Superintendent Adderhold evaluates snow impact on West Windsor-Plainsboro school operations

The West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education meeting on February 11, 2025, focused primarily on weather-related school operations and the implications of current New Jersey laws regarding virtual instruction. Superintendent Dr. Adderhold emphasized the importance of safety when making decisions about school closures due to snow. He stated that he prefers to wait until the weather conditions are clearer before making any announcements, highlighting a scheduled 4:30 AM call with other superintendents to assess the situation.

Dr. Adderhold explained that the decision to close schools or delay openings is influenced not only by local weather but also by the ability of staff to safely commute from over 90 municipalities. He noted that more than half of the district's staff travels from areas south of West Windsor and Plainsboro, which adds complexity to the decision-making process.

A significant point of discussion was the current legal framework in New Jersey regarding virtual learning. Dr. Adderhold clarified that, unlike during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state law requires three consecutive days of emergency closure before a district can petition to move to virtual instruction. He expressed frustration with this limitation, especially as some neighboring districts have different regulations that allow for more flexibility.

The meeting also addressed the community's concerns about the differences in policies between public and private schools, as well as the varying laws in Pennsylvania. Dr. Adderhold reassured attendees that the district is actively advocating for more options regarding virtual learning days.

In conclusion, the board meeting underscored the district's commitment to ensuring student and staff safety during inclement weather while navigating the complexities of state regulations on virtual education. The board also reminded community members to keep their contact information updated to receive timely notifications about school operations.