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Dear Friends,
Mayor Sean M. Spiller announced on Monday View Here the formation of a Full Time Task Force, geared towards preparing the Montclair School district to transition back to full time, in person learning for the fall.
Mayor Spiller was joined by Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr’s Representative., and Essex County Commissioner Brendan W. Gill.
“It has been 434 days since our state went into lockdown because of Covid-19, noted Mayor Spiller. When we look in the mirror, many of us see someone changed by the pain and loss and sacrifice the pandemic has thrust upon us. As we emerge from this difficult year, I am so grateful for how Montclair has come together to fight the pandemic, to take care of our neighbors. The Montclair spirit burns brightly even in the most difficult of times.
This fall, we have every expectation that all of our schools will be open for full time instruction. Today we come together to make sure we are planning for a successful return and a return that brings us back to not just a new normal, but a better normal. |
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 Please click here to view the full Press Conference.
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That is why we are announcing the Full Time Task Force that will include parents, students, educators, administrators and members of our Board of Education to help us return to full time in-person instruction in the fall stronger than before, while building resiliency for the future,” said Mayor Spiller.
“I want to thank Congresswoman Sherrill, Congressman Payne, Jr. and Commissioner Gill for standing with and advocating for Montclair at all levels of government. They are invaluable partners.”
Congresswoman Sherrill and Congressman Payne Jr., provided updates on federal funding for the Montclair Public Schools. Sherrill estimates that approximately a total of $9 million in funding is specifically set for Montclair Public Schools. Securing federal support for school infrastructure and coronavirus safety measures, more than $6 million is slated for Montclair schools under the American Rescue Plan.
“As a mom of four kids, I personally know the overwhelming challenges remote learning has imposed on kids and the toll it has taken on students and their families this school year,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
“I’ve been fighting to get kids and educators back in the classroom safely for months — including with the resolution I offered in the House highlighting the need to reopen schools, the funding we secured for school reopenings in the American Rescue Plan, my push to prioritize teacher vaccination, and my work with key decision-makers across the district. I’m happy to see Congressman Payne, Mayor Spiller, and Commissioner Gill share my commitment to this critical priority. The creation of this task force will be a crucial step in making this happen for Montclair students. I look forward to seeing the task force’s work and finally getting kids back in school full-time as soon as possible.”
“I want to commend Mayor Spiller for his leadership and dedication to the health and betterment of Montclair with this Full Time Task Force,” said Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.
“I know that this task force will help Montclair families feel confident to send their children back to school for in-person learning. It will allow parents and students to voice their concerns, teachers to provide feedback on how best to conduct in-person learning post-pandemic, and administrators to create policies that are in the best interests of everyone involved. It is a great example of how a community can work together in a productive and effective manner to continue education and still protect the health and security of students and staff. I am proud to be a part of such a collaboration and look forward to hearing the recommendations from Mayor Spiller’s Task Force in the future.”
“Let’s not just be back. Let’s be back better,” said Mayor Spiller of the return to in person learning coming this Fall.
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