By Ashleigh Costello
EAGnews.org

MOONACHIE, N.J.—Cancelation of the New Jersey Education Association’s annual conference is giving school districts the opportunity to stay open and get two much-needed makeup days following Hurricane Sandy.

At a storm-related press conference, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie urged teachers to voluntarily return to the classroom on the scheduled convention days, even though they are not obligated to report, according to the New Jersey Herald. Christie underlined the “extraordinary circumstances” caused by Sandy and said students have already missed too much class time.

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Schools along the East coast have been closed due to flooding and widespread power outages, leaving millions of students out of class for days. Many districts are already contemplating changes to the school calendar to make up for the missed time. State law mandates schools to be in session a minimum of 180 days.

The governor said he could order teachers back to the classroom but prefers not to invoke emergency powers.

“I would hope they do it voluntarily, and I’m confident they will, but I would not hesitate to do what is needed to be done to help our children get the education they need,” said Christie.

The NJEA announced Thursday it was canceling its annual convention for the first time in 158 years because of Hurricane Sandy. The convention was to be held on Nov. 8 and 9 in storm-ravaged Atlantic City.

While some districts are preparing to resume classes, NJEA spokesman Steve Wollmer said a few districts have decided to remain closed on those days because significant numbers of parents and children already have made plans to be away for the long weekend, reports the news site.

“We are urging districts to develop a solution that works for everybody,” said Wollmer.

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The union has often disregarded calls from parents who request the convention be moved to the summer, when school is out of session.

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr. said restoring classes could be a step toward recovery in the devastated state.

“It can spark a sense of normalcy for families who have had their children home without power all week, and for students who otherwise could potentially attend class just two days in a 17-day span,” said Kean.

The school year could extend into the summer to make up for lost time if school officials are forced to close because of winter weather.