

"The Madison Education Association believes the most prudent and responsible way to move forward for the overall health of the Madison community is to open the school year remotely," said a statement by Matthew Millichap, president of the Madison Education Association.

The New Jersey Education Association called for statewide remote-only learning earlier this month, and more than 180 New Jersey schools have switched to remote-only instruction.

The Madison union said concerns about the schools ventilation system, as well as child care and underlying health issues, make in-person instruction too dangerous.

"Even with modifications to school schedules," the union said, "and purchasing mobile air purifiers, entering these buildings for daily instruction puts the families of Madison, as well as our educators, at risk in a way that remote instruction does not. "

Madison is currently set to begin the school year in Phase 1 of its three-step reopening plan, in which students will attend classes in person twice per week on alternating days with early dismissal.

Superintendent Michael Schwarz said earlier this week that the schools were taking this route because of government regulations. Schwarz cited the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and other data, and added that the school system is adhering to health and safety guidelines.

"We are under a mandate to open schools," Schwarz said, "if we don't open now, we need to be able to state why we can't open now and when we can open."