New Jersey
Ida: CBS2 visits district in New Jersey, where some schools haven’t been open in 2 years due to pandemic and storm
CRESSKILL, N.J. — One 12 months in the past, the remnants of Hurricane Ida destroyed the center and highs colleges in Cresskill. College students haven’t been again since.
That, nonetheless, will change subsequent Tuesday, the primary day of the brand new faculty 12 months.
On Monday, CBS2’s Vanessa Murdock went to one of many colleges, the place rebuilding continues.
FLASHBACK: Referendum to spend over $20 million on repairs for Cresskill Faculties anticipated to go
Waist-deep water stuffed the auditorium and never a classroom was left unscathed. Ida left the constructing standing, however decimated the varsity, mentioned Michael Burke, the superintendent of Cresskill Faculties.
“This was the middle location of why we couldn’t open for a very long time,” Burke mentioned.
Within the boiler room, floodwater stuffed all 4 boilers half approach up. Replacements now sit on a lot greater floor.
“These are the boilers. They’re now positioned up on these cement pylons,” Burke mentioned.
Outdoors, mighty partitions wait to guard the varsity if water rises once more. And the sound of the ability washer grabs your consideration. Inside, it is the drone of followers.
When requested what nonetheless needs to be accomplished earlier than reopening, Burke mentioned, “We’re nonetheless finalizing the air. The air situation needs to be related.”
FLASHBACK: Cresskill mother and father ask Gov. Murphy for assist repairing Ida-damaged faculty so college students can return to school rooms
As well as, microscopes have to be dusted, clocks set, and hallways cleared. Proper now, staff fill them feverishly attempting to prepare for the large day. A lot of the varsity nonetheless wants a full cleansing, however many school rooms are prepared and ready for college students to fill the pristine seats. Academics, who will return later this week, have to arrange their school rooms.
“I gotta undergo all these packing containers over there. I am very excited to undergo all of my stuff,” artwork trainer Leigh Ann Dauble mentioned.
Dauble, who obtained permission to return in early, noticed her refurbished classroom for the primary time.
“It is stunning,” she mentioned. “I am sort of excited to start out contemporary.”
And he or she’s excited to see her college students head to head.
“The scholars haven’t been on this constructing on a constant foundation since March of 2020,” Burke mentioned.
First the pandemic, then Ida.
“We have been distant for a number of months. We ended up going to St. Therese, the church on the town, on a rotating foundation,” Burke mentioned.
Then, the district utilized a constructing in Northvale, however for a diminished faculty day.
FLASHBACK: 1,000 Cresskill college students nonetheless studying remotely months after Ida destroyed faculty
On Sept. 6, everybody shall be again, all day. The college’s doorways will open to plenty of pomp and circumstance, together with a ribbon reducing and a efficiency by the marching band. College students that spoke to CBS2 mentioned they’re excited, if not slightly apprehensive.
“It does not appear reasonable, as a result of we have not been [here] for like two years,” sophomore Leo Kim mentioned.
“I really feel good. I by no means stepped foot within the constructing earlier than as a result of I joined when it flooded,” sophomore Etamar Weinstein mentioned.
Weinstein hopes the work will get accomplished in time.
“The air conditionings been damaged for some time, so I hoped that is completed,” Weinstein mentioned.
Good factor for him the AC is a prime precedence. Work on the auditorium will wait.
“It is not important that we now have it for the youngsters to return again. We want the classroom areas,” Burke mentioned.
To get college students again the place they belong and again to regular.
2-minute read
Phil Murphy talks critical workers during 2024 State of the State
Governor Phil Murphy’ discusses New Jersey’s nurses and teachers at the 2024 State of the State Address.
New Jersey announced $17 million in student loan relief for group home aides and other health care workers, part of an effort to attract and retain staff in fields fraught with turnover and vacancies.
Up to $50,000 in student loan relief is available to health care and social service professionals who commit to one year of service at designated agencies, the state said. Gov. Phil Murphy said the program should improve services for New Jersey residents with medical, mental health, and disability needs.
“This student loan redemption program further bolsters our home and community-based services workforce, and it is key in supporting qualified service providers to bring their skills and expertise to communities across the state,” he said.
Story continues below photo gallery
“In addition to alleviating the financial burdens of this workforce, this program also builds the capacity to deliver care in the community for more New Jerseyans,” Murphy said.
The New Jersey departments of Human Services and Children and Families announced the relief, along with the state’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.
The program aims to assist a wide range of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and counselors, among others.
Funding comes from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is part of a $100 million effort by the state to grow a workforce that has faced significant staffing shortages due to low pay and poor benefits.
In addition to the student loan redemption program, the Murphy administration said the money will help establish recruitment, training, and certification programs for direct care staff, as well as more community-based housing options for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions.
“We continue to invest in innovative approaches to strengthen and prioritize independence and person-centered care that will help individuals live in their own homes and remain active in their communities,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said in a statement.
“This new student loan redemption program will benefit caregivers who provide vital supports to people with disabilities and with behavioral health needs, as well as older adults living in the community,” she said.
How to apply for NJ loan forgiveness program
The application process for the loan forgiveness program opens on July 1. Selection of recipients will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, with decisions announced by Oct. 1. Applicants must meet such criteria as being employed full-time in a qualifying role, holding the necessary certifications, and not participating in similar loan forgiveness programs.
For more information on how to apply and detailed eligibility requirements, interested candidates can visit the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority website starting July 1.
“We are proud to offer this new benefit to dedicated workers who support individuals with disabilities and older adults in the community,” said Kaylee McGuire, Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services. “Creative steps such as a loan redemption program will help attract and retain workers and build a stronger foundation for the future.”
The one-time student loan redemption program provides:
Visit here for applications.
Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: myers@northjersey.comTwitter: @myersgene
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Join host Brian Taff and the panel as they discuss the New Jersey political power broker George Norcross and others being indicted on racketeering charges involving the redevelopment of the Camden Waterfront.
They discuss the presidential race as former President Trump is set to rally in North Philadelphia, his appeal (or not) to Black voters, and what outcomes the panelists expect from the first televised presidential debate on June 27.
Then they talk about Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget being approved by City Council, and her ‘return to the office’ mandate.
Next, it was a rundown of the region’s Senate races.
Sen. Bob Casey’s GOP challenger Dave McCormick is scheduled to be at the Trump rally.
Will New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (who is currently on trial) really run as an independent and thwart Rep. Andy Kim’s chances?
And they weigh in as Delaware’s U.S. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester officially files for her Senate race.
The panel also discusses whether warning labels should appear on social media for kids.
Panel: Donna Gentile O’Donnell, Maureen Rush, Alison Young, Guy Ciarocchi
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