'Confusing' COVID Rules: Head Of Middletown Schools Writes To Gov

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Last week, Middletown schools superintendent Mary Ellen Walker was part of a coalition of Monmouth County superintendents who sent this letter to Gov. Phil Murphy, politely requesting an end to "wildly inconsistent expectations" over mask wearing and coronavirus policies when school fully resumes in person in the 21-22 academic year.

The superintendents' letter, which you can read here, said that throughout the duration of the pandemic, directions and executive orders from Murphy and the state Department of Health have been "confusing," "contradictory" and "inconsistent."

The governor's executive orders have also pitted parents against their local school districts, they said.

"Throughout the past 15 months we grappled with a global pandemic," read the letter. "However, in carrying out the mandates set before us, we have struggled as leaders with confusing, and at times, contradictory guidance regarding masking, quarantining, isolation, and other intricacies brought forth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Inconsistencies between varying Executive Orders issued by Governor Murphy have placed members of our communities at odds with school administration and, one another, over school-based requirements for children."

"For example, while one mandate requires students to remain socially distanced and masked, even when outside, another announcement is made that allows for no social distancing nor masks during outdoor graduation ceremonies. While athletes have been allowed to compete against one another unmasked, they have not been allowed to shake hands. Such contradictory expectations confuse our public."

The letter was signed by Middletown superintendent Walker, along with Hazlet superintendent Scott Ridley, Matawan-Aberdeen schools superintendent Joe Majka and other heads of large public school districts in Monmouth County. The letter was also signed by the Monmouth County executive schools superintendent Lester Richens.

Walker told Middletown public school parents she signed the letter, including a link to the letter in a weekly newsletter the district sends to all parents.

Gov. Murphy already said that all students must be in person in fall 2021, and virtual learning from home will not be an option.

However, in May he also said he expects students will still have to wear masks in September. But then just Tuesday he pivoted, saying "there is a chance" New Jersey will lift its mask requirement before school resumes in the fall.

Continued their letter:

"As we look toward a normal return to school in September, we will continue to work collaboratively and with a unified voice at both local and state levels to mitigate inconsistencies in state guidance regarding the children we serve," it read. "We are united in requesting that Governor Murphy and state officials understand the implications of the divergent guidance regarding COVID-19 protocols for schools upon our children, especially the sharply differing expectations for masking."

As of this week, the superintendents of at least five major school districts in the state — Mount Olive, Brick, Toms River, Central Regional in Ocean County and Freehold Regional — have asked Murphy to drop the mask requirement for New Jersey school kids and teachers this fall.

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