Some parents call for reconsideration as the district moves a snow makeup day to one of Christianity’s holiest observances.
JACKSON, NJ – Jackson School District officials announced a new change to the 2025–26 academic calendar Wednesday morning after an internet outage forced an unexpected closure, extending the district’s string of weather-related disruptions. To make up for lost instructional time, schools will now be open on Friday, April 3, 2026—the date of Good Friday, a move drawing criticism from local parents.
Key Points
- Jackson schools closed Wednesday, Feb. 25, due to a widespread internet outage affecting communication systems.
- The district rescheduled the lost day to Good Friday, April 3, prompting community backlash.
- Some residents argue the decision shows inconsistency, as schools close for major Jewish holidays but not for Good Friday.
Internet outage forces full district shutdown
The district initially planned a delayed opening Wednesday following heavy snow earlier in the week, but a major internet outage in the Wall Township area left schools without phones, email, and access to vital student systems. With communications disabled, administrators determined that a full closure was unavoidable.
In a message to families, officials emphasized that the outage was “outside of our control” and thanked the community for its patience. The district had already lost two days earlier in the week due to the storm, straining the school calendar.
Make-up days extend into spring holidays
To recover instructional time, Jackson will now hold classes on Thursday, April 2, and Friday, April 3, both on shortened schedules. The new last day of school is set for Friday, June 26.
The decision means students and staff will be in school on Good Friday, traditionally a solemn day of observance marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. For many Christian families, the day includes church services, fasting, and family gatherings.
Parents express frustration over religious inconsistency
Within hours of the announcement, local Facebook pages and parent groups lit up with criticism. Many questioned why the district schedules closures for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—two major Jewish holidays—but not for Good Friday, one of Christianity’s most sacred days.
“It feels like a double standard,” one parent wrote online. “We respect all faiths, but Good Friday should be treated the same way as other major religious holidays.”
Others said the sudden change disrupted long-standing family plans made around Easter weekend, with some families having already arranged travel or church commitments.
District acknowledges concerns but faces limited options
Officials have not yet indicated whether they will reconsider the decision. With three snow days and now a midweek outage already on record this winter, the district’s options for makeup days are limited under state attendance requirements.
