Top Speakers Include Davy, Boyle, Noguera

School board members will have an opportunity to hear New Jersey’s education commissioner talk about the state of public education and where it is headed.

Lucille E. Davy will address school leaders during the “Critical Issues” session at 2:45 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25. Members will have an opportunity to address Davy during a question-and-answer session following her presentation.

Inside View Wednesday’s Opening General Session at 1 p.m. will feature Dr. Phillip Boyle, a leading expert on school board governance. Boyle will give members a new perspective on how school boards can engage their communities, facilitate problem-solving, and foster positive relationships during difficult times. Boyle also will conduct a limited-attendance Action Lab, “The Art of Public Leadership and the Science of Public Decision Making” from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 26

 Dr. Pedro A. Noguera, one of America’s leading urban sociologists, will present “Making Connections to Student Achievement” during the second General Session at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26. Noguera is an author and a professor at New York University. He will speak about ways that social and economic conditions affect student achievement.

Time to Browse Remember to carve out time for the exhibit floor, where some 750 vendors will showcase their wares and give members information about the latest in education products and services.

The first 250 board members to visit the NJSBA section of “Association Central” on Wednesday or Thursday will be given a valuable gift and a “Wild Card” sticker for a shot at winning a prize from the Workshop Treasure Chest.

Listen to student performances before and after Treasure Chest drawings. Grab a cup of coffee and something sweet from the CAL Café, or check your e-mail at the Cyber Cafe.

New Friday Programs For the first time, Workshop is offering action labs and clinic sessions, in addition to the traditional group sessions, prior to the Closing General Session. At the session, attendees will hear about the new governance curriculum, developed by NJSBA, the school administrators association, principals and supervisors association, and state education department. In addition, the Board Certification, Master Board Member and Communications Competition awards will be presented.

Mini-Workshops Explore PR Issues

Ten roundtable discussions on school- community relations will be the focus of this year’s PR Mini-Workshops on Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. The discussions will be repeated twice to enable participants to attend two presentations.

Topics will range from “Using Your School District’s Web Site to Communicate with the Community” to “The Generation Connection” and “Gaining Community Support for Bond Referendums and School Budgets.” For a complete list of mini-workshops, visit this Web site.

40 Districts Receive Safety Awards

The New Jersey School Boards Association Insurance Group will recognize 40 school districts with its 2006 Safety Award. The presentations will take place at the group’s annual membership reception from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Oct. 26, at The Borgata Hotel.

Selections are based on safety audit results, loss-control efforts and other achievements that minimize workers’ compensation costs.

Award winners include Alloway Township; Andover Regional; Avon Borough; Bayonne; Bedminster Twp.; Cape May City; Chester Twp.; Cumberland County Vocational and Technical;  Deptford Twp.; Downe Twp.; East Brunswick; East Hanover; Essex Co. Voc-Tech; Florence Twp.; Gibbsboro; Highlands Borough; Hillsborough Twp.; Hillside; and Hudson Co. Schools of Technology.

Also, Hunterdon Co. Educational Services Commission; Kingwood Twp.; Lacey Twp.; Lawrence Twp. (Cumberland); Lower Alloways Creek Twp.; Manasquan; Maple Shade; Middlesex Regional ESC; Monroe Twp. (Gloucester); Morris Hills Reg.; Neptune City; North Hanover Twp.; Pittsgrove Twp.; Rahway; Somerset Co. ESC; Swedesboro-Woolwich; Tinton Falls; Union Twp.; West Long Branch; Wildwood Crest; and Woodbridge.

The Insurance Group’s reception will also include a presentation by Judson Laipply, a comedy speaker and “Internet” celebrity, who will address“Life Is Change”

For information, visit the Insurance Group’s Web site.