Another Week Of Virtual Classes In East Brunswick, Return Jan. 18

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — After going virtual the first week of January due to staff shortage, East Brunswick school district announced it will extend virtual learning by another week. Schools are now scheduled to reopen on Jan. 18.

In a letter to the school community on Wednesday, Superintendent Victor Valeski reinforced his intentions to reopen all schools but said the remote status was necessary due to a shortage of staff caused by COVID-19 quarantine.

“Anticipating that we should be in a reasonable position to staff all our facilities, we will return to full district operation and in-person instruction on Tuesday, January 18th,” Valeski said. “This allows anyone entering quarantine, as late as this Friday, January 7th, to stay out of work or school for the required 10 day period and still return on January 18th.”

When Valeski has earlier announced the decision to go remote this week, he told the school community that staffing impacts “could affect” the week of Jan. 10 as well. Read More: East Brunswick Schools Go Virtual Due To Spike In COVID Cases

The Superintendent has promised to keep reassessing staffing impacts based on quarantines and transmission rate among school populations.

“I want to reinforce that my intention is to open all schools,” Valeski said Wednesday. “Only if it is necessary after January 18th, and if staff quarantines can be reduced to 5 days, we will assess our ability to operate, staff, and transport on a school-by-school basis.”

Technology that was distributed to K-2 students will stay with them for the remainder of the school year. To receive support for district devices or services, parents can email parentsupport@ebnet.org or call 732-613-6633. The Help Desk is staffed on business days from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Meanwhile, school facilities are open to sports and other activities as long as personnel are available to oversee the activity or event.

To read the entire letter, click here.

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