State Prepares for Race to the Top

Bill Would Affect NJSBA Membership

NJDOE Readopts Accountability Regulations

Gov. Proclaims January 2010 ‘School Board Recognition Month’

Excess Surplus Will Offset State Aid Cuts – Corzine

Bills on Diploma Mills, School Choice Advance

Harassment and Bullying Policy Updated

Open Public Meetings Act Notice- Executive Committee Meeting

Obituary: Mario J. Gangi, Former NJSBA President

NJSBA Addresses Possible Pension Plan Changes

NJSBA Invites Members To Connect Online

Calendar

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Bills on Diploma Mills, School Choice Advance

The Assembly Education Committee on Jan. 4 passed two bills that pertain to school districts that provide employees with tuition assistance or additional compensation when they take courses, acquire academic credits or complete a degree program. The committee combined the two bills, A-3671 and A-3228. The proposal requires that certain conditions be met in order for school districts to pay tuition assistance or extra compensation. Under the bill, an employee must get approval before enrolling, and compensation will be provided only for a degree related to the employee’s current or future job responsibilities. Credits and degrees must be earned from an accredited institution, rather than an unaccredited “diploma mill” type of school. The combined bill passed by a vote of 9-0.

Public School Choice On Jan. 4, the Assembly Appropriations Committee released A-3472, which creates a permanent public school choice program to allow parents to move children to schools in other districts. Schools seeking to participate in the program and accept out-of-district students would apply to the Commissioner of Education. Students who wish to transfer would apply; districts could review the application based on the student’s interest in the school’s offerings. Schools could also start a lottery if demand outpaces the supply of available seats.

Community Service Pilot Program The Assembly Education Committee also approved A-4279, which extends and expands a previous pilot program requiring high school students to undertake community service as a condition of graduation. The pilot program would be started in the 2010-2011 academic year and would apply to freshman, who would have to complete a minimum of 20 hours of community service over their high school careers. Fifteen New Jersey schools would be selected to participate in the pilot program.

The bills all head to a vote by the full Assembly; although there are voting sessions scheduled on Jan. 7 and Jan. 11, none of these bills is currently on the agenda.

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