Nutley Schools Will Reopen Virtually: ‘We Are Still Challenged’

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley’s schools are reopening remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic, officials announced earlier this week.

As per Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent decision, the Nutley Public School District is asking state officials for permission to start the school year with 100 percent virtual learning through the first marking period.

See the district’s restart and reopening plan here.

Superintendent Julie Glazer offered more details about the decision in a letter to the school community on Monday. She wrote:

“On Aug. 12, Governor Murphy signed an executive order that school districts that cannot meet all health and safety standards for safe in-person instruction may begin their school year with 100 percent virtual learning. While our draft plan reflects the extensive research and thorough planning the district has done to meet the health and safety standards, identify the necessary protocols and procedures, including those for hygiene and social distancing, we are still challenged in several areas under the requirements for general health and safety, particularly ventilation, and those that ensure the delivery of general and special education, and related services to students with disabilities.”

The board of education is due to vote on the plan at their Wednesday meeting, Glazer said.

The superintendent continued:

“If schools are approved to open 100 percent virtually on Sept. 8, we are also looking to provide emergency child care for any of our families who have no other options for students in grades K-6. This information is being developed and will be shared at the Aug. 19 BOE meeting. We did not come to this decision lightly. If approved, we will communicate more details regarding the expectations for staff and students and the way we hope to phase in our in-person reopening. The choices families made on the Real Time Parent Portal for 100 percent virtual or hybrid instruction will be used when the buildings re-open. The portal will remain open until Friday, Aug. 21 for families to make or confirm their choice.”

Glazer concluded:

“It is challenging work to make decisions in a landscape where the guidance changes daily, and we are aware of the difficulties this uncertainty creates for your own planning. Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support as we navigate these unprecedented COVID-19 times. We remain, #NutleyStrongerTogether!”

Glazer shared a reopening message with parents and staff last week (watch video below).

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This article originally appeared on the Belleville-Nutley Patch