P.O. Box 909 ● Trenton, NJ 08605-0909 ● Phone: 609.695.7600 ● Fax: 609.695.0413 ● Web: www.njsba.org/PI

NJSBA Comments on Change at Department of Education

TRENTON, August 30, 2010 —New Jersey School Boards Association Executive Director Marie S. Bilik today issued the following statement concerning Friday’s departure of Bret Schundler as state commissioner of education and the governor’s subsequent appointment of an acting commissioner.

“Our Association had a very cordial relationship with Bret Schundler. While we did not agree with him on every issue, we never had a doubt about his commitment to children’s education. NJSBA certainly wishes Mr. Schundler the best of luck in his future endeavors.

“For local school districts, continuity in administering state education policy is critical. We are pleased with Governor Christie’s selection of a long-term department of education official, Rochelle Hendricks, as acting commissioner until a permanent appointment is made.

“NJSBA has worked with Ms. Hendricks in her previous capacity as assistant Commissioner for the Division of School Effectiveness and Choice on training programs for charter school trustees and related matters. We have had an excellent relationship with Ms. Hendricks and look forward to working with her in her new role during this transitional period.

“The New Jersey School Boards Association strongly supported the state’s Race to the Top grant application as submitted by the Christie Administration and is disappointed that the state will not receive the funding. To the greatest extent possible, the strategies included in the application should go forward.”

In announcing Hendricks’ appointment, the Christie administration noted that Greg Edwards, the governor's director of policy, will serve as a temporary chief of staff for the education department. Edwards is a former executive director of the New Jersey State Senate, founded the Center for Policy Research of New Jersey, and served as a local school board member in Hamilton Township, Mercer County.

The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of 588 local boards of education and includes 44 charter school associate members. NJSBA advocates the interests of school districts, trains local school board members, and provides resources for the advancement of public education.