COVID and SchoolsCoronavirus Newark

Newark schools reopening: What do you think about returning to classrooms?

By 
Patrick Wall
 | July 15, 2020, 9:44pm UTC
Lafayette Street School, built in the 1840s, is the district’s oldest school. Last year, four of its ceilings collapsed.
In a previous school year, students walk in front of Lafayette Street School. (Patrick Wall)

Across the country, a debate is raging about whether it’s safe to reopen schools this fall amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has insisted that most students will return to classrooms at least part time this school year. But recently he said that could change if infections surge. 

In Newark, Superintendent Roger León has promised that classrooms will be safe for students and teachers as schools follow the latest health guidelines. The district has even started testing out the new safety measures at two summer school sites, where students and staffers are wearing face masks and desks are spaced 6 feet apart.

Meanwhile, some parents and teachers have said they’re worried about the health risks of in-person learning and plan to opt for virtual classes this fall.

Chalkbeat wants to hear from parents, students, and school staff: Do you think it’s safe to reopen school buildings? Share your thoughts and questions below.

The Latest
Denver to contract with outside company to provide in-house substitutes for high-needs schools

The Denver school board approved a two-year, $3.5 million contract with TeachStart to provide year-long substitute teachers for certain schools.

By 
Melanie Asmar
 | December 20
Chicago is expanding its Sustainable Community Schools. They haven’t yet boosted student outcomes.

A Chalkbeat analysis suggests that the district’s joint initiative with its teachers union hasn’t yet given its 20 pilot schools an edge over other high-poverty campuses when it comes to academics and school climate.

By 
Mila Koumpilova
 | December 19
Chicago’s Sustainable Community Schools initiative has a history of unspent money and turnover

A Chalkbeat analysis found that staff turnover, unspent dollars, and community partner tensions have been key challenges for the 7-year-old program.

By 
Mila Koumpilova
 | December 19
Detroit school district facing millions in state fines for low daily attendance last year

Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says the law punishes districts for system inequities that contribute to chronic absenteeism.

By 
Hannah Dellinger
 | December 19
How Indy’s fractured school system led to a plan for unified control of public schools

State lawmakers will consider creating a new agency to oversee IPS schools and charters. Here’s a look at the history and powerful advocates behind that push for unified control over city schools.

By 
Amelia Pak-Harvey
 | December 19
Tennessee county mayors urge Gov. Lee to accept federal aid for low-income students

The majority of low-income Tennessee students did not receive help paying for summer meals in 2025 for the first time in years. Now, local officials want the state to bring back federal aid for 2026.

By 
Melissa Brown
 | December 19