Judge Sides With Montclair Teachers Union; No Return For Now

MONTCLAIR, NJ — More than 1,000 of Montclair’s teachers and other school staff won’t have to return for in-person learning for the time being, despite a pending lawsuit from the district, a Superior Court judge has ruled.

Montclair Public School District officials have been locked in a standoff with the local teachers union, which also includes paraprofessionals, nurses, secretaries, operational aides, certified support staff, custodians and building/grounds staff.

Recently, the district was forced to hit the brakes on its plan to switch from all-online classes to a hybrid model when it couldn't find enough staff members to run its schools.

• See related article: School Reopening Battle Continues In Montclair

Since then, the Montclair Education Association (MEA) has entered mediation talks with the district in an attempt to find a pathway forward, continuing to teach remotely in the meanwhile. But those talks haven't produced results.

Earlier in February, Superintendent Jonathan Ponds announced that the district was planning to sue the MEA in attempt to force teachers back into classrooms.

• See related article: Montclair School District Plans To Sue Teachers Union

The board of education had sought an injunction that would have required MEA members to return. But on Wednesday, Judge James Paganelli ruled that for now, teachers and staff can’t be forced back, partly because the district hasn’t proved it’s safe yet.

Another hearing is scheduled for March 9.

“Our position has not changed and will not change,” MEA members said in a joint statement on Friday.

“After reading the court order from Judge Paganelli, I feel we are vindicated in our stance,” MEA President Petal Robertson said.

“He acknowledged that we never stopped working and that the district has not sufficiently proven that the schools are safe,” Robertson continued. “While this has been difficult, we believe we must come to a solution that gets our students and staff back into the buildings as soon as they are ready.”

“At this time, we urge Superintendent Dr. Ponds and the district to drop their case against the MEA and come back to the table ready to collaborate on a plan that facilitates the safe and organized return to in- person instruction,” Robertson added. “That’s all we have wanted and all we still want.”

Ponds also released a statement on Friday about the judge’s decision. He wrote:

“The court did not order the temporary injunction requested by the Montclair Public School District required to immediately reopen schools to in-person instruction. The Montclair Education Association was ordered by the court to respond by March 1. The district is to reply by March 5. The matter is scheduled to be heard in-person by the court on March 9. The district intends to proceed accordingly.”

“We continue our mediation and open dialogue with the Montclair Education Association even though this is a legal matter,” Ponds said.

Catch up on some of our recent coverage of the school reopening debate in Montclair below (click headlines to read articles).

Montclair Teachers Union: Here's Why Reopening Schools Is Unsafe

The Montclair Education Association says its 1,000 members are being turned into "scapegoats" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Montclair Parents Protest At Edgemont: 'Open Our Schools'

Montclair parents rallied outside Edgemont School, laying empty backpacks on the front lawn to represent their children.

Montclair Mayor Calls For Unity As School Reopening Debate Rages

Sean Spiller: "Everyone wants a safe return to in-person learning as soon as possible. That includes parents, educators AND administrators."

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.