Positive COVID Test Stops Hybrid Start At Teaneck Charter School

TEANECK, NJ — Monday was supposed to be a next step forward for one Teaneck charter school, but, after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus, it was actually a step back.

The Teaneck Community Charter School planned on beginning hybrid learning on Monday, but announced Sunday that the school would postpone that model until later in the month, Oct. 26, after the positive test result.

According to the school, contact tracing revealed that "a number" of instructional and support staff, as well as the entire administrative team, were potentially exposed to the virus, and will now quarantine for 14 days.

"Consequently, I regret to inform you that we are unable to reopen the school on Monday, as originally planned. Instead, all students and staff will follow their existing schoolwide remote instruction program for the next two weeks, with our hybrid reopening being pushed to Monday, October 26," said Director Ralph Gallo, in a statement.

Additionally, all in-person extracurricular activities have been suspended and the school building is closed for staff until Oct. 14.

According to Gallo, this moves will allow the custodial staff to conduct a deep cleaning and disinfection of the entire building on Monday and Tuesday.

"I understand the inconvenience that this change may cause for many of our families, but the safety of our staff and students will continue to drive our decisions and I appreciate your understanding and cooperation," he said.