Parents Launch Petition To Reopen Scotch Plains-Fanwood Schools

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — A petition launched by parents, who want students to return to school for in-person instruction, is asking for more transparency and accountability from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school administration.

"We started this petition because we have yet to get any facts or specific details around what is wrong or inadequate with our schools' HVAC systems. We have asked Dr. Mast, our Superintendent, several times (via phone and email) and she has not responded. We have also asked Dr. Mast and the BOE during last week’s Town Hall and BOE meetings. No specifics or direct answers were provided. We are still waiting for transparency," said Scotch Plains mother of three, Danielle Wildstein. Wildstein previously hosted a rally on Aug. 18 asking for the schools to offer in-person instruction. Read More: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Parents Rally, Want Kids Back In School

Up until Aug. 14, the school district had planned on reopening with two plans for parents: hybrid and all virtual. Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast announced the change in the reopening plan on Aug. 14 citing an inadequate ventilation system in school buildings and also the level for the spread of the Coronavirus disease in the state. Read More: Scotch Plains-Fanwood To Reopen With All Virtual Learning Plan

"Dr. Mast cited that HVAC was the reason our schools are having an all-remote start yet there's no supporting evidence around that nor is there a timeline to get to the targeted Nov. 20 reopening date. Teachers will be required to go into our schools starting Sept. 14 to teach virtually and children which special education needs are to be phased into the classrooms in September. Is the HVAC system safe for them? If so, why is it not safe for all students under Gov Murphy’s reopening requirements?" Wildstein said.

During this past Thursday night Board of Education meeting, Wildstein also questioned the board on these issues.

BOE Vice President Evan Murray countered Wildstein's comments saying the board has been transparent and defended Mast's decision to switch to an all-virtual start in September.

"What we are trying to do is ensure every single student has equity in our district in a safe environment including teachers and the administration. There are students with specific health issues and we want to make sure their experience is safe in our schools," Murray said.

Murray noted Mast's decision to pivot from a hybrid learning plan came after Gov. Phil Murphy offered school districts the option to take more time to make the schools safer.

"That's what we are doing and Dr. Mast as the school administrator has every right to try to do that," Murray said. "She is doing this to make sure every single student is safe, not just for a subset of parents who want to send their kids to school. It has to be fair and equitable to every child."

While Murray spoke Karen Mitchell gave a thumbs up and Amy Boroff nodded in agreement to his sentiments.

The first day of school for Scotch Plains-Fanwood is Monday, Sept. 14.

For more information on the petition click here.

See below to watch the full BOE meeting from last Thursday:

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