New Jersey lifts school mask mandate and mandates student board representatives

During the Verona Board of Education meeting on February 8, 2022, significant updates were shared regarding new legislation affecting local schools, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and broader educational reforms.

One of the most notable changes discussed was the lifting of the mask mandate in New Jersey schools, effective March 7. This decision comes as COVID-19 infection rates decline, allowing local districts the option to maintain their own mask requirements. The board attorney, Dan Roberts, emphasized that while the state will no longer enforce mask-wearing, individual districts can still choose to do so based on their circumstances.

In addition to health-related updates, the meeting highlighted a new requirement for school districts with high schools to include a student representative on their boards starting next school year. This non-voting member will be either elected or appointed by the student body and will be responsible for keeping students informed about board actions through monthly reports to their student council.

Roberts also addressed updates to the harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) laws, which now require schools to document investigations of HIB incidents in student files and develop intervention plans for repeat offenders. Furthermore, schools must notify parents about HIB incidents and provide age-appropriate messaging during security drills to ensure student well-being.

Curriculum changes were also a focal point, with new laws mandating the inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander studies in K-12 education. These initiatives aim to enrich the social studies curriculum and promote a more inclusive historical narrative.

To address staffing shortages, the legislature has allowed districts to hire retired educators for critical positions without requiring them to re-enroll in the pension system, effective immediately.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for board members about their obligations under the School Ethics Act, particularly regarding communication with constituents. Board members were advised to clarify that personal opinions expressed do not represent the board's official stance.

These legislative updates are set to have a direct impact on the Verona school community, shaping policies and practices that prioritize student health, representation, and educational inclusivity. The board will continue to monitor these changes and implement necessary adjustments in the coming months.