On Feb. 7, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that masks and facial coverings would no longer be mandated for students, staff or visitors in schools effective March 7, 2022. However, school districts may continue to implement universal masking policies after the mandate is lifted.
Schools will not be permitted to bar the use of facial coverings by individuals and will be expected to take disciplinary action in instances of bullying should they arise due to an individual’s choice to continue wearing a mask.
Below, the New Jersey School Boards Association is providing resources for boards of education considering options for masking.
The New Jersey Department of Health has said that it will release guidance to help school districts update their policies to align with the risks and needs of their student population to ensure safe learning environments. NJSBA will post that guidance on its website as soon as it is released.
- NJSBA Policy and Regulation on Face Coverings
NJSBA Policy 5141.10, Face Coverings, and 5141.10, Face Coverings Regulation, were revised Feb. 28, 2022, after guidance from the New Jersey Department of Health was released. - Tips for Masking Deliberations and Communications
NJSBA compiled tips and strategies for boards of education on the topic of masking and communicating the board’s decision to the public. The pdf is available here. - Samples of Letters from School Districts Concerning Masking:
- Conversations on New Jersey Education On Feb. 24, NJSBA’s podcast will feature a conversation with attorney Jonathan Busch of the Busch Law Group, who will discuss the mask mandate and other timely topics.
- Other Resources