‘In-person education is critical’ in N.J. school reopening plans, Murphy says – NJ.com

Gov. Phil Murphy anticipates schools will reopen in the fall despite backlash from at least two large teachers’ unions who argue he should call off in-person classes amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor unveiled last week an all-remote learning option for those who want to continue doing their classwork at home. But he’s pushing forward with reopening over claims from the unions who say doing so will put teachers and staff at risk.

“Our goal is to provide as much flexibility as possible to local school districts to implement plans that best fit their communities. Safety and education have to go hand in hand,” Murphy said Monday at his regular COVID-19 briefing.

“But we also must acknowledge that every education expert we’ve spoken to over the past few months has confirmed that in-person education is critical and that remote learning is only an acceptable substitute when absolutely necessary,” he said. “If done safely, I believe we must try to include at least an aspect of in-person education for our children this fall.”

Though Murphy still left the door open to shifting his position, adding, “all of our decisions will be guided by health and safety protocols.”

Last week, the Essex County Education Association and the Paterson Education Association called on Murphy to nix in-person classes.

“The Essex County Education Association cannot, in good faith, support the reopening of public schools for in-person instruction in September. Simply put, despite the best of intentions and planning, the risk to the health and safety of our students and staff is too high,” wrote Anthony Rosamilia, president of the Essex County Education Association, which represents 12,000 teachers.

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The New Jersey Education Association, the state’s largest teacher’s union, has not called for schools to remain closed. But union officials have called on teachers to express their concerns to local school restart committees currently meeting around the state.

New Jersey’s coronavirus figures have dropped significantly and stabilized after months of lockdown orders. At the same time, numerous other states are seeing surges.

But Murphy has paused the Garden State’s gradual reopening plan in the middle of Stage 2 at the state’s transmission rate has hovered around the critical benchmark of 1. That means gyms, movie theaters, and indoor dining at bars and restaurants remain closed.

The state is also calling for travelers from 31 states that qualify as coronavirus hotspots to voluntarily self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in New Jersey, including residents returning home from a trip.

New Jersey on Monday reported 17 more deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 446 more positive tests.

The state has now reported 15,804 deaths — 13,884 lab-confirmed and 1,920 considered probable — with 179,812 confirmed cases since the state’s first case was announced March 4.

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Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.