Here's Why This NJ District Is Going Against Governor's Back To School Directions

One Union County school district will begin the academic year with online learning only, going against the directions from Gov. Phil Murphy for in-person instruction.

Cecilia Levine

08/11/2020 2:26 p.m.

The Elizabeth School Board on Monday night voted to begin next month with remote classes after nearly 375 teachers refused to come back into the classroom over COVID-19 fears.

UPDATE: Gov. Phil Murphy was expected to announce on Wednesday that some of New Jersey's public schools can start the academic year without in-person classes as long as they meet certain criteria, several news outlets report.

Buildings will remain closed due to the teacher shortage, the district said, noting in-person classes are "mathematically impossible."

The plan must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Education.

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