COVID, Staffing Issues Could Cause 'Disruptions' At Wayne Schools: Superintendent

WAYNE, NJ — A spike in cases, increased quarantine requirements and staffing difficulties could mean trouble for Wayne schools, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback warned. Maintaining in-person learning remains the priority, but Toback alerted parents in a letter Monday that the aforementioned challenges may cause educational "disruption."

"My goal with writing today was not to create alarm, but instead to create awareness and allow families to make plans in the event of a COVID-related disruption," Toback wrote in the letter.

COVID cases and quarantines within Wayne Township Public Schools have sharply increased. On Nov. 23, the district had 19 positive students and staff and 64 people under quarantine. As of Friday, officials reported 24 staff and 63 students who had tested positive, along with 12 additional employees and 238 students quarantining.

See the table below:

The district may also see disruptions in services such as transportation, Toback says.

New Jersey as a whole has seen a spike in COVID activity. The New Jersey Department of Health moved the entire state into the "high-risk" category in its latest weekly report. The report elevated Passaic County from moderate to high risk, which heightens the area's quarantine protocols. For schools, that will primarily increase quarantines that previously required 10 days to 14 days.

Toback told parents to remain cautious and follow health guidelines, and to keep children home and consider testing if they notice any symptoms.

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