(Camden, NJ) – Schools statewide will continue to conduct class by remote learning only and will not reopen during this academic year, Governor Phil Murphy announced today, May 4. The closure will apply to both public and private schools, and private schools with longer academic years will remain closed until at least June 30.
Public schools will continue to provide remote learning for students to allow districts to meet the state-required minimum of 180 instruction days.
“No parent or student in New Jersey should doubt that the governor’s decision was made judiciously, or with the foremost interest of keeping children and families safe as we navigate this continuing pandemic,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez. “While we have all remained hopeful that in-person classes would be able to resume this academic year, we must continue to make sacrifices that will save lives and speed up our ability to reopen institutions. We cannot rush into decisions that will only prolong this crisis in the long run. I know that this could not have been an easy decision to reach, and thank the governor for his measured, fact-based approach to New Jersey’s COVID-19 response.”
Governor Murphy has also announced that his administration will create a steering committee consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders in the education community to explore summer learning opportunities for all students, including school-sponsored summer programming and Extended School Year for students with disabilities. The committee will provide recommendations to the Administration as to which services need to continue to be provided remotely should the public health emergency extend past the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
The committee will also explore approaches for the safest and most efficient re-opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
In addition, the Department of Education will work with school officials to share ideas on safe and innovative ways to recognize 2020 high school graduates and other end-of-year milestones for students.
For more information regarding the governor’s order, visit here.