Governor Murphy-

The COVID-19 pandemic is a significant event in the history of our country. Understandably, the Warren Township Public School system, like countless other districts across the country, was caught off guard by the pandemic in early 2020. The District leadership took steps to rethink education and address the immediate impact last spring. While they also took broader actions with the introduction of a hybrid/remote learning system for the 2020-21 school year, we still have serious concerns about the quality of education Warren Township Schools students have received to date and what they may receive going forward.

As parents, we recognize the health risks COVID-19 presents, but we also recognize the long-term risks for children who are not receiving an effective, meaningful education. The current system has failed to give our children the connection and interaction that only in-person 5 full days teaching offers. Abbreviated schedules, technology issues, concerns about grading accuracy, and the inability of teachers to appropriately assess the needs of students impact the quality of education that our children deserve and our tax dollars support. Warren must do better.

On March 17, 2021, you stated it is your expectation for all districts to return to full-time, in-person instruction this Fall.

There is information and resources provided by your COVID response team and from President Biden’s administration, the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and countless other health experts, as well as the growing availability of vaccinations. Warren Township Public Schools has the necessary guidance and flexibility to make decisions that will improve the quality of education now and for the upcoming school year.

We, the undersigned, call on Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Mingle, and the members of the Warren Township Board of Education to take the following actions to address parent concerns and further improve education in our community:

2020-21 school year - Immediately introduce a plan to return to full-time (7-hours-per-day, 5-days-per-week) in-person learning for all students who request it. This plan should also provide the opportunity for students to attend remotely through the end of the school year.

2021-22 school year - By the end of the current school year, present a plan to return to full-time (7-hours-per-day, 5-days-per-week) in-person learning for all students starting September 1st 2021.

We believe actions can be taken, best practices followed, and benchmarks established with other districts that will support a safe reopening of our schools for those who wish to attend this year and the coming school year.

Superintendent Mingle and the Warren Township Board of Education can no longer take a conservative, wait-and-see approach. We do not doubt their commitment to quality education for all, nor do we disregard the challenges they face. This call for action is a recognition by parents that we must persevere because our children’s futures depend on it. Warren can still be a leader in our State and demonstrate how to safely return students to school.

We ask that you sign this petition promptly as to allow our district the utmost time to prepare. We are hoping to present this as soon as possible, certainly prior to a BOE meeting. The next is scheduled for May 10. Please do your best to circulate this and get it signed by as many parents as possible. And as we have found out, your signature will not be considered valid if it is not your full name (not our rules).

We thank you in a advance for your support for all of our children!