President’s Message

Glenn B. Ewan
On September 11, 2001, we were putting the finishing touches on our Back to School Issue of School Board Notes. Production was abruptly halted following the tragic events of that morning.
It is one year later and those events have caused significant changes in the nation’s outlook. There are more American flags on front porches and in car windows. Family gatherings have taken on a deeper meaning. “God Bless America” has replaced “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” during seventh-inning stretches. Get the full story.
Stop The Madness!
Thanks to new federal requirements, the U.S. Congress will be asking more of your time and budget this school year. NJSBA is now asking Congress to back up these requirements with money. We are making available postcards through School Board Notes that you can use to urge Congress to increase education funding by at least $4 billion more than what is currently proposed by the U.S. Senate. Get the full story.
Teacher Contract Settlements
This year as schools opened around the state, 113 districts were still in the process of negotiating teacher contracts covering the 2002-03 school year. This number is similar to the number of districts still negotiating at the beginning of last year. Get the full story.
Schools, Lawmakers Clamp Down on ‘Sports Rage’
A Virginia soccer mom attacks a referee, slapping and scratching his face. The game involves 9-year-olds. The referee is 14.
    In a tragic example of sports rage that gained nationwide attention, a Massachusetts father punches his 10-year-old son’s hockey coach into unconsciousness. The dispute starts, ironically, over the level of violence on the ice. The coach dies two days later; the father is sentenced to six to 10 years for involuntary manslaughter.
    The issue of adult “sports rage” at youth athletic events has attracted national attention, and in New Jersey, school officials, athletic directors and lawmakers are taking steps to draw the line.Get the full story.
School Board Recognition 2002 logo News About Workshop

Student Musical Performance One of the most delightful aspects of Workshop is the

musical talent of New Jersey’s public school students. Musical groups vie for the chance to be selected to perform at Workshop’s Opening General Session on Wednesday. Get the full story.
Reach Out to Your Field Service Representative
Being a member of a board of education today is more challenging than ever before. Your district is dealing with critical issues concerning student achievement, program enhancements, facilities expansion and improvement, staffing, finance, etc.decision-making at the highest possible level are required of every member of your board team.
    To be better prepared, the New Jersey School Boards Association’s field services team is ready to meet your needs through a variety of quality services. Get the full story.
NJSBA Executive Committee
to Meet
In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, notice is hereby provided of a meeting of the NJSBA Executive Committee. The meeting will be held at NJSBA Headquarters in Trenton on September 18, at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public. Get the full story.
Early Childhood Education Summit
As part of its 20th anniversary, the New Jersey Black Issues Convention will present an Early Childhood Educational Achievement Summit on October 2. The summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton East Brunswick Hotel. Get the full story.
Tired of Too Much Paper
As we strive to provide important information to our members in a timely and efficient manner, School Board Notes will be e-mailed to you beginning this week. It will also be sent via regular mail. We hope you enjoy this new service and find it valuable as you begin a new school year.
    In order to meet your individual needs, we would like to know how you wish to receive School Board Notes in the future. Get the full story.
Need Money?
NJSBA Program Focuses on Alternative Funding Sources
As New Jersey school districts face tough economic times, finding alternative funding sources—such as grants, education foundations and corporate sponsorships—may be the only way to save those valuable programs you worked so hard to establish. Get the full story.
Working Smarter, Not Harder As fall quickly approaches, boards across New Jersey are gearing up for another busy and productive school year. While managing a full schedule of family, work and board responsibilities, many board members have learned to rely on NJSBA’s Web site for up-to-the-minute news and information. Get the full story.
Mentoring Guidelines for
Local Districts
Following the elimination of funding for mentoring from the state budget, the Department of Education recently issued a memo defining districts’ mentoring obligations for the 2002-03 school year.
    In light of this memo, all board presidents and superintendents received an e-mail from NJSBA summarizing their districts’ obligations to provide mentoring to first-year novice teachers.
    In addition, a summary of the Department’s memo has been posted on the NJSBA Web site. New developments and additional information on the mentoring requirements will be posted on an ongoing basis on the Mentoring page.
SEPTEMBER 18
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA Executive Committee Meeting
NJSBA Headquarters, Trenton, 6:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 19
Leadership Dinner Meeting (Morris), Tiffany"s
Morris Plains, 6:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 21
County Association Leadership Meeting, South Brunswick Township High School, Monmouth Junction, 8:30 a.m.
Indicates an NJSBA Meeting NJSBA Preparing for Bargaining, Ramada Inn, East Windsor, 9:00 a.m.
For more information, visit county school boards association activities.
CORRECTION
Hepatitis B Vaccinations
A new law requiring Hepatitis B vaccinations for high school students and new full-time students at institutions of higher education requires only colleges and universities to furnish the vaccine through their student health services program or through a contractual agreement with a community health care provider. The statutory mandate does not apply to high schools. A story in the August 22 issue of School Board Notes incorrectly stated that this mandate applies to schools.