Maplewood Gives Update On Schools: 3,825 Teachers To Get Vaccine

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee gave an update about the school situation in a recent message to the community. Some grade levels in the South Orange-Maplewood District have not been in school buildings in over a year.

The schools went remote in March 2020, then briefly opened for some grades this past January, then closed, then reopened to several more grade levels. But parents are waiting to find out when all students can return. READ MORE: Maplewood Teachers Ordered To Report To School; Union Responds

After Spring Break this week, students will have two weeks of remote education.

Then, according to the district, "In-person hybrid instruction for students will begin again on April 19 (including Pre-K through 2, 6, and 9 as well as any additional grade levels the district will announce for tentative Phase 4 staggered re-entry)."

But which grades will be included in Phase 4? That's what hangs in the balance.

Mayor Frank McGehee said over the weekend:

"Board President Sheena Collum of South Orange and I continue to work with SOMEA leadership as well as our South Orange-Maplewood School District on our common goal to return our children and teachers safely to the classroom.

"In the last two weeks we have secured vaccination opportunities for our teachers (2,225 slots last week and another 1,600 appointments for next week). We have secured testing opportunities for our teachers and we are working closely with both parties to address issues related to our facilities.

"I am happy to report that progress has been made as 6th and 9th graders as well as K through 2 have returned to the classroom. We continue to work closely with both sides with the shared vision to meet the phased reopening plan.

"I want to recognize Rocio Lopez [of the teachers' union] for her efforts to work with us to ensure that this gets done. I also want to recognize the principals at MMS, SOMS, Seth Boyden and Columbia High School as well as Dr. Taylor for allowing Sheena and myself to play an active role in resolving this situation for the well being of our students."

The schedule

The schools have been closed for Spring Break through this weekend. Students will be on virtual/remote only instruction from April 5 to 16.

The following week, according to the district, In-Person Hybrid instruction will resume on Monday, April 19.

Regardless of whether all grades will be eligible, parents who wanted to switch their students from remote education had to fill out a form by March 25.

Updates from those involved

The teachers' union announced on Wednesday that they had added 1,000 vaccine slots.

A parents' group, SOMA for Safe Return To School, recently held a protest. READ MORE: Maplewood Parents Rally For School Reopening

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