On behalf of NJASA, I am pleased to announce the three regional 2010 Superintendents of the Year. They are:
· Southern Regional winner – Raymond J. Brosel, Jr., Superintendent, Voorhees School District;
· Central Regional winner – Mark J. Finkelstein, Superintendent, Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission; and
· Northern Regional winner – Robert K. Gratz, Superintendent, Hackettstown Public Schools.
All three regional superintendents are remarkable educational leaders with vision, imagination, and compassion for the students they serve. Their accomplishments exemplify what every chief education officer should achieve.
Southern Regional winner Brosel is highly respected in both the state and national educational communities, as well as the New Jersey Legislature. An effective spokesperson with 36 years experience as a school administrator, he assumed the helm of the Voorhees School District in 1986. Prior to serving as the 2004-2005 NJASA President, he held every leadership position of NJASA and chaired the NJASA Legislative Committee for a decade.
Central Regional winner Finkelstein is a dedicated, hard-working professional who continually strives to improve the quality of education for all students. He served as a school board member for the New Brunswick Board of Education for 17 years and was elected President of the statewide New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) in 1994. Finkelstein continued his relentless efforts by serving on the NJASA Executive Committee for several years before becoming the Association’s Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect, and 2005-2006 President.
Northern Regional winner Gratz, the Warren County Representative to the NJASA Legislative Committee, began his professional career as a Social Studies teacher in the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional School District, in 1975. Prior to his present Hackettstown superintendency, he served as superintendent of the Belvidere School District and the Newton Public Schools.
This is the second year of NJASA’s new selection process to choose three regional - Southern, Central and Northern - Superintendents of the Year winners.
The next step in the process for the three regional winners will be the selection of a New Jersey Superintendent of the Year to be the state candidate to participate in the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Superintendent of the Year Award program. A committee of NJASA Past Presidents and prior New Jersey Superintendents of the Year will select the 2010 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year, who will be announced in October.
The selection qualifications for the State and National Superintendents of the Year include: meeting the needs of their students, demonstrated communication strength, a commitment to professional development and growth, and significant community involvement. Additionally, at the state and regional levels, NJASA has a fifth qualification that addresses service to the Association and its members.
AASA will announce the National Superintendent of the Year at its Annual Conference on Education in February 2010. The recipient of this prestigious honor will receive a $10,000 college scholarship for a student at the high school where the superintendent graduated.
Congratulations and best wishes to the 2010 New Jersey Regional Superintendents of the Year!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
More Information Needed on School Wide Swine Flu Vaccinations
September is just around the corner and so is another potential bout with the H1N1 virus or better known as swine flu. The biggest question on most people’s mind today with respect to this topic is when a vaccination will be available.
With the opening of schools in a few weeks, many people are concerned with when and how they can get their child vaccinated.
Recent reports released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that schools would be a likely place for the distribution of any type of vaccination. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) feels that the decision of using schools for mass vaccinations should be left up to local officials, and therefore decisions about using schools will vary considerably from community to community. We encourage all school districts to work directly with their municipal and/or county health departments when considering such actions.
The CDC has recently created two very informative booklets that provide guidance to help decrease the spread of flu among students and school staff during the 2009-2010 school year. The first is titled, CDC’s Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year. The second, Preparing for the Flu: A Communications Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12), was created to help implement the recommendations made in the first guide.
As a reminder, the New Jersey Department of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is hosting a summit on August 25, at the South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, to assist school administrators, health officials, and emergency responders in the planning for a statewide pandemic influenza outbreak. Topics that will be addressed include:
-Federal Update
-NJ’s Pandemic Plan
-School Closures
-Continuity of Educational Services
-Promising Practices to Help School Districts
For more information on this summit, please click here.
With the opening of schools in a few weeks, many people are concerned with when and how they can get their child vaccinated.
Recent reports released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that schools would be a likely place for the distribution of any type of vaccination. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) feels that the decision of using schools for mass vaccinations should be left up to local officials, and therefore decisions about using schools will vary considerably from community to community. We encourage all school districts to work directly with their municipal and/or county health departments when considering such actions.
The CDC has recently created two very informative booklets that provide guidance to help decrease the spread of flu among students and school staff during the 2009-2010 school year. The first is titled, CDC’s Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year. The second, Preparing for the Flu: A Communications Toolkit for Schools (Grades K-12), was created to help implement the recommendations made in the first guide.
As a reminder, the New Jersey Department of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is hosting a summit on August 25, at the South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, to assist school administrators, health officials, and emergency responders in the planning for a statewide pandemic influenza outbreak. Topics that will be addressed include:
-Federal Update
-NJ’s Pandemic Plan
-School Closures
-Continuity of Educational Services
-Promising Practices to Help School Districts
For more information on this summit, please click here.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
H1N1 School-closing Decisions are best made at the Local Level
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) supports the recent recommendations made by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that any decisions to close schools due to a suspected outbreak of swine flu should be left up to local officials, and therefore decisions about school closings can vary considerably from community to community. We encourage all school districts to work directly with their municipal and/or county health departments when considering such actions.
The CDC indicates that closing schools is not recommended unless there is likely to be a high percentage of absenteeism among staff or students.
However, any benefit depends on the circumstances. School closing is an aggressive strategy for slowing the spread of any communicable disease, especially swine flu. Closing schools may help a community contain an outbreak, but less drastic measures may be just as effective. According to the CDC, guidelines for colleges and employers are set to be issued on August 23.
In a recent New York Times article from August 7 titled, Swine Flu Should Not Close Most Schools, Federal Officials Say; Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that some schools “will have to close,” and that administrators should be making plans to continue schooling at home, via telephones and the Internet.
The NJASA agrees with Secretary Duncan’s statement in spirit, however; the implementation of contingency plans may invite a host of unintended consequences.
The New Jersey Department of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is hosting a summit on August 25, at the South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, to assist school administrators, health officials and emergency responders in the planning for a statewide pandemic influenza outbreak. Topics that will be addressed include:
-Federal Update
-NJ’s Pandemic Plan
-School Closures
-Continuity of Educational Services
-Promising Practices to Help School Districts
For more information on this summit, please click here.
The CDC indicates that closing schools is not recommended unless there is likely to be a high percentage of absenteeism among staff or students.
However, any benefit depends on the circumstances. School closing is an aggressive strategy for slowing the spread of any communicable disease, especially swine flu. Closing schools may help a community contain an outbreak, but less drastic measures may be just as effective. According to the CDC, guidelines for colleges and employers are set to be issued on August 23.
In a recent New York Times article from August 7 titled, Swine Flu Should Not Close Most Schools, Federal Officials Say; Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that some schools “will have to close,” and that administrators should be making plans to continue schooling at home, via telephones and the Internet.
The NJASA agrees with Secretary Duncan’s statement in spirit, however; the implementation of contingency plans may invite a host of unintended consequences.
The New Jersey Department of Education, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, is hosting a summit on August 25, at the South Brunswick High School in Monmouth Junction, to assist school administrators, health officials and emergency responders in the planning for a statewide pandemic influenza outbreak. Topics that will be addressed include:
-Federal Update
-NJ’s Pandemic Plan
-School Closures
-Continuity of Educational Services
-Promising Practices to Help School Districts
For more information on this summit, please click here.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Professional Learning Communities as a Catalyst for Change
Chief Education Officers, charged with Moving Education Forward, are leading in times that are far different from when this millennium began. Change is our consistent companion as we look at our changing world and changing needs of students. Creating and encouraging leaders at every level is one of the ways to really achieve lasting change and improve student achievement.
Designing opportunities for a collaborative culture and shared leadership roles through the development of Professional Learning Communities is the subject of an in-depth Curriculum Corner article in the next issue of NJASA's On Target, newsletter. Titled, Understanding Professional Learning Communities and Key Leadership Actions of the Superintendent, this article will give you some insight into Professional Learning Communities as a catalyst for change. Click here to read the article.
Designing opportunities for a collaborative culture and shared leadership roles through the development of Professional Learning Communities is the subject of an in-depth Curriculum Corner article in the next issue of NJASA's On Target, newsletter. Titled, Understanding Professional Learning Communities and Key Leadership Actions of the Superintendent, this article will give you some insight into Professional Learning Communities as a catalyst for change. Click here to read the article.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The NJASA Leadership Team Works Harder to Make it Happen for Education
(left to right top row) NJASA Executive Director Richard G. Bozza, Ed.D.; NJASA Secretary Andrew Rinko, Ed.D., Superintendent, Bedminster; and NJASA Treasurer Donna B. Van Horn, Ed.D., Chief School Administrator, Weymouth Twp.; (left to right front row) NJASA President Douglas B. Groff, Superintendent, Galloway Twp.; NJASA President-Elect Judith Ann Rattner, Superintendent, Berkeley Heights; and NJASA Past President Kenneth D. King, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, East Orange
NJASA Treasurer Donna B. Van Horn, Ed.D., Chief School Administrator, Weymouth Twp.;
NJASA Past President Kenneth D. King, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, East Orange; and
NJASA Executive Director Richard G. Bozza, Ed.D.
The NJASA Leadership Team, as the elected representatives of the NJASA membership, will support the common goal of improving the high quality of education that New Jersey’s children receive and will demonstrate determination and resourcefulness in their efforts as they work harder to move education forward through instructional leadership.
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) is an organization of professional educational leaders dedicated to the advocacy of school children in the Garden State. NJASA represents 593 operating school districts in New Jersey’s 21 counties. The Association’s membership includes: Chief Education Officers – who are the districts’ superintendents running one of the biggest organizations in town, 24-hours a day, seven days a week – and school administrators.
NJASA is pleased to introduce the members of the Association’s 2009-2010 Leadership Team. They are:
NJASA President Douglas B. Groff, Superintendent, Galloway Twp.;
Groff, an exceptional professional, was instrumental in the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program in the Galloway Twp. Public Schools.
NJASA President-Elect Judith Ann Rattner, Superintendent, Berkeley Heights;
Rattner, an experienced field superintendent, put into action an array of innovative curriculum programs in the Berkeley Heights District.
NJASA Secretary Andrew Rinko, Ed.D., Superintendent, Bedminster;
Rinko is a results-oriented school leader and prides himself on a remarkable record of improving student achievement in the Bedminster District.
NJASA Treasurer Donna B. Van Horn, Ed.D., Chief School Administrator, Weymouth Twp.;
Van Horn, a Lehigh University graduate, has successfully secured more than 25 grant awards, including the very competitive Technology for Teaching Grant from Hewlett-Packard, for the Weymouth Twp. School District.
NJASA Past President Kenneth D. King, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, East Orange; and
King, an Eagle Scout, implemented a new automated substitute teacher system to improve the learning environment for the students of the East Orange Public Schools.
NJASA Executive Director Richard G. Bozza, Ed.D.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Connect with the NJASA on Facebook and LinkedIn
The NJASA is pleased to announce that we are now on both Facebook and LinkedIn.
We have created Facebook and LinkedIn group pages to better represent and serve our organization. Both social media outlets will allow group members to view our media content, exchange thoughts, and comment on a variety of topics relating to chief education officers and education, just to name a few.
With the explosion of social networking on the Internet, it’s important that the NJASA address the communication preferences of its members and adopt technologies, services, and applications that they use to connect and share information – this is our way of moving education forward.
The prominence of sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube has given us the ability to introduce our organization in new format to the media, elected officials, and public.
You will need to have a Facebook account to view the NJASA Facebook page and a LinkedIn profile to participate in the NJASA LinkedIn group. To get started, simply click on the links below and follow the prompts.
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1994005
http://www.facebook.com/r.php?page_id=99599986174&r=111&locale=en_US
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
New Jersey’s Budget - Reasons to be Pessimistic
On Monday, Governor Jon Corzine signed his $29 billion state budget that lays out how the state will spend taxpayer dollars over the next year. The budget leaves many to question the future of our state, especially the fiscal footing of the education community. Press reports place the structural deficit for the following year’s budget at $6 to $10 billion due to the non-recurring revenues contained in the newly adopted budget.
Not all was washed with the Governor’s budget; the NJASA is pleased to see that there will be an increase of $374 million in direct aid for K-12 school districts - $74 million more than proposed during the Governor’s March budget address.
However, the NJASA is disappointed that many districts scheduled to receive up to a 20% increase in aid under the new funding formula were capped at 5%. Also disappointing is the cut of direct state aid in the amount of $31million to New Jersey’s municipalities. This is a 2% decrease from last year’s spending levels – 2% that now needs to be addressed by local communities and their taxpayers.
Nothing has changed from the Governor’s State-of-the-State address with his use of the public pension system as a vehicle to control the state’s run-away expenses – he did so by deferring $940 million in pension payments, with $560 million being directly related to school employee pensions.
The NJASA has been strongly opposed to this type of shell game, a maneuver that has been passed down from other administrations. As we stated previously, the pension payment deficit is nothing more than a near-sighted solution to a far-sighted problem.
We are pleased to see the use of federal monies from the stimulus package being utilized to stabilize education funding. Yes, we recognize that this is a one-time solution that was necessary to prevent large local tax increases or much deeper cuts in school board budgets. We remain hopeful that the state and national economies recover sufficiently during the upcoming year to generate the needed state income to fully support the schools funding formula.
The leadership of NJASA will continue to work with our elected officials to assist them with creating and implementing sound education policy that will lead to an effective and efficient system of New Jersey public schools.
Not all was washed with the Governor’s budget; the NJASA is pleased to see that there will be an increase of $374 million in direct aid for K-12 school districts - $74 million more than proposed during the Governor’s March budget address.
However, the NJASA is disappointed that many districts scheduled to receive up to a 20% increase in aid under the new funding formula were capped at 5%. Also disappointing is the cut of direct state aid in the amount of $31million to New Jersey’s municipalities. This is a 2% decrease from last year’s spending levels – 2% that now needs to be addressed by local communities and their taxpayers.
Nothing has changed from the Governor’s State-of-the-State address with his use of the public pension system as a vehicle to control the state’s run-away expenses – he did so by deferring $940 million in pension payments, with $560 million being directly related to school employee pensions.
The NJASA has been strongly opposed to this type of shell game, a maneuver that has been passed down from other administrations. As we stated previously, the pension payment deficit is nothing more than a near-sighted solution to a far-sighted problem.
We are pleased to see the use of federal monies from the stimulus package being utilized to stabilize education funding. Yes, we recognize that this is a one-time solution that was necessary to prevent large local tax increases or much deeper cuts in school board budgets. We remain hopeful that the state and national economies recover sufficiently during the upcoming year to generate the needed state income to fully support the schools funding formula.
The leadership of NJASA will continue to work with our elected officials to assist them with creating and implementing sound education policy that will lead to an effective and efficient system of New Jersey public schools.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
It’s all about Moving Education Forward
The most important challenge we face in public education today is to improve high schools so that all New Jersey students graduate prepared to succeed in either college or the workplace. We can no longer ignore the fact that too few of our young people graduate from high school ready for today’s competitive economy and complex society.
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators has been in the forefront on the issue of high school redesign for some time now. Over the past few years the NJASA’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee, as well as individual members, have met to discuss a new approach to high school redesign. The NJASA Curriculum and Instruction Committee published a paper titled, “New Jersey Department of Education High School Reform Initiative, Issues, Responses, and Recommendations.” NJASA representatives have also served on the New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee. The Committee, in April 2008, presented its recommendations in a policy paper titled, “NJ STEPS: Re-Designing Education in New Jersey for the 21st Century.”
Last week, the New Jersey State Board of Education voted in the affirmative to raise the requirements for earning a high school diploma in New Jersey by phasing in more challenging academic standards over the next seven years (2016). The new policy will employ more challenging math, science and language arts subject tests for high school students.
Ensuring that students meet the new standards is a tough challenge, but not an insurmountable one. It's about high expectations and getting New Jersey's students ready to compete nationally and globally. Educators have long recognized that most students can and will succeed when faced with vigorous academic challenges. We ask nothing of them that they cannot accomplish with the right amount of instruction and inspiration.
Even with optimism about student preparation surrounding the new requirements, there are concerns expressed by NJASA members over their adoption. Many fear that new policies will drop the graduation rate and even push low-performing students out of school. Others voice concern that individual subject assessments will promote isolated content learning, not the integrated curricular approach best suited to prepare students for the 21st century workplace. Still others note that school systems will require greater resources to provide students who are struggling or behind with the necessary support to master the more challenging curriculum.
College is still beyond the reach of almost one-third of all high school students. Today, all of our students need the skills and knowledge contained in the curriculum that was once reserved only for the college-bound. Strong communications skills, knowledge of foreign language and culture, higher-level math and problem-solving skills are needed in technical trades, as well as white-collar professions. The job of K-12 education in New Jersey must be to ensure that all of our students graduate with the ability to fulfill their potential – whether that takes them to higher education or directly to their career.
Educating our students is not an option – it's a mandate if New Jersey is going to continue to compete in an increasingly global world. NJASA members will continue to provide the necessary leadership in addressing the opportunities and challenges which the new standards present for New Jersey educators.
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators has been in the forefront on the issue of high school redesign for some time now. Over the past few years the NJASA’s Curriculum and Instruction Committee, as well as individual members, have met to discuss a new approach to high school redesign. The NJASA Curriculum and Instruction Committee published a paper titled, “New Jersey Department of Education High School Reform Initiative, Issues, Responses, and Recommendations.” NJASA representatives have also served on the New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee. The Committee, in April 2008, presented its recommendations in a policy paper titled, “NJ STEPS: Re-Designing Education in New Jersey for the 21st Century.”
Last week, the New Jersey State Board of Education voted in the affirmative to raise the requirements for earning a high school diploma in New Jersey by phasing in more challenging academic standards over the next seven years (2016). The new policy will employ more challenging math, science and language arts subject tests for high school students.
Ensuring that students meet the new standards is a tough challenge, but not an insurmountable one. It's about high expectations and getting New Jersey's students ready to compete nationally and globally. Educators have long recognized that most students can and will succeed when faced with vigorous academic challenges. We ask nothing of them that they cannot accomplish with the right amount of instruction and inspiration.
Even with optimism about student preparation surrounding the new requirements, there are concerns expressed by NJASA members over their adoption. Many fear that new policies will drop the graduation rate and even push low-performing students out of school. Others voice concern that individual subject assessments will promote isolated content learning, not the integrated curricular approach best suited to prepare students for the 21st century workplace. Still others note that school systems will require greater resources to provide students who are struggling or behind with the necessary support to master the more challenging curriculum.
College is still beyond the reach of almost one-third of all high school students. Today, all of our students need the skills and knowledge contained in the curriculum that was once reserved only for the college-bound. Strong communications skills, knowledge of foreign language and culture, higher-level math and problem-solving skills are needed in technical trades, as well as white-collar professions. The job of K-12 education in New Jersey must be to ensure that all of our students graduate with the ability to fulfill their potential – whether that takes them to higher education or directly to their career.
Educating our students is not an option – it's a mandate if New Jersey is going to continue to compete in an increasingly global world. NJASA members will continue to provide the necessary leadership in addressing the opportunities and challenges which the new standards present for New Jersey educators.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wishing the Class of 2009 A Happy Beginning
June is a wonderful and yet bittersweet time for New Jersey’s school districts. It is marked by celebrations of the many accomplishments of our students, and difficult partings as we bid our senior class goodbye and wish them well on their most exciting journey into adulthood. I say “happy beginnings” because that exactly what this is – the beginning of a new journey in life.
I would like to share with our all of New Jersey’s graduates the sentiments of one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “Every generation needs a new revolution.”
Whatever that revolution is to be, whatever its purpose, it will be written by each student we send off into the world. We again look to the next generation to help us redefine the possible. The character and values will determine not only our destiny, but of those, we send forward.
Therefore, along with all parents, guardians, other family members, teachers, and staff, the NJASA joins in congratulating an exceptional group of young people that I am confident will improve the world they live in as they pursue their uniquely individual future paths.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
We’re on YouTube!
The NJASA is happy to announce that we are now on YouTube. We have created a YouTube page where we will post videos clips of broadcast media interviews, webinars, and any video content that is relevant to
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
NJASA and NJSBA Develop a Model Contract for Chief Education Officers
Focus on Accountability, Fiscal Responsibility, Educational Goals
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) are jointly releasing a Model Superintendent Contract to guide school board members and school superintendents in negotiating employment provisions of contractual agreements.
A series of legislative bills signed into law in 2007 made a substantial impact on the content of administrators’ contracts. These laws required the New Jersey Department of Education to issue regulations which establish standards for superintendents’ contracts. The new NJASA and NJSBA Model Superintendent Contract complies with those laws and regulations and will assist school districts to meet their goal of financially and educationally sound agreements.
The Executive Superintendent of each county currently must review all school administrator contracts in accordance with guidelines published by the State Department of Education. In addition, state legislators have recently proposed several bills that would also affect school superintendent contracts, including one that would require the State Department of Education to develop a statewide model contract. NJSBA Executive Director Marie Bilik and I have offered the Commissioner of Education the model agreement for use as the state-endorsed template on behalf of both organizations.
NJASA and NJSBA believe that school boards and chief education officers have an obligation to develop fair, fiscally responsible agreements. According to NJSBA Executive Director Marie S. Bilik, “The goal of local boards of education is to attract and retain effective chief school administrators while preserving the community’s financial interests. The model contract will enable school boards to develop a compensation package that is reasonable for the community and is consistent with current requirements.”
NJASA continues to support full compliance with the law and complete public disclosure of contracts for all school district employees. The Association encourages Governor Corzine and state legislators to establish standards for all public employees comparable to those which now exist for school leaders.
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) are jointly releasing a Model Superintendent Contract to guide school board members and school superintendents in negotiating employment provisions of contractual agreements.
A series of legislative bills signed into law in 2007 made a substantial impact on the content of administrators’ contracts. These laws required the New Jersey Department of Education to issue regulations which establish standards for superintendents’ contracts. The new NJASA and NJSBA Model Superintendent Contract complies with those laws and regulations and will assist school districts to meet their goal of financially and educationally sound agreements.
The Executive Superintendent of each county currently must review all school administrator contracts in accordance with guidelines published by the State Department of Education. In addition, state legislators have recently proposed several bills that would also affect school superintendent contracts, including one that would require the State Department of Education to develop a statewide model contract. NJSBA Executive Director Marie Bilik and I have offered the Commissioner of Education the model agreement for use as the state-endorsed template on behalf of both organizations.
NJASA and NJSBA believe that school boards and chief education officers have an obligation to develop fair, fiscally responsible agreements. According to NJSBA Executive Director Marie S. Bilik, “The goal of local boards of education is to attract and retain effective chief school administrators while preserving the community’s financial interests. The model contract will enable school boards to develop a compensation package that is reasonable for the community and is consistent with current requirements.”
NJASA continues to support full compliance with the law and complete public disclosure of contracts for all school district employees. The Association encourages Governor Corzine and state legislators to establish standards for all public employees comparable to those which now exist for school leaders.
Monday, May 4, 2009
NJASA to host Second Annual Northern Regional Superintendents' Summit
"Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.”
-John F. Kennedy
The Northern Regional Leadership Summit is an opportunity for chief education officers and other NJASA members from central and northern New Jersey to come together to discuss the challenges they face in providing an enriching learning environment, effective leadership, as well as approaches and best practices to overcome those challenges.
This year’s event will be held on May 13, 2009 at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.
The NJASA has put together for this year’s Summit a roster of focus groups that will assist members in dealing with the following critical issues:
-Consolidation/Shared Services/Regionalization
-Professional Learning Communities
-Secondary School Redesign
-Legislative Advocacy
-Data Driven Decision-Making and Closing the Achievement Gap
Each focus group is design to allow members the opportunity to participate in an open and transparent dialogue with the presenter. At the Southern Regional Leadership Summit in April, conference goers were extremely active and enthusiastic about the candid conversation. I am confident the same will hold true for the May 13th event.
There is little argument that with each passing day new and more complex problems emerge in our school districts. This is why it is critical for you to attend this Summit so you can keep your finger on the pulse in learning about the best and most innovative resources that are available to you.
This is one Summit you do not want to miss.
For more information on the NJASA’s Northern Region Summit, please go to northernregionsummit.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The NJASA Southern Region Leadership Summit
A Convocation of Educational Leaders
School leaders working in southern
The
· Legislative Advocacy;
· Consolidation/Shared Services/Regionalization;
· Secondary School Redesign;
· Professional Learning Communities; and
· Data Driven Decision-Making and Closing the Achievement Gap.
The presenters for each session then engaged their peers in discussion of the challenges to effective leadership, which they face, and also explored strategies and promising practices to meet those challenges.
I was pleased to see the enthusiasm and active involvement of the
I am pleased to see that our goal to provide a forum for communication among school leaders was so well received. We shall continue our work together to address the NJASA mission to ensure a superior statewide system of education by influencing and effecting educational policy, regulations, and legislation; and by maximizing the capacity and effectiveness of school leaders through professional development programs and support services.
I invite NJASA school leaders from the central and northern counties of our state to be present for a second regional Leadership Summit to be held at Kean University, Union, on May 13 and to enjoy the benefits of professional dialogue with your colleagues.
For More Information: www.njasa.net
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Shared Services, Consolidation and Administrative Costs - Separating Fact from Fiction
NJASA has recently sponsored several public forums on the topics of school consolidation and shared services. Many of the proponents of small schools and small school districts who attend the meetings seem to have stumbled upon the fact that many state officials refuse to acknowledge: Bigger is not always better! The advocates for local control of smaller, both in population and geography, rather than larger school systems, often cite the quality of the educational outcomes that they see for their children, the value received for their tax dollars, and the competitive cost for educating each student when compared to other districts.
Let’s examine data in one area that is often assumed to yield great savings – Administrative Costs.
1. The percentage of the budget dedicated to administrative costs for New Jersey school systems ranks near the bottom of the 50 states – 8th lowest in the nation – lower than many states which have larger school systems (see National Center for Educational Statistics data for fiscal year 2007).
Public School Administration Current Expenditures Percentage distribution National Average 10.8% New Jersey (tied for 8 9.5%
2. The average administrative cost per pupil for
Total Administration | |
District Type | Average Cost Per Pupil |
Statewide Average | $1,430 |
K-6 | $1,389 |
K-8 | $1,411 |
K-12 | $1,379 |
7-12/9-12 | $1,520 |
County Special Services Districts | $5,098 |
Vocational Districts | $2,167 |
Charter Schools | $2,163 |
3. Examining the available data for student enrollments and staffing for the period between the 1989/1990 and the 2005/2006 years reveals large increases in students, teachers and support staff while the number of administrators increased slightly (see NJ DOE Vital Statistics).
1989/90 – 2005/06 | ||
Full-Time Certificated Staff | Increase | |
Students | 317,777 | 29.5% |
Classroom Teachers | 35,659 | 47.2% |
Educational Support Services Personnel | 5,614 | 50.2% |
Administrators & Supervisors | 227 | 2.6% |
NJASA endorses the state’s effort to examine operational efficiencies through expanded shared services and possible consolidation of school systems. The examination must be a thoughtful and thorough one, however, and the quality of education must be carefully considered as a primary factor in each potential consolidation. The residents of communities that would be affected by these decisions deserve data that can assist their decisions, not assumptions born out of wishful thinking that bigger is better.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
NJASA Representative Assembly Offered All the Right Ingredients
The cold, damp, wet snow of Friday morning, March 20th, quickly dissipated with the warm welcome remarks of NJASA President Ken King at the Association’s Annual Representative Assembly, at the McKinley Community Elementary School, in New Brunswick.
In his opening remarks, NJASA President King commended the chief education officers on their accomplishments for moving education forward through their instructional leadership and the Association’s leadership for designing a Representative Assembly agenda with all the right ingredients.
These ingredients included: a 60-minute open dialogue with Education Commissioner Lucille Davy; an informative discussion of retirement-related issues with NJASA Pension Consultant Mort Reinhart; and an insightful exchange of ideas with Assembly Education Committee Chairman and NJ State Democratic Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan, (D-20, Union).
The dynamics of the Commissioner’s and Assemblyman’s presentation on school consolidation evoked various responses from the audience. Essentially, their remarks focused on the relationship of finances to school consolidation and did not address the academic concerns of maintaining and improving a quality public education for all New Jersey students.
Both Commissioner Davy and Assemblyman Cryan also acknowledged NJASA for its cooperation and willingness to work side-by-side with State legislators and Department of Education personnel by attending meetings, serving on committees, and providing valuable and well-researched testimony on a number of issues, such as the high school redesign initiative.
There are, however, occasions when NJASA positions differ with those of the New Jersey Department of Education and the State’s-elected leadership. In these instances, it is the responsibility of the chief education officer to lead the conversation with constituents to ensure that they are well-informed of opposing viewpoints.
Interaction at the local level is the foundation upon which the fate of statewide issues and initiatives can be cast. A significant example is that of Washington Twp., Gloucester County, where the chief education officer was able to address and forestall a legislative initiative for a pilot countywide school district. The voices of the more than 3,500 individuals were heard by their respective State-elected representatives.
There will be a number of significant topics identified as the Department of Education and its consultants move forward in the investigation of school consolidation. It is imperative that chief education officers working with their respective communities ask the hard questions about the Department’s recommendations to ensure that the members of their communities will be able to make informed and well-educated decisions as New Jersey education moves forward.
In his opening remarks, NJASA President King commended the chief education officers on their accomplishments for moving education forward through their instructional leadership and the Association’s leadership for designing a Representative Assembly agenda with all the right ingredients.
These ingredients included: a 60-minute open dialogue with Education Commissioner Lucille Davy; an informative discussion of retirement-related issues with NJASA Pension Consultant Mort Reinhart; and an insightful exchange of ideas with Assembly Education Committee Chairman and NJ State Democratic Committee Chairman Joseph Cryan, (D-20, Union).
The dynamics of the Commissioner’s and Assemblyman’s presentation on school consolidation evoked various responses from the audience. Essentially, their remarks focused on the relationship of finances to school consolidation and did not address the academic concerns of maintaining and improving a quality public education for all New Jersey students.
Both Commissioner Davy and Assemblyman Cryan also acknowledged NJASA for its cooperation and willingness to work side-by-side with State legislators and Department of Education personnel by attending meetings, serving on committees, and providing valuable and well-researched testimony on a number of issues, such as the high school redesign initiative.
There are, however, occasions when NJASA positions differ with those of the New Jersey Department of Education and the State’s-elected leadership. In these instances, it is the responsibility of the chief education officer to lead the conversation with constituents to ensure that they are well-informed of opposing viewpoints.
Interaction at the local level is the foundation upon which the fate of statewide issues and initiatives can be cast. A significant example is that of Washington Twp., Gloucester County, where the chief education officer was able to address and forestall a legislative initiative for a pilot countywide school district. The voices of the more than 3,500 individuals were heard by their respective State-elected representatives.
There will be a number of significant topics identified as the Department of Education and its consultants move forward in the investigation of school consolidation. It is imperative that chief education officers working with their respective communities ask the hard questions about the Department’s recommendations to ensure that the members of their communities will be able to make informed and well-educated decisions as New Jersey education moves forward.
Monday, March 23, 2009
AASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TRAVELS TO NJASA
Discusses A New Road for Education with a New President and New Congress
Dr. Dan Domenech, Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), spoke to NJASA members at Trenton Headquarters on March 19, 2009 as part of NJASA’s Executive Leader Speaker Series. His topic, New President, New Congress, New Road for Education, was focused on federal legislation and upcoming funding. His thought- provoking, timely presentation coupled with his expertise, elicited much interaction among the group.
Domenech stated that Arne Duncan, new US Secretary of Education, was supportive of school administrators because he has allowed AASA a seat at the table for input and discussion of how the new federal Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Stimulus Fund for Schools can best be used. The previous administration did not include AASA and other educational organizations an opportunity to influence federal decision-making. While AASA is not supportive of every component of new educational initiatives promoted by the Obama Administration, Domenech is pleased to have an opportunity to be included in the decision-making process.
The AASA Executive Director spoke at length about the following:
· NCLB: has become the federal bill that has had the most significant impact on local education. The continued focus on reading and math, due to testing requirements, is having a negative impact on all other 21st century skills and knowledge. Because of the precedents that were set, the federal government is finding it difficult to extricate its involvement. The reauthorization of NCLB is not a focus of Congress and will not be reauthorized until at least next year. Nevertheless the heightened level of accountability, disaggregation of data, and the goal of leaving no child behind educationally, will continue.
· Title 1: Funded significantly in the stimulus package, went from 4 titles and 3 grants in 1965, to 11 titles and 93 programs and is a disjointed collection of unrelated programs and services begging for a consolidation and focus. However, this is the funding mechanism that Congress had to work with.
· AASA position is that all federal dollars and services should go to the total child and that poverty is the greatest single factor limiting student achievement.
· The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act was explored in depth by Dr. Domenech as he highlighted key points and reviewed timelines and limitations to using the funds appropriately.
For example, 50% of the new IDEA funds may be used to supplant current special education funding.
· There is a sense that emphasis in the future will be placed on the creation of national curriculum standards and in probability a national test.
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to personally share ideas on how to best use the new funding and to interact with Dr. Domenech in regard to their plans.
Dr. Dan Domenech, Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), spoke to NJASA members at Trenton Headquarters on March 19, 2009 as part of NJASA’s Executive Leader Speaker Series. His topic, New President, New Congress, New Road for Education, was focused on federal legislation and upcoming funding. His thought- provoking, timely presentation coupled with his expertise, elicited much interaction among the group.
Domenech stated that Arne Duncan, new US Secretary of Education, was supportive of school administrators because he has allowed AASA a seat at the table for input and discussion of how the new federal Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Stimulus Fund for Schools can best be used. The previous administration did not include AASA and other educational organizations an opportunity to influence federal decision-making. While AASA is not supportive of every component of new educational initiatives promoted by the Obama Administration, Domenech is pleased to have an opportunity to be included in the decision-making process.
The AASA Executive Director spoke at length about the following:
· NCLB: has become the federal bill that has had the most significant impact on local education. The continued focus on reading and math, due to testing requirements, is having a negative impact on all other 21st century skills and knowledge. Because of the precedents that were set, the federal government is finding it difficult to extricate its involvement. The reauthorization of NCLB is not a focus of Congress and will not be reauthorized until at least next year. Nevertheless the heightened level of accountability, disaggregation of data, and the goal of leaving no child behind educationally, will continue.
· Title 1: Funded significantly in the stimulus package, went from 4 titles and 3 grants in 1965, to 11 titles and 93 programs and is a disjointed collection of unrelated programs and services begging for a consolidation and focus. However, this is the funding mechanism that Congress had to work with.
· AASA position is that all federal dollars and services should go to the total child and that poverty is the greatest single factor limiting student achievement.
· The Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act was explored in depth by Dr. Domenech as he highlighted key points and reviewed timelines and limitations to using the funds appropriately.
For example, 50% of the new IDEA funds may be used to supplant current special education funding.
· There is a sense that emphasis in the future will be placed on the creation of national curriculum standards and in probability a national test.
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to personally share ideas on how to best use the new funding and to interact with Dr. Domenech in regard to their plans.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
New Jersey’s Budget Presents Tough Choices
On Tuesday, Governor Jon Corzine offered very little in the way of good news with his annual state budget message address. The Governor unveiled his $29.8 billion dollar budget with the education community being one of the few benefactors in his proposed FY 2010 Budget.
However, not all is lost in this year’s budget, the Governor is proposing a $25 million expansion in Pre-K education, and a $300 million increase in direct state aid for K-12 school districts. The NJASA is cautiously optimistic about the promise of municipal aid because dollar amounts have yet to be disclosed to the public and the budget still needs to go through the onerous legislative process.
Not much has changed from the Governor’s State-of-the-State address with his wanting to use the public pension system as a vehicle to control the state’s run-away expenses. This type of political maneuvering, initiated by past administrations, is nothing more than a near-sighted solution to a far-sighted problem and is a position the NJASA is strongly against.
We welcome the proposal of infusing federal monies from the stimulus package to stabilize education funding – a one-time solution that might prevent some harsh increases to school board budgets across our state. The NJASA eagerly waits for the state budget process to get underway and stands ready to assist our local elected officials with creating education policy that will help finally lead to a permanent solution to school funding.
The NJASA will continue to monitor the FY 2010 budget process and will advocate change where necessary until the Legislature develops the final appropriations acts.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
NJASA Announces the School Consolidation Forum
School district consolidation, an issue that periodically surfaced in
Back in 2006, a Joint Special Session of the New Jersey State Legislature, with the intention of lowering
The breadth and depth of this mandate, stated as regulations in the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) Final Regulations on Chapter 23a Fiscal Accountability, Efficiency and Budgeting Procedures and available at http://nj.gov/education/code/current/title6a/chap23a.pdf, require a comprehensive, detailed, study-evaluation process.
NJASA, an organization of chief education officers - true community leaders, is compelled to provide a community service to inform and educate all the
Change in any setting can be complex and disturbing. In the educational environment, school district consolidation is a highly perplexing equation permeated with variables such as: academic achievement, extra-curricular activities, taxes, finances, physical facilities, and identity-related issues.
There are too many questions with too few answers and as March 2010 grows near, public inquiry will increase significantly. It is the duty of NJASA and its members, chief education officers, to inform and educate all the residents of
On behalf of NJASA, I invite you to attend one of NJASA’s School Consolidation Forums on either Thursday, March 12, in
You will learn from a panel of experts what school consolidation means for your children and your community. Registration is not required to attend this informative session and details are available on the NJASA website at http://njasa.net/.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Dealing with the media
Chief educational officers need to recognize that there are skillful and effective ways to deal with the media. Moreover, we need to recognize that reporters are not negative news hounds whose main mission in life is to destroy the credibility of public officials. Their job is to seek out information for stories that would be of interest to their readers (aka the public).
However, reporters will point out that their job is to seek news and not to serve as school public relations advocates. So, there will always be a necessary tension between the news media and schools.
Perhaps the most important step to take in working effectively with the media is to establish positive relationships with them before a crisis occurs. It is better to be pro-active then reactive. If possible, get to know the local media and reporter that cover your district. Informal meetings are a great way to break the ice.
In addition to holding informal meetings, schools should designate a spokesperson with authority to speak to the press. The NJASA recommends that the chief education officer be the designated spokesperson for the district.
Below is a list of some helpful tips when dealing directly with the media:
• Always Be Truthful
You can always contact the NJASA office if you need assistance in dealing with the media.
However, reporters will point out that their job is to seek news and not to serve as school public relations advocates. So, there will always be a necessary tension between the news media and schools.
Perhaps the most important step to take in working effectively with the media is to establish positive relationships with them before a crisis occurs. It is better to be pro-active then reactive. If possible, get to know the local media and reporter that cover your district. Informal meetings are a great way to break the ice.
In addition to holding informal meetings, schools should designate a spokesperson with authority to speak to the press. The NJASA recommends that the chief education officer be the designated spokesperson for the district.
Below is a list of some helpful tips when dealing directly with the media:
• Always Be Truthful
Always tell the truth and be prepared to be accountable for information given to reporters. If the answer is not immediately known tell the media you will respond in a timely manner. While honest mistakes may be acceptable, do not speculate or guess.• Listen carefully to the Full Story
Probe the media’s angle and information to get a feel for why a story is in the making and how this story will affect the district’s overall operation. Do not be afraid to ask questions.• Never Go “Off the Record”
There is no such thing as off the record. Everything that is said can and will be fair game. Choose words wisely and well.• Furnish Accurate and Complete Details
This may take time. Not all stories are being written during the time of a conversation with a reporter. There may in fact be several conversations with a reporter about a story before it is aired or printed. In fact, a story may develop over several days or even weeks. The reporter may even produce several news pieces about one topic. When appropriate, invite the reporter to see first hand what has happened. This builds a relationship with the reporter and provides the best information.• Avoid Educational Jargon
Every profession uses a certain amount of jargon to communicate with its own. The administrator’s job is to bring about understanding. Do not use acronyms.• Return Calls Promptly
A good rule of thumb is the “2/24” rule of responding to a media call. Return the call, if possible, within two hours and no later than 24 hours. Courtesy and sensitivity to reporters’ deadlines is always important.
You can always contact the NJASA office if you need assistance in dealing with the media.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Pension Payment Deferral is not the Answer to NJ’s Budgetary Woes
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) agrees with Governor Jon Corzine’s commitment to get our state through this national economic crisis, as expressed in his State of the State message. NJASA does not agree with his proposal for school districts and local governments to elect to defer pension payments to public employee pension funds.
Once again, an administration is using the pension system as a vehicle to control run-away state expenses. This type of political maneuvering, initiated by the Whitman administration (1994-2001) and continued by her successors, does not establish a business-like approach to the funding of the retirement systems. The balance remaining in the pension fund is now less than half of the funding needed to meet the obligation to pay retirees over time.
Yes, we are in one of the worst financial cycles since the 1930s, with New Jersey facing a 12-year high unemployment rate of 6.1%. Times are tight and tough decisions are needed and fiscal responsibility is a must, but to make a suggestion that requires the absence of pension payments for public employees is a step in the wrong direction. NJASA was pleased in December when a legislative initiative that called for a similar pension deferment was pulled from the voting agenda in the State Senate due to lack of support from both sides of the aisle.
Public employees have and will continue to meet their obligations to the retirement systems every payday. It would be helpful if their partner in pension funding, the State of New Jersey, met its obligations.
Any short-term “solution” that involves deferring public employee pension payments is a short-sighted gamble and this is not the time to be gambling with other people’s money.
Once again, an administration is using the pension system as a vehicle to control run-away state expenses. This type of political maneuvering, initiated by the Whitman administration (1994-2001) and continued by her successors, does not establish a business-like approach to the funding of the retirement systems. The balance remaining in the pension fund is now less than half of the funding needed to meet the obligation to pay retirees over time.
Yes, we are in one of the worst financial cycles since the 1930s, with New Jersey facing a 12-year high unemployment rate of 6.1%. Times are tight and tough decisions are needed and fiscal responsibility is a must, but to make a suggestion that requires the absence of pension payments for public employees is a step in the wrong direction. NJASA was pleased in December when a legislative initiative that called for a similar pension deferment was pulled from the voting agenda in the State Senate due to lack of support from both sides of the aisle.
Public employees have and will continue to meet their obligations to the retirement systems every payday. It would be helpful if their partner in pension funding, the State of New Jersey, met its obligations.
Any short-term “solution” that involves deferring public employee pension payments is a short-sighted gamble and this is not the time to be gambling with other people’s money.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
TECHSPO 2009 – Moving Education Forward One Click at a Time
TECHSPO 2009 is a unique state-of-the-art conference presented by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA), designed specifically for all educators and their communities. The two-day conference will feature 50 group sessions and action labs that will present data, knowledge and materials to complement the school curricula through the use of educational technology in the classroom environment.
This year’s conference will be held at Bally’s Atlantic City on January 29-30, 2009 and will feature two dynamic keynote speakers, award-winning futurist and author Dr. David Thornburg and internationally acclaimed speaker, writer, and educator Marc Prensky, respectively.
Imagine this moment in your life as chief educational officer. A skeptical school board member, prospective parent, or local public official visits one of the schools in your district and, after a tour in which you point out the wonderful new computers, scanners, digital cameras, and other technology which your district has acquired over the past few years, says to you, "You've clearly made a tremendous investment in technology. How do you know this investment will pay off in terms of student learning?" This topic will be covered, among others, over the two-day event.
Other focus areas will include how educational technology can improve academic achievement, the best tools to use, and establish a dialogue as to how technology can be used to benefit New Jersey school districts and students.
As we enter a new year, changes in educational technology are occurring much more rapidly than ever before. While technological innovations bring many benefits, there is little argument that they add to the complexity of our educational world and increase the skill level every student needs.
For more information on TECHSPO 2009 please click on the following link: http://www.njasa.net/70171081911545867/site/default.asp
There is something for everyone at TECHSPO 2009. Hope to see you there!
This year’s conference will be held at Bally’s Atlantic City on January 29-30, 2009 and will feature two dynamic keynote speakers, award-winning futurist and author Dr. David Thornburg and internationally acclaimed speaker, writer, and educator Marc Prensky, respectively.
Imagine this moment in your life as chief educational officer. A skeptical school board member, prospective parent, or local public official visits one of the schools in your district and, after a tour in which you point out the wonderful new computers, scanners, digital cameras, and other technology which your district has acquired over the past few years, says to you, "You've clearly made a tremendous investment in technology. How do you know this investment will pay off in terms of student learning?" This topic will be covered, among others, over the two-day event.
Other focus areas will include how educational technology can improve academic achievement, the best tools to use, and establish a dialogue as to how technology can be used to benefit New Jersey school districts and students.
As we enter a new year, changes in educational technology are occurring much more rapidly than ever before. While technological innovations bring many benefits, there is little argument that they add to the complexity of our educational world and increase the skill level every student needs.
For more information on TECHSPO 2009 please click on the following link: http://www.njasa.net/70171081911545867/site/default.asp
There is something for everyone at TECHSPO 2009. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pension Payment Deferral is not the Answer to NJ’s Budgetary Woes
The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) agrees with Governor Jon Corzine’s commitment to get our state through this national economic crisis, as expressed in his State of the State message on January 13th. NJASA does not agree with his proposal for school districts and local governments to elect to defer pension payments to public employee pension funds.
Once again, an administration is using the pension system as a vehicle to control run-away state expenses. This type of political maneuvering, initiated by the Whitman administration (1994-2001) and continued by her successors, does not establish a business-like approach to the funding of the retirement systems. The balance remaining in the pension fund is now less than half of the funding needed to meet the obligation to pay retirees over time.
Yes, we are in one of the worst financial cycles since the 1930s, with New Jersey facing a 12-year high unemployment rate of 6.1%. Times are tight and tough decisions are needed and fiscal responsibility is a must, but to make a suggestion that requires the absence of pension payments for public employees is a step in the wrong direction. NJASA was pleased in December when a legislative initiative that called for a similar pension deferment was pulled from the voting agenda in the State Senate due to lack of support from both sides of the aisle.
Public employees have and will continue to meet their obligations to the retirement systems every payday. It would be helpful if their partner in pension funding, the State of New Jersey, met its obligations.
Any short-term “solution” that involves deferring public employee pension payments is a short-sighted gamble and this is not the time to be gambling with other people’s money.
Once again, an administration is using the pension system as a vehicle to control run-away state expenses. This type of political maneuvering, initiated by the Whitman administration (1994-2001) and continued by her successors, does not establish a business-like approach to the funding of the retirement systems. The balance remaining in the pension fund is now less than half of the funding needed to meet the obligation to pay retirees over time.
Yes, we are in one of the worst financial cycles since the 1930s, with New Jersey facing a 12-year high unemployment rate of 6.1%. Times are tight and tough decisions are needed and fiscal responsibility is a must, but to make a suggestion that requires the absence of pension payments for public employees is a step in the wrong direction. NJASA was pleased in December when a legislative initiative that called for a similar pension deferment was pulled from the voting agenda in the State Senate due to lack of support from both sides of the aisle.
Public employees have and will continue to meet their obligations to the retirement systems every payday. It would be helpful if their partner in pension funding, the State of New Jersey, met its obligations.
Any short-term “solution” that involves deferring public employee pension payments is a short-sighted gamble and this is not the time to be gambling with other people’s money.
Friday, January 9, 2009
How About Funding for Our Children?
There was something missing from the $700 billion taxpayer funded bailout that was recently signed into law. It seems impossible, I know. Congress spent several days making sure nothing was left out, including money for Puerto Rican rum makers, race track owners, wooden arrow manufacturers, and of course, the always under-funded wool researchers. All kidding aside, the real shocker here is that education was left out – again.
For years, federal education dollars for children have been in a constant state of decline – a trend that shows no signs of stopping. Over the past year, the federal government has paid out several trillion dollars through spending and entitlement programs. Most of these programs consume the largest portion of the federal budget, while spending on children’s education fails to keep pace with our nation’s educational needs.
The bailout amounts to more than $2,300 from the pockets of every New Jersey resident, and there are no guarantees that it will work. However, most would be more willing to part with this money if it was going to the education of our children - arguably money much better spent.
If our government can rescue banks and car manufacturers, surely the government can afford to do the same for our children.
Despite these challenging times, it remains our responsibility as Chief Educational Officers to continue to move education forward for the betterment of New Jersey’s children. That responsibility will be made a bit easier if the federal government would be as committed to our children, who really are our future, as it is to industry.
For years, federal education dollars for children have been in a constant state of decline – a trend that shows no signs of stopping. Over the past year, the federal government has paid out several trillion dollars through spending and entitlement programs. Most of these programs consume the largest portion of the federal budget, while spending on children’s education fails to keep pace with our nation’s educational needs.
The bailout amounts to more than $2,300 from the pockets of every New Jersey resident, and there are no guarantees that it will work. However, most would be more willing to part with this money if it was going to the education of our children - arguably money much better spent.
If our government can rescue banks and car manufacturers, surely the government can afford to do the same for our children.
Despite these challenging times, it remains our responsibility as Chief Educational Officers to continue to move education forward for the betterment of New Jersey’s children. That responsibility will be made a bit easier if the federal government would be as committed to our children, who really are our future, as it is to industry.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Moving Education Forward in 2009
It’s often customary when the calendar year comes to a close for everyone to reflect on the year that is ending while also looking forward to the promise of the year ahead. 2008 certainly had its challenges for many New Jersey school districts and educational leaders, including Chief Education Officers. Even though 2009 promises change, many of the educational challenges posed in 2008, including school funding and expenditures, will remain.
As the new year begins, the goal remains the same – creating the best possible learning environment for our school children. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) has taken as part of its mission to best prepare its members for 2009 and the years ahead. Our first Superintendents Summit in late October created a forum for members to discuss the challenges they face in providing effective leadership, as well as approaches and best practices to overcome those challenges.
NJASA will sponsor Techspo 2009 in late January in Atlantic City. The annual statewide technology exhibition and training conference for school leaders will help those who attend learn methods to most effectively utilize technology in order to teach our school children. We will discuss how educational technology can improve academic achievement, the best tools to use, and establish a dialogue as to how technology can be used to benefit New Jersey school districts and students.
Educating our children has always been paramount with New Jersey’s Chief Education Officers. That will continue to be the main goal of superintendents and school administrators in 2009. Looking back on some key events of 2008, creating forums such as the Superintendents Summit, and continuing to sponsor exhibitions such as Techspo will prepare our members to move education forward in 2009 by providing the best environment for New Jersey school children.
As the new year begins, the goal remains the same – creating the best possible learning environment for our school children. The New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) has taken as part of its mission to best prepare its members for 2009 and the years ahead. Our first Superintendents Summit in late October created a forum for members to discuss the challenges they face in providing effective leadership, as well as approaches and best practices to overcome those challenges.
NJASA will sponsor Techspo 2009 in late January in Atlantic City. The annual statewide technology exhibition and training conference for school leaders will help those who attend learn methods to most effectively utilize technology in order to teach our school children. We will discuss how educational technology can improve academic achievement, the best tools to use, and establish a dialogue as to how technology can be used to benefit New Jersey school districts and students.
Educating our children has always been paramount with New Jersey’s Chief Education Officers. That will continue to be the main goal of superintendents and school administrators in 2009. Looking back on some key events of 2008, creating forums such as the Superintendents Summit, and continuing to sponsor exhibitions such as Techspo will prepare our members to move education forward in 2009 by providing the best environment for New Jersey school children.
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