TRENTON, May 4, 2020—The New Jersey School Boards Association today praised Governor Murphy’s decision to keep schools closed for the remainder of the school year.
“The Governor’s decision is in the best interests of our students’ health and education, and recognizes the concerns expressed by the New Jersey School Boards Association, local school leaders, parents and teachers,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, NJSBA executive director.
“At this stage, we cannot assure parents, students and school staff that health will not be compromised if schools reopen this spring,” he continued. “Moreover, the issues involved in school reopening are complex and difficult. Their resolution will require extensive planning and collaboration between local school districts and state leaders.”
According to Feinsod, the challenges include designing remediation for students who may have fallen behind during the closure, identifying the role of technology in the education program when schools reopen and ensuring that districts have the necessary resources, and accommodating social distancing and other preventive measures in the classroom, in cafeterias and gymnasiums, on school buses, and during extracurricular activities.
“We look forward to working with the administration and legislature to address these issues and plan for the reopening of schools,” said Feinsod.
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The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.