NJSBA Ad Hoc Committee Update

I had the opportunity to spend this last weekend in Trenton, NJ at the New Jersey School Boards Association’s Headquarters. A group of about ten of us are charged with the responsibility of  “review[ing] NJSBA policies regarding public charter schools and to make recommendations as needed to the Delegate Assembly.”

 The NJSBA Ad Hoc Committee develops policies that foster effective teaching, extraordinary leadership, and community involvement. The idea is to develop policies that are inclusive and create a mutually beneficial relationship between traditional public schools and charter schools.

Over a decade ago the NJSBA adopted policies that outline their stance on charter schools. Over the next several weeks I am meeting intensively to ensure that the needs of the new educational landscape are reflected in the future policy. This is important because NJSBA utilizes these policies to lobby in Trenton. 

The Delegate Assembly is comprised of one representative from each board of education throughout the state of New Jersey. Delegates receive one vote that represents their board of education. 

Annual School Elections Bill

On January 9th, 2012 both the Senate and Assembly passed bills S3148/A4394. This establishes procedures for districts, municipalities, or voters to opt to move the annual school election to November and eliminates the vote on school budgets for such districts, except for separate proposals to spend above the 2% cap. 

The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature. 

One of the most unique aspects of the school budget process is that the community members have a voice. The ability to vote directly on a budget limited to school budgets.

NEWSWEEK America's Best High School 2011 List

NEWSWEEK has released its 2011 list of America's Best High Schools and Verona ranks:

• 1st in Essex County!
• 24th In New Jersey
• 296 out of 500 in America (A significant improvement from the previous year of 1654 out of 1734)

Follow this link to check out where other high schools may rank.

We're really onto something as a community and with continued support and hard word we'll see our standing continue to improve. Let's keep driving towards a common vision of scholarship and educational excellence as we prepare our students for a fast and ever changing world.

Heading to Washington D.C.

I'm really excited to be heading to Washington D.C. this evening in preparation for tomorrows Young Elected Officials Policy Briefing and Presidential Reception at The White House. The briefing is being held from 12:00PM to 3:30PM followed by a reception. If you have topics, advice, or just something you would like to share, definitely reach out to me at munis@veronaschools.org or give call at 973 - 559 - 6452. I'll be sure to write a follow-up post to Friday's visit. Read More...

Gov. Christie introduces plan allowing for-profit companies to run 5 failing N.J. public schools

On June 9th The Star Ledger covered a story that discussed the governors plan to allow for-profit companies to run five failing schools in New Jersey. I think that regardless of whether a person's view is for or against this move, the positive note taken away from this event is that policy makers and communities are beginning to think outside the box. It was Albert Einstein who said,

“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

Thus, the move to solicit private sector help in turning around the public sector schools appears to be an attempt to do just that, use a new and innovative model to solve the problems of yesterday that exist today. One part of this legislation that I am happy to see is that the partnership requires local support. I think this is a vital part of the programs future success. Every community is unique and with this uniqueness comes a special set of strengths and challenges. 

To read more visit: Gov. Christie introduces plan allowing for-profit companies to run 5 failing N.J. public schools