Hillsborough Teachers Must Conduct Virtual Lessons From Classroom

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough educators are not happy with the district's decision to open the new school year with an all-virtual plan as it still requires teachers to return to the school buildings.

Hillsborough Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa M. Antunes announced the change in the reopening plan on Tuesday night in a letter to staff, parents and students. Read More: Hillsborough Schools Will Reopen With All Virtual Learning

The Hillsborough Education Association(HEA) had been pushing for the school district to begin the school year remotely citing risks associated with the coronavirus. Read More: Hillsborough Educators Urge District To Open Schools Remotely

Now Hillsborough educators say the district is not valuing their wellbeing.

"In their announcement, they failed to state that they still expect staff to report to their assigned school buildings. While the recognition that they cannot safely bring students back is a step in the right direction, the profound indifference they have shown for our members’ safety and their families is unacceptable," the HEA stated.

The district announced it will start the 2020-21 school year on Sept. 4 in an all-virtual mode, which will continue through Friday, Sept. 25. The district will then switch gears and begin hybrid instruction on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

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Low-incidence classes (such as Autism, LLD-Severe, Mild/Moderate, Behavior Disabilities) will attend in-person instruction beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, depending upon class size and instructional space.

The HEA went to note that the new virtual plan raises a number of concerns regarding working conditions, basic health, and staffing levels. Additionally, the HEA expressed concerns over the lack of communication from the district regarding the sharing of information including the HVAC systems report.

An Open Public Records Act request has been filed by the HEA with the district for more information, but it has not been fulfilled yet.

"The HEA will continue to oppose any reopening plan that does not value both student and staff safety," the HEA stated. "We urge the community to join us in our call for the Board and administration to embrace transparency, disclose their failings and make district school staff's safety a priority. The HEA remains committed to this goal and partnering with all who seek the 'Best for BORO'. "

Currently there are more than 50 school districts who are opting to start the school year with an all-virtual education including nearby Princeton and Flemington-Raritan. Read More: NJ: 139 School Districts Want All-Remote Start Amid Coronavirus

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