The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) is comprised of Chief Education Officers
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Congratulations to the 2023 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year Dr. William T. Smith, Chief Education Officer, Point Pleasant Beach School District. Dr. Smith was honored at the NJASA and NJAPSA’s 41st Annual Spring Leadership Conference on May 18, 2023. https://www.njasa.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=5293&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=10698&PageID=2348
Start Each Day with New Ways to Think About Education at the NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conference
Register Now at https://www.njasa.net/domain/242
NJASA and NJPSA/FEA Invite You to
Register Here https://www.njasa.net/domain/60
March 15 HR Seminar Will Address: End-of-Year Tasks:
End-of-School-Year
Topics Will Include:
Non-Renewal Issues,
Tenure Eligibility Questions;
Donaldson Appearance;
Increment Withholdings,
Involuntary and Voluntary Transfers;
Tenure Procedures;
Paid and Unpaid Leave Request Options; and
Planning for Retention-Induction and Mentoring Best Practices for 23-24 SY.
Zoom Session 9:30am - Noon
REGISTER NOW! https://www.njasa.net/domain/231
The Power of Legal Information: Practical Issues to Keep School Administrators Current & Compliant
Session II - Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - Governance
Spend time with NJASA as we identify appropriate and reasonable solutions to governance issues, such as: how to respond to school ethics violations, ethics requirements for Board of Education members and administrators, board relations, how administrators can avoid common pitfalls, how to handle a "strong" board, and proper handling of executive session issues.
Register Today https://www.njasa.net/domain/177
Join NJASA on January 17th, to Learn How to Traverse the Superintendency While Addressing Expectations
Analyzing and Predicting the Politics of the Board
The Dynamics of Your Community
Leadership Styles of Team Members
Zoom Seminar 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Active NJASA Members Attend at No Cost
https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/72/ODS%20January%2017_23%20Agenda.pdf
Human Resource Professionals: Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Join NJASA for Focused Discussions on Critical Yearly Decisions and Challenges
• Anticipated/Projected Hiring Needs for 23-24 SY
• Staff Turnover and Recruitment
• Interviewing Techniques and
• Continued Contract Administration Matters
Zoom 9:30 - Noon
Register Now!https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/231/HR%20Agenda%20January11%202023.pdf
Special Education Promising Practices and Current Legal Issues
Join NJASA December 20th, Zoom Seminar 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Best Practices-Part One
Clinical Services-Least Restricted Environment-Outside Placements
Best Practices-Part Two
This portion of the program will be highlighting some of the innovations created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Special Education-Legal Update
Getting students to an OOD placement when parents won’t agree
Refreshers on homebound approval process and/or long-term suspensions
The rise of anxiety in the post covid school environment
Register Nowhttps://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/72/December20%202022%20ODS%20Agenda.pdf
Join NJASA November 30 for an
Emergency Preparedness: Coordinating Resources
Zoom Seminar 9:30 am - Noon
•NJDOE Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning
•The Coordination of Emergency Services; Through the Lenses of Traumatic Loss
•County-wide Reunification Model Program
Register Now! https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/72/November30_2022%20ODS%20Agenda.pdf
The Power of Legal Information: A Three-Part Series
Practical Issues to Keep School Administrators
Current and Compliant
Join presenters Philip E. Stern, Esq., DiFrancesco, Bateman, Kunzman, Davis, Lehrer & Flaum, PC. and Beth L. Finkelstein, NJASA Assistant Counsel for Session 1 STUDENTS
Nov.15, 9:30 am via Zoom
REGISTER NOW! https://www.njasa.net/domain/177
The Clayton Model - School-Based Mental Health Services
Come Hear About the Journey and Impact on October 31
via Zoom at 9:30am
The Child Connection Center implements support services in schools utilizing this model. A universal school-based social and emotional learning program that serves all students regardless of classification. It is a responsive, trauma-informed intervention program structured to offer a network of support services.
REGISTER NOW!
https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/72/ODS%20October%2031_22%20Agenda.pdf
Human Resource Professionals: Join NJASA on Oct. 17
Part Two of a Four-Part Professional Development Series
Re: Being Federal/State and Locally Compliant
Agenda Will Include:
Compliance with Federal/State Mandates; Preparing for Negotiations; and Compliance Catastrophes
Zoom Session 9:30am - Noon REGISTER NOW!
https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/Domain/231/HR%20Agenda%20October17.2022.pdf
Developing an Effective PDP and Managing Your OWN Evaluation Expectations
Join NJASA Sept. 19 for a session designed to ensure you are familiar with the chief school administrator evaluation process. Superintendents who served on the Committee with NJSBA, will highlight, discuss the differentiated indicators, how to organize your documents, prepare information for the Board of Education, and make recommendations to integrate the evaluation process into your everyday work and successfully navigate the compilation document.
Developing an Effective PDP and Managing Your
OWN Evaluation Expectations
NJASA One Day Seminar Series Begins Sept. 19
This session is designed to ensure our members are familiar with the chief school administrator evaluation process. Superintendents who served on the Committee with NJSBA, will highlight, discuss the differentiated indicators, how to organize your documents, prepare information for the Board of
Education, and make recommendations to integrate the evaluation process into your everyday work and successfully navigate the compilation document.
N.J. schools must provide maps of buildings, outside areas to help police during emergencies, Murphy says
In an effort to increase security, New Jersey will use $6.5 million in federal funds to produce digital maps of all schools in the state — public and private — so law enforcement will have more details about of a school campus n the case of an emergency, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday.
The announcement comes three months after 19 students and two teachers were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas — a massacre that has spurred intense discussions nationwide about how best to protect students and teachers in classrooms.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday the state will use federal coronavirus relief funds for the plan.
Even with Armed Security, It’s Not Enough to Keep NJ Schools Safe
According to Dr. Rich Bozza, NJASA Executive Director, the Garden State is certainly ahead of the curve when it comes to security but existing protocols are being reviewed to make schools as safe as possible. He pointed out many schools have video surveillance at their locked front doors to check out visitors before they enter the building, but that's not enough. He said “doing that doesn’t mean somebody can’t get into a building. They could follow someone in who has a key pass, or a door could be left open."
He said having video cameras, state-of-the-art door and window locks are important. “They create a sense of security, but as I said, it’s not total security: it really goes back to the people in the school being alert, following the practices, making sure the doors are closed, keeping a wary eye if you will for visitors in the building.”
https://nj1015.com/even-with-armed-security-its-not-enough-to-keep-nj-schools-safe/
NJASA announces 4 Human Resource PD Zoom Sessions
9:30 - Noon
Aug. 16, Post Pandemic HR Issues Continued: In Preparation for 2022-23 Implications for School District Human Resources Practices
Oct. 17, Being State Compliant
Jan. 11, 2023 Critical Mid-Year HR Challenges
March 15, 2023 End of Year Tasks – End of School Year Human Resources Issues
REGISTER NOW! https://www.njasa.net/domain/231
A new NJASA PD Opportunity: Executive Adm Asst Aug 4 & Nov 2. Whether an Executive Adm Asst works in a small, medium, or large district, the responsibilities are critical to the support of the Chief Education Officer & the running of a school district.
https://www.njasa.net/domain/244
Teens in N.J. will now be able to work longer hours as Murphy signs law
It comes as New Jersey employers continue to face staffing issues.
Pfizer COVID Vaccine Appears Effective for Kids Under 5, Feds Say
Federal health officials said kid-sized doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe and effective for children under 5, a key step toward a long-awaited decision to begin vaccinating the youngest American children.
The Food and Drug Administration posted its analysis of the Pfizer shot ahead of a Wednesday meeting where outside experts will vote on whether the shots are ready for the nation’s 18 million babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Kids under 5 are the only group not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S.
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2022/06/pfizer-covid-vaccine-appears-effective-for-kids-under-5-feds-say.html
Vaccinations could begin as soon as next week with the drugmakers ready to rapidly ship doses.
NJASA Offers Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Dr. Saul Cooperman
Saul, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and one of the most innovative and passionate educators New Jersey has ever known, passed away May 26, 2022. He was chosen by New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean to join his cabinet as the Commissioner of Education for the State of New Jersey. Saul served the entirety of Kean's two terms, and was "blessed" (his words) to partner with an equally educationally activist Governor like Kean; both earned national recognition for New Jersey's leadership in education reform. Together the two transformed New Jersey into a testing ground for national ideas, and exported many of their own notions worldwide.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/saul-cooperman-obituary?id=34971151
New bill named for 10-year-old victim of N.J. crash would require seat belts on school buses.
All school buses would be required to have lap and shoulder seat belts under legislation announced Tuesday by Rep. Josh Gottheimer on the fourth anniversary of the fatal Paramus crash that killed a teacher and a 10-year-old student.
The legislation was named Miranda’s Law in memory of fifth grader Miranda Vargas. She was killed along with fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Williamson in May 2018 when a bus driver heading from East Brook Middle School in Paramus to Waterloo Village, a historic site in Sussex County, tried to make an illegal U-turn on Interstate 80 and collided with a dump truck.
https://www.nj.com/politics/2022/05/new-bill-named-for-10-year-old-victim-of-nj-crash-would-require-seat-belts-on-school-buses.html
The bill was announced on the fourth anniversary of the fatal crash.
NJASA and NJAPSA’s Annual Spring Leadership Conference
May 18 - 20 Offers Onsite Registration. NJASA Active Members Can Attend This Essential Conference at No Cost.
The Conference Will Address the Most Critical Educational Issues of Our Time; Offer Three Exceptional Keynote Speakers, Special Workshops, Breakout Sessions, and Valuable Networking Opportunities. Look forward to seeing you at the Conference.
https://www.njasa.net/domain/238
K–12 Education, Transportation Leaders Join Forces To Amplify Electric School Bus Opportunities and Challenges
Alexandria, Va. – April 4, 2022 – Leading national education and pupil transportation groups are pleased to announce today the formation of the Electric School Bus Collaborative (ESBC)—a powerful initiative aimed to incorporate more state and community perspectives about facilitating the transition to electric school bus fleets across the country. https://aasa.org/content.aspx?id=47775
Alexandria, Va. – April 4, 2022 – Leading national education and pupil transportation groups are pleased to announce today the formation of the Electric School Bus Collaborative (ESBC)—a powerful initiative aimed to incorporate more state and community perspectives about facilitating the trans...
An Invitation to Apply for the Position of Weymouth Township Chief School Administrator... Deadline to Apply is March 14th
https://www.njasa.net/cms/lib/NJ07000175/Centricity/ModuleInstance/2379/FINAL_weymouth_csa_search.pdf
Gov. Phil Murphy has held at least one briefing most weeks since the coronavirus started spreading in New Jersey in 2020.
N.J. could still drop school mask rules later this year, Murphy said. ‘I think there’s a real shot.’
Gov. Phil Murphy expressed optimism Thursday that he could still drop New Jersey’s school mask mandate before the end of the school year despite recently declaring another health emergency in part to keep face coverings as a requirement for students and staff.
https://bit.ly/3IlMv7w
Gov. Phil Murphy renewed the COVID public health emergency last week, which in part allowed him to continue requiring masks in schools.
https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20220111d.shtml
Executive Order No. 280 declares a Public Health Emergency and restates the existing State of Emergency across all 21 counties in New Jersey, allowing state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist the State’s healthcare system and affected communities responding to and recove...
NJ Governor Phil Murphy today, Jan 10, signed legislation (A-5727/S-3726) which requires school security drills to be age-appropriate and to prevent unnecessary traumatization of schoolchildren. Among other requirements, the legislation prohibits the use of fake blood, real or prop fi****ms, or the simulations of gun shots or explosions in school security drills. The legislation, which Governor Murphy announced his support for last April, will strike an appropriate balance between ensuring that students are informed and ready for threats that schools face in the present day, while being sensitive to the mental health needs of schoolchildren.
https://www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/562022/approved/20220110a.shtml
Among other requirements, the legislation prohibits the use of fake blood, real or prop fi****ms, or the simulations of gun shots or explosions in school security drills.
N.J. schools grapple with spike in threats of violence, shootings on social media
The return to in-person school this fall has been anything but smooth as the coronavirus pandemic remains a daily concern, but that hasn’t been the only challenge for educators and children.
Many districts have seen lockdowns and increased police presence prompted by threats of violence.
https://www.nj.com/education/2021/12/nj-schools-grapple-with-spike-in-threats-of-violence-shootings-on-social-media.html
Many New Jersey school districts have received threats regarding potential violence in schools in the last few weeks, though none have been substantiated.
A bipartisan group led by two former governors is urging President Biden to help an estimated 167,000 children who have lost parents or caregivers.
https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2021/12/nj-restarts-high-school-graduation-test-passing-mark-debate/
With restart of graduation tests set for the spring, State Board of Education debates what the appropriate passing mark should be
In a wealthy suburban Philadelphia district, schools are struggling with shortages of all sorts. Behavioral problems have mushroomed. “We are in triage mode,” one teacher said.
https://time.com/6117544/electric-school-buses/
Joe Biden's infrastructure bill is poised to push the U.S. school bus manufacturing industry into making zero-carbon vehicles.
Dr. Scott R. Rocco, Chief Education Officer, Hamilton Township School District, Mercer County, was selected as New Jersey's 2022 Superintendent of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), and is a candidate for the National Superintendent of the Year Award by the American Association of School Administrators' (AASA). He will be formally acknowledged by the New Jersey State Board of Education at their Annual Recognition Ceremony on December 1st. https://www.njasa.net/domain/234
"Children should trick or treat in small groups and engage in Halloween activities outdoors as much as possible. It is best to avoid crowded indoor parties. As always, practice good hand hygiene and stay at home if you are sick."
New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli
https://twitter.com/NJDeptofHealth
Peanut butter jelly time: How healthy is the American classic? Experts weigh in
A lunchtime favorite. A picnic classic. An American icon.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches do it all
But just how healthy is this American classic? We asked experts.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2021/10/25/peanut-butter-jelly-healthy-nutritionists-weigh-sandwich/6102633001/
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches have maintained their popularity for decades. But is PB&J a healthy lunch for kids and adults?
NJASA announces three regional 2022 Superintendents of the Year. They are: Region I recipient – Patricia Blood, Chief Education Officer, Kearny School District; Region II recipient –Dr. Scott R. Rocco, Chief Education Officer, Hamilton Township School District, Mercer County; and Region III recipient – Dr. Brian B. Brotschul, Chief Education Officer, Delran Township Public Schools.
According to Richard Bozza, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), there are approximately 7,000 licensed bus drivers currently receiving unemployment benefits in the Garden State. The association is in talks with New Jersey officials about how to reduce the driver shortage.
Read More: Driver shortage — NJ schools changing start times, merging stops | https://nj1015.com/bus-driver-shortage-forcing-nj-schools-to-change-schedules-cancel-trips/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral
A shortage of bus drivers was an issue before the pandemic. It's even worse now.
Pfizer vaccine for kids may not be available until November
Pfizer has submitted research to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine in children, ...
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/09/pfizer-vaccine-for-kids-may-not-be-available-until-november.html
Once the company files its application, U.S. regulators and public health officials will review the evidence.
Amid a teacher shortage and COVID, this is how N.J. is training future educators
When COVID-19 didn’t make in-person instruction possible this past spring, Joely Torres used her dining room table as a virtual classroom — both to teach and to learn.
“It was me, my parents and my grandmother all under one roof and I student-taught from my dining room in Paterson,” said Torres, laughing.
https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/09/amid-a-teacher-shortage-and-covid-this-is-how-nj-is-training-future-educators.html
Some student teachers are providing instruction in person for the first time this fall.
920 W State St
Trenton, NJ
08618
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NJASA is advancing the role of women leaders in education. Join us for the 5th annual New Jersey Women’s Leadership Conference, March 26-27, 2020 at The Palace at Somerset Park. https://www.njasa.net/domain/60
David Pogue gave an incredible keynote at TECHSPO this morning!
A new bullying law in New Jersey schools might cause problems because it is difficult to implement. The state is piloting a teacher evaluation program that hopefully will not be a one-size-fits-all answer. New national benchmarks for math and language arts will require new ways to assess students. These are the items to watch.
Up to nine pilot districts will test new statewide teacher evaluations during the 2011-12 school year. The evaluations will influence decisions about personnel policies, compensation, merit-based bonuses, tenure, and more. Therefore, the task force should be careful to consider all the issues that affect student achievement.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative will set national benchmarks for math and language arts. The standards are designed to more accurately provide the knowledge and skills students need for success in college and careers. Similarly, a national assessment initiative is under way to parallel the new standards.
One year after drastic state budget cuts, school districts are again turning to taxpayers to make up for a lapse in state aid. In the upcoming election, districts will seek funding for programs and services. If budgets do not pass, programs and personnel may be cut. The difficult decisions will be made at the local level.
The New Jersey Educator Effectiveness Task Force proposed a combination of test scores, personal observation and school-wide performance to measure teacher effectiveness. These recommendations are just the beginning. Stakeholders need to participate in the discussion and lessons can be learned from the experience of other states.
To compete globally, schools have to invest in technology for classrooms and professional development for teachers. Otherwise, they are at risk for perpetuating classrooms that resemble the 1980s. Superintendents are the driving force behind schools meeting the new core curriculum standards focusing on 21st century skills.
Educational reforms proposed by the state, from teacher merit pay to charter schools, do not address the root cause of low achievement, which is poverty, says the NJASA. Improved test scores will be driven by early childhood education intervention in underserved areas and more training and support for teachers.
New Jersey Education Briefs – Provisional superintendent’s license is a risky move that could hurt failing districts. The proposed amendment to relax certification requirements for superintendents in some New Jersey districts is not the antidote for failing schools. This change could ultimately hurt districts. Rather, schools should invest in professional development for staff to help widen the pool of candidates.
A NJ task force has a daunting task: devise a plan to measure teacher effectiveness, such as merit pay, by March. This important work deserves more time. We can learn from the experience of other states and countries. Educators must take the lead in defining accountability in a system designed for success, not embarrassment.
Proposed pension reform addresses cuts, not state’s longstanding failure to fund pensions Governor Christie’s proposed pension reform addresses budget cuts but not the state’s longstanding failure to fund the program. This puts the onus on state and local government workers and teachers, without shared responsibility from the state. To truly move things forward, we need collaboration, not a top-down approach.
Social media and technology have created thousands of new ways to be a bully. Cyber bullying can happen anywhere, leaving victims with no ‘safe zone.’ A community-wide approach that includes the school, parents and children is necessary to prevent cyber bullying. This video provides strategies to confront this problem.
Governor Christie’s proposed education reforms oversimplify complicated issues. The state proposal to expand the role of charter schools is a one-size-fits-all answer that will not work for all students. The system is not broken, says the NJASA, but each district needs to address its specific challenges.
State legislators are working on key issues that will affect districts as early as 2011. Items to watch include (1) 2 percent cap and toolkit, (2) impact of budget, (3) measuring teacher and administrator effectiveness, (4) fail rate on proficiency tests, and (5) new financial literacy requirement.
NJASA successfully brought a court case against the Administration to challenge 2008 regulations for a new funding formula for state aid. The regulations improperly reduced compensation for superintendents, assistant superintendents and business administrators. The appeals court upheld NJASA positions on several key points.
Trenton Ecumenical Area Ministry (TEAM)
W State StreetShiloh Community Development Corporation
Bellevue AvenueCatholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton
W. State StreetThe African American Chamber of Commerce of N
West State StreetN.J. Office of Diversity and Inclusion
W State StreetNew Jersey Department of the Treasury
West State Street
Mercer County Improvement Authority
Hamilton Avenue
League of Women Voters of New Jersey
W State Street
New Jersey Department of Agriculture
Riverview Plaza/3rd Floor
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