A snow day in New Jersey could eventually mean logging in from home instead of making up the missed day later in the school year. Bayonne Superintendent John Niesz is asking Gov. Mikie Sherrill to give school districts more flexibility to use remote learning when severe weather or other emergencies make it unsafe for students and staff to travel to school.
Bayonne Says It Is Ready
Niesz says Bayonne already has the technology needed to make remote instruction possible.
Every student has access to a laptop, he said, allowing the district to continue classes from home when weather closes school buildings. The superintendent argues that remote learning could help keep students on schedule and prevent districts from having to add extra days to the school calendar after multiple closures.
The issue is particularly relevant in New Jersey, where winter storms can shut schools for a full day even when teachers and students have access to technology that could allow instruction to continue.
Current New Jersey Rules Are More Restrictive
New Jersey does allow remote instruction in certain emergency situations, but an ordinary weather-related closure such as a typical snow day generally still has to be made up.
That means districts often build several snow days into their calendars. If they use more than expected, schools may have to extend the academic year or adjust scheduled days off.
Niesz is asking for a more flexible system in which districts that are technologically prepared could decide to switch to remote learning instead.
Lawmakers Are Also Considering Changes
The Bayonne request comes as New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that could allow certain remote-learning days to count toward the required school year.
Neighboring states already provide districts with more flexibility in some circumstances, according to News 12 New Jersey.
Supporters of the idea argue that remote learning could prevent disruption and reduce the need to extend the school year.
But the issue also raises practical questions, including whether all students have reliable internet access, whether remote learning works equally well for younger children and students with special needs, and whether individual districts are prepared to provide a full instructional day online.
A Lesson From the Pandemic, Used Differently
Remote education became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Niesz’s proposal would be much narrower.
Rather than replacing in-person school for extended periods, remote instruction would serve as a backup for individual days when weather or emergencies prevent students from safely reaching school.
For districts like Bayonne that already provide devices to students, the superintendent’s argument is that closing the building does not necessarily have to mean losing the entire school day.
The governor’s office has been contacted regarding whether Sherrill plans to act on the request. For now, however, New Jersey schools remain under the existing rules.
Sources: News 12 New Jersey; Bayonne School District.
By NJ RADAR Team