Montclair Schools, Teachers Union Reach Settlement On Reopen Plan

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A legal battle over reopening Montclair’s public schools amid the coronavirus pandemic has a finish line in sight: April 12.

The standoff between the Montclair Board of Education and the local teachers union, the Montclair Education Association (MEA), went before the courts earlier this year when the district sued the union in its quest to reopen for some in-person classes.

In addition to teachers, the MEA also represents paraprofessionals, nurses, secretaries, operational aides, certified support staff, custodians and building/grounds staff in the Montclair Public School District.

The battle line was drawn around a tricky question: Is it safe for teachers, staff and students to return to classrooms in person?

Recently, the district was forced to hit the brakes on its plan to switch from all-online classes to a hybrid model when it couldn't find enough staff members to run its schools. Montclair’s public schools have been operating remotely in the meanwhile, inspiring bitter pushback from some parents and strong support from others.

However, the two sides reportedly reached a tentative settlement on Tuesday, agreeing to reopen the district’s elementary schools for hybrid, in-person learning by April 12.

The settlement is contingent on the union’s approval of the district’s safety protocols, with a walk-through planned for March 22, NorthJersey.com reported.

A starting date for middle or high school students wasn’t announced during a livestreamed hearing in Essex County Superior Court, Montclair Local reported.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

• Read More: Judge Sides With Montclair Teachers Union; No Return For Now
• Read More: Montclair Teachers Union: Here's Why Reopening Schools Is Unsafe
• Read More: Montclair Parents Protest At Edgemont: 'Open Our Schools'

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