Hazlet Schools: Health, Transportation Plan Release Postponed

HAZLET, NJ – Plans to release the health, virtual learning and transportation portions of the Hazlet Township school district’s reopening plan were halted by Tropical Storm Isaias, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Ridley. In a video message posted on Friday, the official reassured district members that the outline will now be released no later than Monday at 4 p.m.

Watch the video message below:

The tropical storm interrupted the anticipated release of additional plans as the district shut down for over 24 hours on Tuesday, with all eight school buildings loosing power. Impassable roads due to fallen trees and downed wires made in-person meetings “impossible”, according to Dr. Ridley.

A district physician was also unable to review the guidelines in time due to the effects of the storm. Nurses legally bound by the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) to have their contributions reviewed by the district physician before the plans are made public were unable to, according to the official.

“Presently, we are back up and running, have returned to the work at hand and will share this next portion of the plan by Monday afternoon, no later than 4 p.m.,” said the superintendent. “I apologize for this delay, though, like the pandemic, this weather is completely beyond our control.”

According to Ridley, the document will be reviewed once more over the weekend before its release next week.

Each school will also be setting up virtual meetings via Zoom to address their communities’ concerns in the coming weeks. Principals from all eight schools will be releasing more information regarding the meetings next week.

The 2020-2021 school district calendar was also recently updated in order to provide teachers with “extended professional development opportunities” before fall classes begin. The revised calendar can be viewed here.

“While we fully recognize that not everyone will be completely pleased with any plan we offer, please bear in mind that we are creating a road back for over 2,000 students and more than 300 teachers and staff. Not an easy task, though one we will continue to prioritize and build out in the days and weeks ahead,” said Ridley.

Click here to read the updated plan.

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