​Point Pleasant Beach 'Confident' Schools Will Reopen

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Point Pleasant Beach schools say they're confident they'll reopen amid the coronavirus outbreak in the fall.

Superintendent William Smith noted that Gov. Phil Murphy has released a reopening plan that is a "comprehensive" document, one that was the result of a collaboration between key education stakeholder groups. Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ School Reopening Rules Amid Coronavirus

"A reopening of our schools will be a significant step in restoring a level normalcy to our students and families," Smith said in a June 29 letter.

Smith said he's confident that the district's "relatively small size and our staff members' extraordinary professionalism have put us in a good position to reopen our doors this September."

He also said there will be modifications that prioritize the safety of staff and students.

"These are unprecedented times, and in many respects, every aspect of 'school' is requiring a redesign and a reimagination," he said.

Smith said the district has been gathering stakeholder input for the district's reopening plan and has been convening "Return-to-School" committees.

He said he knows the plans are "eagerly anticipated," and "we will work hard to give families the key information in a timely fashion they need to plan for childcare, return to work and other concerns."

The final pans will be published on the district's website.

"September's reopening will not look like any of our previous reopenings, but we have every confidence that our students can return to an exceptional and stimulating academic experience," he said.