Schools

COVID-19 Activity Level Index, or CALI, scores will still be calculated but will determine COVID screening testing levels rather than school closures.

Another $923M in federal funds to support NJ schools recovering from the pandemic is on its way to the state, bringing the total since last year to more than $4B.

Senator Vince Polistina and District 2 running mates want school face mask decisions left to the parents and schools.

“Let’s leave the politics at the door. This is not about politics. This is above politics,” Murphy said. “This is doing the right thing, and I beg folks to see that even if they’re not happy about this.”

“This is not an announcement that gives any of us or me personally any pleasure,” Murphy said. “But as the school year approaches and with the numbers rapidly increasing, it is the one that we need to make right now.”

Although schools have gotten nearly $2.5B in the latest federal coronavirus recovery law, officials tell lawmakers they need more aid for HVAC work.

The biggest declines were in pre-kindergarten, which was down about 7,600 students or 17%, and kindergarten, which was down about 8,850 or 10%.

Consecutive school years upended by the coronavirus pandemic have state lawmakers considering drastic steps to help students catch up, such as widespread summer school.

Senate President Steve Sweeney says goverment reforms will be on the table in next year's budget talks, which means tough choices ahead of state elections.

Murphy said Monday 736 plans have been submitted to the state Department of Education — and 402 have been kicked back to districts for further revisions.