TRENTON, NJ – A bill that would allow remote learning days for pandemic shutdowns and even snow and other weather-related closures count toward the New Jersey 180 day public school year advanced in the state senate this week,
If passed, that bill would allow for school districts to cancel snow days or create virtual learning days that count toward fulfilling the calendar year.
The bill, S-464, sponsored by Senator Nicholas J. Sacco and Senator Joseph A. Lagana would permit a public school or an approved private school for students with disabilities to meet the 180-day requirement through the use of virtual or remote instruction when the school is required to close for one or more school days due to inclement weather, hazardous transportation conditions, or other emergencies which closes the school building.
“Now we have the ability to conduct remote learning during a weather emergency and not lose a day of instruction due to snowstorms or other hazardous weather,” said Senator Sacco (D-Bergen/Hudson). “Our hope is that this will help districts to avoid extending the school year as we continue to see more extreme weather events.”
The bill was released from Senate by a vote of 39-0.