Secaucus Schools Will Have A Reopening Plan By End Of July

SECAUCUS, NJ — The Secaucus school district is working to put together a plan for the upcoming school year, said superintendent Jennifer Montesano this week, although details are not ready to be released to the public.

"Currently, our district is working diligently on our plans for September," said Montesano on Tuesday of this week. "No official plan is set to date ... We plan to finalize our plans by the end of the month in order for its approval from the Hudson County Department of Education offices, as well as our Board of Education."

"Once the plans are approved they will be shared with the community," she promised.

She also said the school district sent surveys to all Secaucus public school parents and teachers, and is using that feedback as a guide on how to best reopen.

"I can assure you that our plans will be extremely comprehensive and address all instructional, health, safety and wellness issues and concerns as best possible so that everyone who returns to our district in September can do so safely," said the Secaucus schools superintendent.

A draft proposal from the New Jersey teachers' union was leaked Monday, where teachers are calling for students to be required to wear face coverings "door-to-door" (that means all day long while in school) and districts to conduct weekly testing of students.

Here is what the state teachers' union, the New Jersey Education Association, would like to see:

• The district should provide testing for all students and staff during the week prior to the first day of attendance.
• Masks should be worn door-to-door (all day long)
• Students and staff must wear face coverings at their bus stops and prior to boarding the buses.
• Each district should provide weekly on-site testing of all students and staff at no cost.
• Social distancing of six feet must be maintained at all times.
• Hallways and passing areas should be marked to allow for one-way travel as needed.
• Plexiglass barriers should be installed where social distancing isn't possible.

NJEA spokeswoman Dawn Hiltner said the document was a "draft" proposal, but it reflects what teachers believe should happen. They fear, she said, that sending children back to school in September could endanger both children and teachers.

Hiltner said the plan makes sense, especially since "professional athletes are regularly tested."

Also on Tuesday, Secaucus is holding its high school in-person graduations at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; middle school graduations will be Wednesday at the same time. All events will be streamed live, which can be accessed through their website or the District YouTube Channel at bit.ly/sboe-tv

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