ESSEX COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS
February 8, 2021
Dear Governor Murphy:
As united Superintendents in Essex County, we urge you to prioritize the administration of the COVID vaccine for our teachers, support staff, and school administrators as a matter of the highest importance. This decision is vital because our schools serve an integral role in addressing the varied needs of our communities as we grapple with the ramifications this pandemic has left behind.
It is critical that our teachers and support staff remain healthy if we expect to maintain classroom learning for our students. With access to the vaccine, we can safely and expeditiously embark on the road back, minimizing the disruptions that can create unnecessary problems for our students, staff, and families.
Our collective educational experiences shine a light on the harsh realities that we are facing in this seminal moment in the lives of our students. As Governor, you have the opportunity to designate priority and establish a real perspective and urgency that will benefit this generation for years to come. It is paramount that we vaccinate educators as soon as possible and restore normalcy so we may make critical contributions to the educational and economic prosperity of our state.
We recognize how imperative it is to provide vaccinations for first responders, healthcare professionals, senior citizens, and individuals with high risk medical conditions. We must also recognize that educators are essential frontline workers who directly interact with a substantial number of students and the public each day. Vaccinating staff who work closely with our students will allow us to significantly increase the possibility of a return to in-person learning in our classrooms. To do so will enable us to begin to address the concerns about the social, emotional, and academic effects this pandemic is having on our children.
Please know that we stand ready to work with you to accomplish this goal. School districts possess the available facilities and skilled personnel with an ability to accommodate large-scale events that would be an asset in the coordination of vaccine distribution. We understand that you share our collective goal of returning all students and staff to classrooms as soon as possible. If you prioritize the vaccination of school personnel, you will create opportunities for us to address the needs of our students and school communities. We are willing to assist you to make this a reality.
We appreciate your time and consideration. Thank you for your leadership and efforts.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rui Dionisio, Co-President, ECASA
Superintendent, Verona Public Schools
Dirk Phillips, Co-President, ECASA
Superintendent, Glen Ridge Public Schools
Dr. Richard Tomko, Treasurer, ECASA
Superintendent, Belleville Public Schools
Dr. James Heinegg
Superintendent, Caldwell – West Caldwell
Damion Macioci
Superintendent, West Essex Regional School District
Dr. Linda Freda
Superintendent, North Caldwell
Dr. Susan Ciccotelli
Superintendent, Fairfield Public Schools
Salvatore L. Goncalves
Superintendent, Bloomfield Public Schools
Dr. Ronald G. Taylor
Superintendent of Schools, The School District of South Orange & Maplewood
Roger León
Superintendent, Newark Public Schools
Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh II
Superintendent, Orange Township Public Schools
Dr. Matthew Block
Superintendent, Livingston Public Schools
Anthony Grosso
Superintendent, Cedar Grove Public Schools
Dr. J. Scott Cascone
Superintendent, West Orange Public Schools
AbdulSaleem R. Hasan, Ed.S.
Superintendent, East Orange School District
Dr. James M. Pedersen
Superintendent, Essex County Schools of Technology
Deanne Somers
Superintendent, Roseland School District
Michelle V. Gadaleta
Superintendent, Essex Fells School District
Dr. Julie Glazer
Superintendent, Nutley Public Schools
Dr. Laurie W. Newell
Superintendent, Essex Regional Educational Services Commission
Dr. April Vauss
Superintendent, Irvington Public Schools
Dr. Christine Burton
Superintendent, Millburn Township Public Schools
Dr. Jonathan Ponds
Superintendent, Montclair Public Schools
CC: Judith Persichilli, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health
Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner New Jersey Department of Education
Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive
Joseph Zarra, Essex County Superintendent of Schools
Senator Joseph Pennacchio, District 26
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, District 26
Assemblyman Jay Webber, District 26
Senator Richard J. Codey, District 27
Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, District 27
Assemblyman John F. McKeon, District 27
Senator Ronald L. Rice, District 28
Assemblyman Ralph R. Caputo, District 28
Assemblywoman Cleopatra G. Tucker, District 28
Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, District 29
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin, District 29
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, District 29
Senator Nia H. Gill Esq., District 34
Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, District 34
Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake, District 34
Senator Kristin M. Corrado, District 40
Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips, District 40
Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, District 40
