Teachers Are Protesting School Reopenings In Paramus, Statewide

PARAMUS, NJ — If you drove under a bridge on Route 4 in Paramus this afternoon, chances are you saw some upset teachers.

As part of an initiative organized by NJ21United, teachers across the state are taking to bridges with little more than hand-made signs and their own voices to protest the reopening of New Jersey schools.

In Paramus alone, Northjersey.com reports roughly 30 teachers were demonstrating, and other protests are organized for Somerville, Belmar, Vineland and Blackwood.

Caucus organizer Adam Sheridan shared photos of protesters in Vineland with signs stating the group's mission of opening schools "only when it's safe."

Throughout the course of this week, supporters and members of the NJ21United coalition have been organizing to get their voices heard.

On Monday, the group made calls to Gov. Phil Murphy's office in mass. On Tuesday they did the same for the State Department of Education, Wednesday was the County Superintendents and Thursday they called state legislators in addition to the statewide protests.

The group is planning a "County Superintendent Barnstorm" for Friday, when members and supporters are asked to take a selfie in front of their county superintendent's office with their will, obituary or eulogy.

So what are the teachers asking for?

In a recent town hall presentation, the group referenced the Refuse To Return movement, which is an effort and online petition started by educators to remain off campus until a school's respective county reports no new coronavirus cases for at least 14 consecutive days.

School districts across the state, and in Bergen County, have been releasing proposals sporadically, and often in parts.

Many have announced they will start the year with a hybrid learning model, which would include a mix of in-person and virtual learning.

NJ21United is pushing for an entirely virtual learning model in September according to WCBS 880 reporter Marla Diamond.

Currently, parents in New Jersey have the option to opt-out of in-person learning.

Paramus Superintendent Sean Adams announced last week a portion of his district's reopening plan, which will institute a hybrid learning model in accordance with the state's school reopening plan.

In spite of the work he and other administrators, teachers and community members have put into developing what he feels is a sound plan, he also acknowledges concern on both sides.

"I 100 percent empathize with the members of the community are really leaning on us to reopen," said Adams.

"While saying that, I also 100 percent empathize with the group that's saying 'I really don't want you to reopen.' Their concerns are equally valid. This is one of those unique times where everybody's right."

Below are some of NJ21United's other key points:

• All local associations must be equally represented on school reopening committees.
• All school staff and students are provided with necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• New Jersey must apply for an additional ESSA waiver for standardized testing for the 2020-2021 school year.
• The state continues to uphold a moratorium on new charter schools and extends that moratorium to include the expansion of existing charter schools.

Have pictures from the demonstrations today you'd like to share? Email montana.samuels@patch.com

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