'Staffing Concerns' May Push Sparta Schools Virtual

SPARTA, NJ - With time ticking down on the start of the school year there may be a change to an all virtual model due to a possible staffing shortage, according to Acting Superintendent of Schools Patrick McQueeney.

"Staffing concerns that have arisen over the past 5-7 days that could impact our decision to begin the school year with an in-person hybrid instructional model," McQueeney said in a statement. "We have received a number of requests from staff members indicating a need for a leave or accommodations due to issues related to the COVID-19 virus."

Due to the number of requests to date, McQueeney said they are reevaluating the Restart and Recovery Plans to ensure that the hybrid instructional plans will have adequate staffing levels for the supervision of students. The health and safety guidelines that are defined in the NJDOE’s return to school guidance, and are a required part of district plans, rely on the appropriate staffing of schools, he noted.

Given the changing needs of the staff, the administrative teams will monitor the number of requests received and will work to determine the feasibility of implementing the original return to school plans over the next few days.

"We understand that plans are currently being made by our families with the expectations of an in-person hybrid instructional model," McQueeney said. "We feel that if a decision to amend our originally communicated in-person hybrid instructional model is necessary due to these staffing concerns, we want our community to have that information as soon as possible."

McQueeney said an update on the Restart and Recovery Plan will come no later than Monday.

"I appreciate your continued patience, understanding and support as we navigate these difficult times," McQueeney said. "Please know that the Sparta Twp. Public Schools are here to support your child and your family. I will continue to keep our Spartan Learning Community updated with our decisions and plans and will work for the continued success of our incredible school district."

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.