Wayne Releases Partial Graduation Plans

WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Hills and Wayne Valley high school graduations will be facilitated by Wayne Township, according to a Monday news release.

"The graduations are being sponsored by the Township due to the onerous rules being place upon local Boards of Educations by the State Commissioner of Education," said Mayor Christopher Vergano.

According to the news release, 350 chairs will be provided at the ceremonies, and will be placed as to adhere to social distancing requirements.

Parents will be limited to two guests per graduate, and the township is asking that they bring their own chairs.

The ceremony will be held in the municipal parking lot because, according to the release, current state guidelines don't allow the use of board of education property.

A representative from the state board of education did not immediately return a request for comment.

"We have agreed to step in and hold graduation ceremonies since the Board of Education is unable to due to the fact that the state-established guidelines make it virtually impossible to hold a meaningful graduation ceremony," said Vergano.

"We are acting in their place because we can and, the bottom line is our graduates, who have been working toward this day since kindergarten, deserve it."

A date and time for graduations have not been announced, but the releases states that details "are currently being formulated" and will be announced "within the next few days."

Gov. Phil Murphy announced in-person graduations will be allowed after July 6, and state officials have provided a list of rules and guidance for these modified graduations.