Ire Over Officials Post-Sandy, School Changes Top News

Just because Washington Township’s power was fully restored and schools were in session this week doesn’t mean Hurricane Sandy-related topics weren’t at the forefront of the community’s minds. It was another news filled week in Long Valley, and we were there to report on it.

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Teachers Seek to Donate Days to Sick Colleague

West Morris Regional School Teacher’s Association President Joyce Hartmann approached the board of education Monday regarding the implementation of a sick bank to help an ailing colleague with sick days and finances. The issue is still being discussed, but the association would like to hear answers sooner than later.

3 Make-Up Days Added to Twp. Schools Calendar

After a mid-week board of education meeting, it was decided that the Washington Township School district would hold class on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and both originally scheduled days off for Presidents’ Day in February. Even with these changes, the district is still one day in the red with a full winter ahead.

Long Valley’s ‘Jersey Mike’ Joins World Cup Ski Team

At just 18 years old, Long Valley’s Mike Rossi is climbing the ranks of the freestyle aerial world, as he was named to the U.S. Ski Team’s World Cup team, which will be travelling to China on Dec. 30. Rossi’s stellar summer performances got him a spot on the team, which he said will help him gear up for a 2014 Olympic run.

High Schools in Session on National Holidays

At the West Morris Regional School Board’s meeting this week, the topic of discussion with the highest priority was how to make up days lost from Hurricane Sandy. The board decided to hold class on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as well as President’s Day, and is pondering Saturday classes if the need arises.

Mayor: Township is Top Priority Despite Absence

After rumors swirled about his absence from the township, Washington Township Mayor Ken Short released a statement about his personal vacation, which began Saturday, Nov. 10. Short said he did not leave until he felt the town was in good shape with power restoration and in capable hands with other committeemen.

After hundreds of comments throughout the week, resident Kathlyn Carter wrote a letter to Patch explaining her stance on the issue of committee members being out of the area during the final days of power restoration. In her letter, Carter supports Short’s decision to be out of the area.