NJSBA and other statewide education associations sent a survey last week to local school superintendents and business administrators to measure the impact of the new Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act.
NJSBA, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators (NJASA) and the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials (NJASBO) are collecting data on school districts’ experience with the new law, which creates additional responsibilities and reporting requirements for schools dealing with harassment, intimidation and bullying.
On Jan. 27, the state’s Council on Local Mandates declared the statute to be a new unfunded state mandate and, therefore, in violation of a 1995 amendment to the state Constitution. The council is expected to issue its written decision on March 27. At that time, the statute will no longer be in effect – unless the Legislature provides funding for its implementation and/or modifies the law's requirements. It is likely that the Legislature will retain the law in an amended form.
The information collected by the survey will help guide NJSBA in its efforts to bring about legislative change that local boards of education view as positive to school governance and beneficial to student safety.
School superintendents or business administrators who did not receive an email with a link to the survey, or those school officials who need additional information should contact Frank Belluscio, NJSBA deputy executive director, at (609) 278-5205 or via his email. |
