Potential Teacher, Bus Driver Shortages In Wayne As Schools Stay Open

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Township Public Schools made it back from winter break. But it hasn't been without challenges, including teacher shortages and a "large number" of bus drivers who have contracted COVID-19, Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback said Wednesday in a letter to parents and guardians.

Amid the challenges, the district increased access to remote learning under certain circumstances.

Toback began the letter by thanking all school employees "for their extraordinary effort and commitment to the school district and our reopening after the holiday break."

But the return from winter break wasn't exactly smooth. The district had vacancies for 189 substitutes Monday but could only hire 51. Teachers and administrators — many of whom already taught additional classes beyond their regular schedules — covered the rest of the vacancies.

The district is also struggling to maintain services for all bus routes because of many drivers contracting COVID-19.

"Be advised that delays and missed stops are a possibility in the coming days and weeks," Toback said. "The transportation department will continue to provide notice to parents as soon as possible in the event of a delay."

Many students are also isolating because of a positive COVID test or are under quarantine. Meanwhile, Wayne schools increased access to remote learning under certain circumstances.

Students can participate in virtual education within a maximum of 48 hours' notice if they:

• are awaiting a test or test result after suspected exposure to COVID-19
• tested positive for the virus
• experience COVID-19 symptoms
• are quarantined for being identified as a close contact

The changes will remain in effect through Jan. 28, when officials will re-evaluate their effectiveness.

"Although we continue to receive guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education that we cannot offer remote instruction based solely on parental choice, the above changes expand the pool of students eligible for virtual instruction," Toback said.

Schools throughout the state continue to await new guidance regarding quarantine lengths from the Centers for Disease Control and New Jersey Department of Health. The district has followed a 10-day quarantine this school year.

On top of that? It's cold outside. Schools have kept windows open as a COVID mitigation strategy. Toback told parents to keep that in mind when dressing children for school.

Wayne schools will implement enhanced cleaning protocols, including ongoing cleaning of high-touch surfaces and additional cleansing of restrooms for the immediate future.

COVID testing will become available for all district students starting next week. Testing will take place from 2:30-5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Environmental Center next to the Board of Education Offices at 50 Nellis Dr. Officials will work to expand hours if they need to accommodate more students.

Read Toback's full letter here.

See more local resources:

• Here's where to find a COVID-19 booster shot — or first or second vaccination — around Wayne.
• Need to get tested for COVID-19? See Wayne Patch's guide on what to know about local testing centers.

Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of the illness, some experience conditions known as long COVID or long-haul COVID, according to the CDC. Learn more about long COVID at the CDC's post-COVID conditions page.

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