Long Branch Schools Superintendent Michael Salvatore planned to start the year with a mix of half day, in-person classes and remote learning. But since the Governor loosened in-person requirements, Salvatore says requests from his staff and parents to stay home, skyrocketed.

"It's like a basketball game that you need five people on the court. And if one person can't do it, you're not going to be able to play the game," he said. "This is the same way you're gonna need your nurses, your security staff, you need your bus drivers, and you especially need teachers and administrators at this time."

Salvatore isn't sure whether he'll have enough staff to implement his hybrid plan, or if the first day of school will have to be virtual.