Wayne Schools Cancel Thursday Class Ahead Of Nor'easter

WAYNE, NJ — Public school students will have a surprise day off from class Thursday, and they'll have a nor'easter to thank for it.

Thursday will be a traditional snow day due to power outage concerns ahead of Wednesday's storm. A decision hasn't yet been made for Friday.

"The New Jersey Department of Education allows for school districts to count virtual school days toward the 180-day requirement, including using virtual days in place of emergency closures such as snow days. However, this practice is not allowable when there are power outages and other conditions that hinder virtual learning," said Superintendent of Schools Mark Toback, in a letter.

"This means that students and staff must generally have power and internet access. It is very unlikely we would be able to meet this requirement given the current forecast," he added.

During a Wednesday news conference with Gov. Phil Murphy, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Director James Giuliano said he expects to encounter outages during the course of the storm as high winds could knock down trees and damage power lines.

Until the storm makes its way through the region, it's unclear how sweeping power outages could be, and for how long they'll persist.

With that in mind, the district has yet to make a decision about Friday classes, but said virtual learning, and even a second snow day, is on the table.

District schools won't utilize a delayed start, however.

"With a reduced schedule already in place, a delayed opening is not an option and a lack of staffing will not allow for a complete snow clearing and de-icing of our facilities and buses by 6:30 AM. In addition, we do not have enough substitutes to cover for other staff absences," said Toback.

District families will be informed of the plan for Friday by Thursday evening, he added.

As for how students should spend their time Thursday, Toback's message was one of simplicity.

"Stay home, stay safe, have fun."