Princeton Schools Weigh Remote Start Option For 2020-2021

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public School officials are currently reviewing their options on how to start the 2020-2021 school year after Gov. Phil Murphy announced districts can open fully remote.

"I am reviewing our options with senior staff and we will make a decision and present it to the Board of Education and the public on Tuesday," said Princeton Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Barry Galasso.

The Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Murphy, speaking during a Wednesday news conference, said school districts can choose to go all-remote when school restarts in September, but in-school instruction can resume immediately.

Murphy said he's clearing schools and colleges to reopen for the upcoming academic year.

"In-person instruction may fully resume immediately should institutions so desire and so long as social distancing among other protections are strictly adhered to," Murphy said.

Currently, Princeton is offering parents the option of fully-remote and a hybrid model for September. The 97-page reopening plan was unanimously approved by the BOE on July 28. Read More: Princeton Submits School Reopening Plan To County, State

If Princeton were to choose to open fully-remote, they wouldn't be alone. Elizabeth, Plainfield and New Brunswick have announced they will start the school year remote. Read MOre: Elizabeth Schools To Reopen Online Only

If Princeton will keep in-person learning they would need to adhere to the state's list of rules, which was released Thursday by New Jersey officials. Read More: NJ Issues Rules For In-Person Education In Schools Amid COVID-19

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