East Brunswick To Change School ‘Operations’ Due To COVID Cases

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — East Brunswick School District on Tuesday said it will make an announcement soon on changes to "schools' operations." This after the school districted reported three new COVID-19 cases, resulting in the quarantine of over 14 people.

The school district has also postponed plans to consolidate secondary learning teams on Nov. 17. “Additionally, we will postpone expanding the frequency of instruction for English Language Learners and special education students. Their current model will continue, as well,” school Superintendent Victor Valeski said in a statement.

Valeski said keeping the students and staff safe is his top priority. The school is currently following the hybrid learning model, but things might change owing to the increase in COVID cases.

“After I have evaluated additional cases anticipated to be reported tonight and through tomorrow morning, I want the community to be prepared that any changes to our schools’ operations will be formalized and communicated to you by this Friday morning, Nov. 13, at the latest,” Valeski said.

Valeski said he was aware that any changes to the district’s operations will impact families and their childcare accommodations, “but my decisions will be based on protecting the safety of all our schools’ populations, while preserving our ability to complete our school year with the same Hybrid and Remote Learning Model structures we started in September.”

Here are the new cases reported on Tuesday:

• Churchill Junior High School: One staff positive COVID lab result with six additional staff and four students as associated close contacts. One Remote Learning Model student with a positive COVID result who has not been in school with no associated close contacts.

• East Brunswick High School: One student positive COVID lab result with five additional students and five staff as associated close contacts.

Valeski said that the sudden increase in COVID cases was directly linked to the week-long school break.

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