Possible Staff Shortages May Force School Closures In West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — When bad weather hits, it’s become routine for West Orange parents to check and see if the public school district is closed for the day. Now – for the time being – they may also be checking to see if school is closed for a different reason: a lack of workers.

In the latest COVID-19 twist for the district, West Orange School Superintendent Scott Cascone announced that administrators are preparing for potential “staff shortages” over the next two weeks, including instructional faculty and bus drivers.

If shortages happen, it may force school closures, he said.

According to Cascone:

“The district is encouraging all staff to notify us of absences, to the greatest extent possible, the day prior to the absence. When and if a school and/or bus route is not able to be staffed by qualified personnel and/or substitute coverage, the district may be required to close a school for the day.”

“In the event of a school closure due to COVID-related staff shortages impacting instruction and/or transportation, West Orange school families will be notified by 5 a.m. on the day of the school closure,” Cascone said.

“We will use the same communication protocol as used for weather-related school closures and instruction will be provided remotely,” he added.

• See related article: COVID Update For West Orange Schools (Classes, Masks, Testing)
• See related article: Close NJ Schools? Murphy Says No Amid COVID-19 'Tsunami'
• See related article: West Orange School Superintendent Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.