NJSBA Works to Avert Budget Crunch in Districts
Legislation to permanently delay the governor’s budget message to the fourth Tuesday in February has been introduced in the Senate and Assembly and will likely be enacted in time to affect this year’s budget message. The rationale for the delay is to provide the governor with up-to-date revenue projections. Get the full story.
New Jersey’s Investment in Public Education: A Source of Pride and Concern

By Edwina M. Lee, NJSBA Executive Director
The statement has a familiar ring—New Jersey spends more for education than any other state. For parents and school advocates, the fact is a source of pride; for many property taxpayers, it’s a source of concern. While the statistic is true in terms of dollars spent, it has to be placed in perspective. Let’s start out with some basic economic facts about our state. Get the full story.
Last Chance to Stop Anti-Subcontracting Legislation
Final action on S-1537/A-1714, legislation that would effectively end a school board’s ability in the future to control costs by subcontracting non-instructional services, could occur on January 8 or 12. The Assembly has already passed the bill and the Senate could vote on it on one of the last days of this Legislative session. Get the full story.
NJSBA Board of Directors Meeting Notice
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, notice is hereby provided of a meeting of the NJSBA Board of Directors. The meeting will be held at the Ramada Inn/National Conference Center in East Windsor on January 16 at 7:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.

The agenda, to the extent known at this time, will include discussion and/or action on: the minutes of the November 21, 2003 meeting; the 2004 Legislative Committee and Resolutions Subcommittee appointments; the 2004 Legislative Committee agenda and action plan; and an advocacy update. In addition, the Board of Directors may go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter.

For further information, contact Mary Alice Durham at 1-888-886-5722, extension 5206.
Mark Your Calendar: NJSBA Annual Public Relations Forum
The holidays are over and there’s work to be done. Much of it has to do with the No Child Left Behind regulations and their impact on your schools. Get the full story.
School Board Candidate Kit Available
NJSBA has developed a school board candidate kit to assist individuals interested in board member candidacy. The kits were mailed to all business administrators last month. Get the full story.
Training Programs and Resources
 Featured in This Week's Edition
NJSBA’s No Child Left Behind Program

19th Annual School Leader Award

Click here for a pdf version of this issue of School Board Notes.
Governor Proclaims January 2004 as School Board Recognition Month
Citing the “meaningful contributions to our schools and communities” provided by the state’s local boards of education, Governor James E. McGreevey has proclaimed January 2004 as School Board Recognition Month in New Jersey. Get the full story.
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Administering the Negotiated Agreement In an era when school districts are being required to do more with less, effective contract administration is essential to providing the best possible educational program. Administering the Negotiated Agreement, published by NJSBA, can help boards meet their responsibilities in this area.

Among the many topics covered are the legal and practical aspects of the grievance and arbitration process; the district’s rights and obligations in enforcing the labor agreement; the standards for reviewing employee discipline; and rules for contract interpretation.

Click here to order this publication online, or contact Maryann Wolverton at 1-888-886-5722, extension 5209, or mwolverton@njsba.org.
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Correction
In the December 18, 2003 issue of School Board Notes, an articled titled, “Nominating Committee Lists Applicants for NJSBA Office,” included an incorrect date for NJSBA’s annual meeting. The correct date for the NJSBA Delegate Assembly meeting is May 15.
JANUARY 13
General Membership Meeting (Cape May), Golden Inn, Avalon, 6:30 p.m.
JANUARY 14
General Membership Meeting (Essex), Radisson Inn, Fairfield, 6:30 p.m.
JANUARY 15
General Membership Meeting (Hunterdon), Mangia Bene, Flemington 6:30 p.m.
General Membership Meeting (Morris), Morris Knolls High School, Denville 7 p.m.
JANUARY 16
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA Audit Committee Meeting, Ramada Inn/National Conference Center, East Windsor, 6 p.m.
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA Board of Directors Meeting, Ramada Inn/National Conference Center, East Windsor, 7:30 p.m.
JANUARY 17
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA School Finance Committee Meeting, NJSBA Trenton Headquarters, Trenton, 8:30 a.m.
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA Basic School Law for Attorneys Program, NJSBA Trenton Headquarters, 8:30 a.m.
JANUARY 19
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday Observance, NJSBA Closed
Click here for more information on county school boards association activities.