Ocean county isn't growing because north jersey residents are moving here. The article is a little misleading.

Shouldn't EVERYONE be entitled to this? Students and teachers alike? These days benefit everyone. Right now, students can have up to 20 unexcused absences before they (potentially) lose credit. 20 is a lot. Yes, COVID is a wildcard that was not around when the statute outlining the 20 days was written. Teachers on the other hand have sick days that, again by statute, can only be used if the teacher is sick and, again by statute, the local admin can require a note for each sick day used. If fact, the statute that gives teachers sick days is more restrictive than the statute giving any NJ worker earned sick leave.

The "mental health day" should be a recognized "excuse" for being out. This would allow students to not have it affect their 20 day limit and teachers not have to seek out a doctor. Let the mental health day be for everyone equally.

It's not a local news desert. There are a ton of opportunities for local news (NJ.com, patch, APP, etc...). They ALL however are heavily monetized and you have to deal with this. It is annoying, however is it really any different than paying for cable and sitting through all the commercials and sponsorships on news12? It sucks outright, and I am always looking for a better way to get my local news, but NJ is definitely not a news desert.