MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Education Interim Commissioner Kevin Dehmer announced that New Jersey’s public and private school districts will be open for in-person instruction for the start of the school year. Public school districts can begin the school year via remote-only instruction if they cannot adequately meet critical health and safety protocols outlined in the state’s school reopening guidance, “The Road Back,” which was released in late June. Districts who need to delay the implementation of in-person instruction will be required to submit information to the Department of Education (DOE) describing the health and safety standards that they are currently unable to adequately meet, how they will address outstanding issues in a timely fashion, and a proposed timeline for reopening physical school spaces to students and staff for in-person instruction.

“Our top priority is the health and safety of our students and educators, and we must ensure that schools reopen their doors only when it is safe for them to do so,” said Governor Murphy. “Since releasing our guidance on reopening, we have continued to have frequent discussions with stakeholders and educators across the state. Many districts have expressed that meeting critical health and safety criteria by the first day of school are proving to be a challenge. While we continue to believe that there is no substitute for being in the classroom, allowing districts to delay the implementation of in-person instruction will give them the time and flexibility they need to ensure buildings are ready and welcoming when they do open.”

Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 175, which directed the following for school districts:

• Districts are required to certify to DOE that they can meet the health and safety protocols outlined in the Order, and further detailed in the “Road Back,” before resuming in-person instruction.  Private school districts will also be required to submit this certification;
• Districts that can meet the health and safety protocols shall open to students for in-person instruction in the fall;
• Even if school buildings are open for in-person instruction on the first day of the 2020-2021 school year, districts must provide a remote learning option for parents or guardians who request it for their children;
• Districts unable to adequately meet health and safety reopening protocols must provide remote instruction to all students. These districts are required to submit documentation to DOE detailing which standard(s) the district is unable to satisfy, the anticipated efforts that will be taken to satisfy the standard(s), and a date by which the school anticipates resuming in-person instruction;
• All schools required to participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program and those that voluntarily opt-in to those programs must offer required meals to all children on remote-learning days.

The Order also waives the use of student growth data from standardized assessments for this year’s educator evaluations.

“This action reflects our responsiveness to the varying needs and challenges that each district faces as they prepare for the new school year,” said Kevin Dehmer, Interim Commissioner of Education. “We’re providing the flexibility that some school districts may need to ensure that reopening of schools and in-person instruction is done in as safe a manner as possible.”

“We are pleased to say that in East Brunswick we will be able to meet the health and safety standards outlined in the Department of Education guidance and return to our classrooms in the fall, all while keeping our students and staff safe,” said Dr. Victor Valeski, Superintendent of East Brunswick Schools. “While a return to full-time in-person instruction is not possible for East Brunswick Public Schools, we are confident that the hybrid plan we are offering our students will ensure that all students, regardless of where they will be during the school day, receive a high-quality education.”

“While our goal remains to achieve in-person learning, our district determined that there is still much work to be done to ensure the health and safety of students and staff before we reopen our doors for in-person instruction,” said Dr. Neely Hackett, Superintendent of Willingboro Public Schools. “As a community committed to providing Willingboro students with an education grounded in 21st-century thinking and learning, we remain committed and will work toward taking every necessary step to prepare our buildings, students, staff, and parents for in-person learning for the start of the second marking period.”

Executive Order 175 further permits institutions of higher education to resume in-person instruction not previously permitted under Executive Order 155, provided they can meet previously outlined health and safety protocols from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, effective immediately.

“We know how effective in-person learning is as it provides students academic and social supports that cannot be offered as efficiently in remote settings. As colleges and universities restart operations this fall, students will have a wider array of instructional options including in-person, remote, and hybrid learning,” said Interim Secretary of Higher Education Diana Gonzalez. “Regardless of the mode of instruction, our priority is to offer students the best college experience while prioritizing health and safety for all.”

Click here to view Executive Order 175.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio called in-person voting a fundamental precept of American freedom and criticized Governor Murphy’s decision to limit the November election to vote-by-mail.

“We’ve gone through the Civil War, two world wars, natural disasters, and depressions and we’ve always managed to vote in person,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “More than anything else, this is political.

“You can stand in line at the MVC and Home Depot with no problem at all, but we’re going to prohibit in-person voting,” Pennacchio continued. “Even Dr. Fauci is on-record saying there is no reason people can’t vote in person.

Governor Murphy delayed the June primary election to July and ordered that it be conducted by mail.

Due to confusion with the mail-in ballot process and well-documented problems with the handling of ballots by the United States Postal Service, many residents have expressed concerns that their votes in the July primary were not counted.

“This is a unilateral decision by the Governor,” cautioned Pennacchio. “Our freedoms are being erased by executive decision, with no rationale, no discussion with the Legislature, and no regard to individual preferences. This is too much power for one person.”

Murphy declared a State of Emergency and Public Health Emergency on March 9, when he signed Executive Order 103. It gives him unbridled authority, according to EO 103, “until such time as it is determined by me that an emergency no longer exists.”

Legislation, SCR-117, introduced by Pennacchio in July, would limit the duration of emergency orders and other rules issued by a governor to 14 days if approved by voters. Extending the declarations would require legislative action.

MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) has released its COVID-19 Return to Campus Fall 2020 Plan, (Click here) which is designed to minimize risk and maximize safety for students, faculty, and staff while continuing high-quality educational offerings.

“Our plan is to return thoughtfully, incrementally and with full consideration to the health and well-being of our students, employees, and campus visitors,” said Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, CCM president. “The Return to Campus Plan has been carefully designed to keep the college safe as we continue to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students.”

The plan calls for no more than 25 percent of instruction to take place in person, while the majority of the college’s classes and all support services will continue to be offered virtually.

The reopening is designed to support programs that require hands-on learning, such as those in engineering and health care while placing a priority on protecting the health and well-being of the campus community.

The plan adheres to all federal, state and local guidelines; implements guidance from the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local health departments, and professional organizations; and incorporates recommendations from the campus community.

To ensure the health and safety of students, staff, and faculty, CCM has taken several measures as it aims to continue its high-quality learning environment for the more than 10,000 college credit and workforce students it serves annually.

These measures include disinfecting the campus continuously, optimizing HVAC systems to protect against the spread of the virus, and providing for social distancing through the removal or blocking off of seats and one-way signage in hallways similar to what is being used in grocery stores to direct foot traffic. An additional 1,632 square feet of acrylic shielding is being installed throughout campus.

CCM has also purchased 18,000 disposable face masks for those who may require one. More than 170 wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations are located throughout campus and tabletop hand sanitizers will be readily available.

Anyone who comes to campus will be required to wear a face-covering and display a college-issued identification card, engage in proper social distancing, and participate in a contactless temperature check before entering any building. Faculty, staff, and students must complete a virtual orientation before coming back to campus.

Those who wish to visit the campus will be asked to check-in with CCM’s Department of Public Safety in building 675 Route 10 East upon their arrival. Visitors seeking greater clarification and assistance prior to entering the campus can also call (973) 328-5550.

To further maximize campus safety, all instruction in person will take place with smaller than normal class sizes.

To provide all students with as much flexibility and support as possible, fall classes will be offered in three formats, including remotely with video conferencing and regularly scheduled class meetings. This format is similar to live classes. CCM will also offer traditional online courses that do not require attendance at a specific time and allow the greatest amount of flexibility. Students in programs requiring hands-on learning can enroll in hybrid courses where courses meet on campus and online. The college’s student support services will operate largely online.

The CCM library will continue to provide online services as well as curbside pickup and delivery of materials to students, staff, and faculty. The library will continue to offer limited online and telephonic services to county residents. When deemed safe, the CCM library will allow limited visits by CCM students, staff, and faculty on appointment.

CCM is committed to serving its students and ensuring employers continue to enjoy hiring graduates of skill and talent, especially in critical areas including manufacturing, health care, technology, business, and more. The use of advanced technologies, an exceptionally talented faculty and dedicated support staff make it possible for individuals to achieve their educational and career goals without having to take a gap year.

CCM annually awards more than $12 million in financial aid for tuition and has more than $1 million in federal CARES funds to support students experiencing financial hardships beyond tuition.

“Quite simply, there has never been a better time to enroll, said Dr. Bette Simmons, vice president of Student Development and Enrollment Management.

The Return to Campus Plan, along with numerous other resources, is housed on the CCM COVID-19 Information and Resource Center on the college’s website.

Registration for the Fall 2020 Semester at CCM is still taking place. Classes start September 9. To find out more click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s bill helping economically disadvantaged college students qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program passed the Assembly Human Services Committee Monday.

“These students are working hard to educate themselves and to build a better life for their future and they can’t be effective in doing that when they are without access to good food,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “The state can and should seek a narrow waiver of federal rules to help these hard-working students have the resources to survive and thrive. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to advance this common-sense bill.”

The bill (A4168) would authorize college students who receive assistance from the state’s Educational Opportunity Fund to obtain SNAP benefits regardless of whether the student satisfies the 20-hour weekly work requirement.

The committee released the bill by a unanimous vote of 7-0 and now waits for action by the full Assembly.