Superintendent: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Lawsuit 'Unfortunate'

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — Scotch Plains-Fanwood School Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast responded to a lawsuit filed against the district last week for keeping students out of school due to the coronavirus pandemic, calling it "unfortunate that our taxpayer funds" are being used for this instead of education.

"Although the board understands the difficulty many families have had with virtual learning, it is unfortunate that our taxpayer funds and resources now have to be dedicated to defending against a lawsuit rather than being utilized to better the education of our students. The Board will not be discussing this matter further," said Mast.

Mast said the district's decisions are based on the requirements and guidance issued by federal, state and local authorities, including the superintendent's consultations with the Departments of Health and the district's medical professionals.

"The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education has made and will continue to make all decisions regarding the return to in-person instruction based first and foremost on the safety of our students, staff and community," said Mast.

The lawsuit was filed last Tuesday by parents Danielle Wildstein, Vicki Dembiec, David Duncan, Nicholas Nitti, and Joshua Stone. James Mermigis of The Mermigis Law Group in Syosset, New York and Daniel Schumutter of Hartman & Winnicki in Ridgewood are representing the parents. Read More: Parents Sue Scotch Plains-Fanwood Schools For Closing Amid COVID

The lawsuit is looking for three things: to reopen schools immediately, to open for 5 partial days, and for Dr. Mast to not be allowed to close the schools arbitrarily.

The district sent out a letter to the community last Wednesday stating that on Jan. 14, 2021, the district is planning to open schools, with the hybrid model, for students who are currently in school and for grades K - 6. All other students (PreK and 7 - 12) will return on Jan. 19, 2021.

Despite Mast's decision to reopen schools, Wildstein said the parents will still pursue the lawsuit.

Read the entire lawsuit below:

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