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

Governor Corzine Proclaims May 10-16 ‘Special Education Week in New Jersey’

TRENTON, May 11, 2009 — Gov. Jon S. Corzine has proclaimed May 10-16 as Special Education Week in New Jersey.

Special Education Week recognizes the achievements of the state’s 244,000 students with special needs and the commitment of their parents and teachers. The New Jersey School Boards Association and ASAH, a non-profit organization representing private schools serving students with disabilities, have sponsored Special Education Week since 1985. This year’s theme is “Opening the Door to Success.”

“The public school districts and the private schools of New Jersey make a major contribution to the public welfare by preparing thousands of exceptional persons to participate as citizens of this state and as members of society,” states the governor’s proclamation.

“I call upon all citizens to recognize the achievements of New Jersey’s special education students and the outstanding contributions made by educators, school board members, schools and agencies for the handicapped and parents toward quality education for the exceptional citizens of our state,” the proclamation continues.

The official celebration of Special Education in New Jersey will take place on Thursday, May 14 during a ceremony in Trenton. The event will include the presentation of the governor’s proclamation and recognition of ten schools for innovative special education programming.

Special Education Week in New Jersey 2009 is made possible through the sponsorship of PSE&G, Willis HRH (an insurance and risk management firm) and Matthew J. Graglia, CPA.

News media coverage of the May 14 event is encouraged. For information, contact Lisa Ann Deon at (609) 278-5209 or ldeon@njsba.org.

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The New Jersey School Boards Association, a federation of district boards of education, advocates the interests of school districts, trains local school board members, and provides resources for the advancement of public education.

ASAH...serving the private special education community since 1974 is a professional organization of private schools and agencies in New Jersey that provide highly specialized services to more than 10,000 children and adults with special needs.