N.J. teachers union cancels A.C. convention

The New Jersey teachers union announced today it is canceling it convention set for next week in Atlantic City because of the effects of Sandy.

It is the first time in its 158 year history that the New Jersey Education Association has canceled it convention, which the organization claims is biggest educational gathering of its kind in the world.

Public schools throughout the state close for the convention, long held in Atlantic City and scheduled this year for Nov. 8-9.

The State Department of Education says it will be up to the individual districts to decide if they will now open those days, a move some are likely to make in view of days already lost to Sandy.

NJEA President Barbara Keshishian said the union decided to cancel the gathering "in light of the natural disaster that has struck New Jersey and Atlantic City in particular."

Keshishian said the union is exploring ways for its leaders, staff and members to assist in Atlantic City's recovery.

"Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of everyone in Atlantic City, and everyone planning to attend our convention this year," Keshishian said in a statement.

"The NJEA Convention is a massive event, involving tens of thousands of people. We concluded it was simply not advisable to try to have that many people on the roads and using public transportation while so many communities are struggling to restore power and basic services to their residents - including NJEA members," she said.

Contact Joseph A. Gambardello at jgambardello@phillynews.com or 856-779-3844.