Mask Mandate For the Fall? Parsippany Schools Mum

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy left every New Jersey school district with a decision this fall by leaving mask mandates optional. So the question is, what will Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools do?

"No comment at this time," a district spokesperson told Patch.

A document on the district's website — entitled Schools Safe Return Plan for 2021-22 — says the following: "The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District’s plan for mask wearing will follow the guidance issued by the Governor’s Executive Orders and/or the NJ Department of Health."

But the document was dated Thursday — days before Murphy made the Monday announcement that he would leave the decision up to districts.

New Jersey schools have already provided a variety of answers to the fall mask-mandate question. Some districts have said they won't require masks. Others, such as the Morris School District, said they'll wait and see what health officials say when the new school year is closer. Newark Public Schools plan to continue a mask mandate this fall.

In late May, Murphy had said that New Jersey students and staff likely still be wearing masks when the next school year starts in September while offer wiggle room for high school students and others who already have been vaccinated.

At that time, Murphy did note that most high schoolers will have been long vaccinated by the time the fall arrives because those 16 and older have been able to get vaccinated since the start. But he changed course Monday, as health officials noted progress in New Jersey's COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

"These documents mark a significant milestone in our battle against COVID-19; an actionable blueprint for the return to full-time, full-day in-person instruction," said Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan. "I am hopeful that these resources will empower our school communities to return all students safely to the classroom and ensure that all students, regardless of zip code or circumstance, receive a high-quality education that empowers them to compete for educational and work opportunities in the increasingly global marketplace."

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli reiterated that the best way to ensure schools can reopen safely is for everyone to get vaccinated.

"While this guidance will help schools plan for Fall, the best way to keep schools open and safe is to get vaccinated," Persichilli said. "Now is the time for parents of children between the ages of 12 and 17 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment to allow enough time for that second shot before school starts."

With reporting from Anthony Bellano/Patch

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Parsippany Patch Facebook page.