Moorestown Schools Planning Safe Return To School, Seek New Super

MOORESTOWN, NJ — While school districts across the state are considering how to handle masks ahead of the new academic year, the Moorestown Public School District is also tasked with finding a new permanent superintendent.

As the delta variant spurs a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday recommended that people who are vaccinated and in areas at high risk for the coronavirus wear masks indoors.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy and State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli strongly recommended that both vaccinated and unvaccinated residents wear masks in indoor settings when there is increased risk. Read more here: NJ Updates Mask Guidance After CDC Announcement

As of July 17, Burlington County was at moderate risk, according to the state's COVID-19 activity report, which is released weekly.

He still has not backed down on his stance that schools need to return to a fully in-person, five-day a week format in the fall. And while the state is not mandating the use of masks among unvaccinated students, school districts can choose to go beyond what the state is recommending, he said.

• See related: NJ Mask Mandates Guided By 'Local Realities,' Gov. Says
• See related: Delta Variant Continues Spread Despite NJ Vaccination Compliance

The New Jersey Department of Health and New Jersey Department of Education said in late June that they will release updated guidance after the CDC releases further masking recommendations.

Moorestown has posted safe return to school plans ahead of the upcoming academic year. Under the proposed plan, the school district will follow the state Department of Health's guidelines for wearing masks, and adjust its practices accordingly. Read more here: Moorestown School Board Discusses Plan For Full Return

At the same time Moorestown is determining a safe reopening plan, it is also searching for a permanent superintendent.

Scott McCartney resigned from the position effective July 1, and Leonard Fitts is serving as the interim superintendent while the board searches for a permanent replacement. Read more here: Moorestown School Board Appoints Interim Superintendent

The board of education has commissioned Illinois-based Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates to lead the search for a permanent superintendent. The district has an update on its search for a superintendent posted on its website.

This article contains reporting by Montana Samuels, Patch staff

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