Most Montclair Parents Will Send Kids Back To School, Poll Says

MONTCLAIR, NJ — More than half of Montclair’s parents and guardians have already made up their minds, a recent study says – they’re sending their kids back to school if buildings open in the fall.

Last week, the Montclair Public School District released the results of a survey taken among parents amid the coronavirus crisis. More than 3,300 people responded, administrators said.

See full survey results here.

Gov. Phil Murphy has issued a list of rules and guidelines for reopening schools this fall amid the coronavirus outbreak, saying the state is ready to rise to the challenge of dealing with "an unprecedented time for our students and educators."

According to the recent survey in Montclair, most parents seem to agree with Murphy.

A total of 55 percent of respondents answered “yes” when asked if they will send their child back to school if buildings reopen in the autumn. About 39 percent said they were “undecided,” and 7 percent said “no.”

The replies were fairly consistent at all levels: elementary, middle and high school.

Other highlights from the survey included:

• Most Montclair parents don’t think remote learning has a positive effect on their child’s education (54 percent are “not confident” in remote learning, 37 percent are “moderately confident” and 9 percent are “very confident”)
• Montclair parents have split opinions when asked if their school can safely social distance (37 percent said they are “not confident,” 20 percent said they are “very confident” and 43 percent said they are “moderately confident”
• Most Montclair parents will feel safer if their kids are required to wear a face mask (48 percent are “very confident” with a mask requirement, 19 percent are “not confident” and 33 percent are “moderately confident”)

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