Education

Erik D’Amato, Vote Montclair’s founder and the parent of Hillside and Glenfield students, said that ultimately, the discussion of an elected school board is about getting more Montclair voters involved in the democratic process, rather than in school-specific topics. 

A group calling itself 100 Moms and Students of Color held a Black Kids Matter protest rally in Rand Park on Saturday, Aug. 15, demanding “accountability, justice and equality for black and brown children in schools.” 

Ventilation is a factor in the district’s decision, Ponds said. The ventilation systems in the schools are sufficient for a normal school year. But this year, he said, was not a normal school year. 

On Friday, July 31, the district released details for special education students, including an in-person schedule for three-to-four hours per day, five days per week. But some parents have questioned if the plan, which would have special needs students learning in person from self-contained classes, offers enough services for special needs children, adheres to safety measures, and does not put undue pressure on the families.

By ERIN ROLL roll@montclairlocal.newsSchool districts will now be allowed to start the year with all-remote learning if they can not provide the health and safety standards set by the Department of Health for in-person learning...

By ERIN ROLL roll@montclairlocal.newsAs Montclair’s public schools put together a reopening plan and await guidance from state and local health officials, the township’s private schools are beginning to announce their plans for fall. While public schools...

The proposed plan involves dividing students into two groups, known as Mounties and Bulldogs, with the two groups alternating in-person two days a week, with remote learning the rest of the week. Families can also opt for all-remote learning without withdrawing their children from the district. 

On July 15, the university released a 65-page document outlining how it plans to reopen once the state begins the third stage. 

A districtwide survey revealed that as of July 24, 70 percent of responding families preferred an in-person, hybrid model, while 30 percent wanted remote-only learning. The district plans another survey next month.

Montclair families are looking to form micropods with like-minded families to be educated at home. But some experts say it’s leaving the most vulnerable behind.