New Jersey Schools Closed For Rest Of Academic Year: Gov. Murphy

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday that schools will close for the rest of the academic year because of the coronavirus outbreak. Murphy provided details on his decision during a noon news conference as he announced 1,621 new cases and 45 more deaths. (You can watch the briefing here, below.)

Murphy said remote learning will continue through June. Private schools that have a longer academic year will remain closed until at least June 30.

Murphy made the announcement as New Jersey's total number of coronavirus cases rose to 128,269 and deaths rose to 7,910. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Murphy outlined the measures that were taken in his announcement:

• Murphy also said spring sports will be canceled.
• The governor said no decision has been made on summer enrichment programs.
• Murphy said the closure impacts the 2019-20 academic year only and that school officials will have to address what health-conscious steps will be needed for the 2020-21 school year. "There is a lot to consider about how the school day may differ," he said.
• Murphy said New Jersey wants to work with districts about giving graduating classes "the proper send-off" since many graduations will be canceled or postponed.
• The governor said graduation decisions will be made district-by-district, although he didn't rule out making a statewide order.

Murphy said New Jersey did not have the confidence to safely reopen. "We could not guarantee an environment that would not only be safe but be fully capable of meeting the educational needs of students in a setting built with social distancing," he said.

Murphy said the conclusion was reached based on input he got from "public health experts and with a single goal in mind: the safety and the well-being of our children, our educators, administrators and staff.

Murphy also spelled out what other actions his administration is taking:

• The Murphy administration will create a steering committee consisting of a diverse group of stakeholders in the education community to explore summer learning opportunities for all students, including school-sponsored summer programming and and extended school year for students with disabilities.
• The committee will provide recommendations to the administration as to which services need to continue to be provided remotely should the public health emergency extend past the conclusion of the 2019-2020 school year.
• The committee will also explore approaches for the safest and most efficient re-opening of schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
• In addition, the Department of Education will work with school officials to share ideas on safe and innovative ways to recognize 2020 high school graduates and other end-of-year milestones for students.

The Administration also to tap federal funds that will help schools improve continuity of learning, assist with sanitizing and deep cleaning of school buildings, and address the emotional needs of students.

New Jersey recently applied for $310 million in federal funding through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Districts will have substantial local discretion in use of these funds; the CARES Act lists a number of allowable uses, including:

• Purchase of educational technology, including hardware, software and connectivity
• Purchase of sanitization and cleaning supplies
• Mental health supports
• Plan and implement activities related to summer learning and supplemental after-school programs, including providing online learning during the summer months to address the needs of student subgroups
• Planning and coordinating the distribution of meals to eligible students
• Provide principals and other school leaders with the resources necessary to address the needs of their individual schools
• Activities to address the unique needs of student subgroups

In the weeks leading up to Murphy’s order to close schools statewide starting on March 18, the Department of Education required school districts to develop Emergency Preparedness Plans that addressed critical issues, such as delivery of remote instruction, special education services, and food security.

The Murphy administration will call on school districts to revise their school-wide Emergency Preparedness Plans to address the extension of school closures through June 30.

Murphy previously said he would make a decision on schools by May 15, but he moved up the timetable.

Last week, a coalition of education organizations around New Jersey sent a letter to Murphy with one request: Don't reopen the schools this year. Read more: Keep NJ Schools Closed, Education Groups Tell Gov. Murphy

Also last week, Murphy told CNBC that there's "a chance" that schools could reopen by May 15, even though restrictions would certainly be in place. One of those restrictions, he said, would be requiring students to wear masks.

Watch Murphy here:

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