Impact Of Murphy Order On Morris Schools Unclear

MORRISTOWN, NJ—As the start of the school year looms, Governor Phil Murphy said on Wednesday that districts can opt for all-remote instruction this fall, a reversal of his previous position that some in-person classes had to be offered. Murphy also said that in-person school can resume immediately—with a catch.

"In-person instruction may fully resume immediately should institutions so desire and so long as social distancing among other protections are strictly adhered to," he said.

Districts that cannot meet New Jersey's core health and safety standards for in-person school will begin the year with all-remote instruction, the governor said. The state requirements include social distancing, masks, proper ventilation, and other precautions.

Murphy made today's announcement as some school districts, including Elizabeth, defied his previous order and announced remote-only instruction this fall. Yesterday, the state's teacher's union called for the governor to mandate remote-only schooling.

"The question of whether and when to reopen for in-person instruction is first and foremost a public health decision that cannot be left in the hands of nearly 600 individual school districts," said a statement released yesterday by the New Jersey Education Association. "The stakes are too high, and the consequences of a wrong decision are too grave."

The Morris School District presented its reopening plan, which involves staggering and alternating elementary students and a 50/50 hybrid model for middle and high school students, August 1. The district was already offering all digital instruction via its Enhanced Virtual Learning system for grades 6-12 and from K-6 via its Connections system.

Morris School District Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast did not return a request for comment on Wednesday.