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March/April 2009
SPECIAL SECTION: SCHOOL FACILITIES
School Facilities: Constructing the Future
Building a Better Bond Referendum
Before you can start construction, you have to pass a referendum. What factors favor the board?
By Michael Yaple
Safe and Sound
Greater Egg Harbor’s new high school will be the first in the state to meet new homeland security standards.
By David R. Fraytak
Building the Perfect School
As school design moves into the 21st century, architects and planners look at trends that are taking hold.
By Joetta Sack-Min
FEATURE
Meet NJSBA’s Board Member of the Year
Second-generation Vernon Township board member Cynthia Auberger “exemplifies all that is good about boardsmanship.”
By Janet Bamford
Also in our print edition (for subscribers only)
president’smessage
executiveword
onthecalendar
NJSBAatyourservice
NJSBA’s awards spotlight top-notch school programs
readersforum
N.J.’s exodus of college students is the wrong kind of export
An attorney’s misgivings about the new attorney–board regulations
laborlookout
What you should know about sick leave banks
policyupdate
Policies – and ideas – to help your district go green
legallyspeaking
Common legal pitfalls of divided boards
DAminutes
headoftheclass
Delaware Township School district’s enrichment program benefits the entire school
January/February 2009
SPECIAL SECTION: REGIONALIZATION
Why Regionalization Can Improve Education
New Jersey’s Commissioner of Education tells why it’s not just about saving money.
By Lucille E. Davy
No Surprise: The State Wants Only K-12 Districts
Since 1969, state-initiated studies have promoted the consolidation of school districts into K-12 units. Why it hasn’t happened so far, and why it’s not likely to happen now.
By Frank Belluscio
Regionalization and Labor Relations
Why regionalizing may mean more expensive teacher contracts and more difficult contract negotiations.
By Curt Wary
The Legal Issues of Regionalization
Consolidating school districts involves confronting several legal issues. Here is a rundown of what’s involved.
By Michael F. Kaelber, Esq.
The Outlook on Regionalization
An open discussion with some of New Jersey’s experts on the topic.
By Janet Bamford
FEATURES
The Agenda Setter
An interview with Joe Cryan, Assembly Education Committee chair
By Ray Pinney
Investing 101 for Students
How – and why – to teach students the basics of the stock market.
By William M. Kempey, Ph.D.
Seat-Warmer or Educational Leader?
The Myths and Realities of Interim Superintendents
By Dr. Leonard D. Fitts
Also in our print edition (for subscribers only)
president’smessage
executiveword
onthecalendar
NJSBAatyourservice
Salary Guide Service
readersforum
Common Sense Ways to Improve Public Education Without a Tax Increase
fieldperspective
Education is full of acronyms. Here is a guide to ten of the most confusing ones
policyupdate
Districts must screen carefully for phony credentials
headoftheclass
Irvington’s Children United Stand Higher Program
November/December 2008
After the Bell
For many kids, what happens after school is just as important as what happens during school. This New Jersey organization helps run – and fund – high quality after-school programs.
By Shannon Boehmer and Jim McGlynn
Adding the International Baccalaureate to the Mix
Why – and how – Shore Regional joined a small group of New Jersey high schools offering the program.
By Linda Ensor
Shades of Green
New Jersey schools are finding that green schools pay dividends beyond the bottom line.
By Paul Napoli
The Other Side of the Report Card
Schools that address the proper social, emotional and character development of students see academic and social gains. A Rutgers program can help districts coordinate these programs.
By Maurice Elias
SPECIAL SECTION: SCHOOL LAW
Litigation Evasion By Brenda C. Liss, Esq.
Can School Board Members Be Sued? By Susan S. Hodges, Esq.
Watch What You Say, Part II* By Carl Tanksley, Jr., Esq.
September/October 2008
From the School Board to the State House
Board members who have gone to work in the legislature share their experiences and their advice.
By Ray Pinney
High Schools for the Future
A report on the recommendations of the N.J. High School Redesign Committee
By Mary O’Malley
Year Five and Still Not Making AYP: What’s The Problem?
Red Bank Regional’s superintendent discusses the frustrations and inadequacies of NCLB
By Edward D. Westervelt
SPECIAL SECTION: COMMUNITY RELATIONS
The Key to Communications By M. Larry Litwin
Handling Sensitive Personnel Matters By Nora Carr
Best Practices of School District Foundations By Janet Bamford
July August 2008
Meet the President
Veteran South Brunswick board member Harry J. Delgado takes the helm at NJSBA
By Janet Bamford
A Safety Net of Support
Make the most of community resources in times of crisis.
By Mallory McQuail
Putting the “Special” into Special Education
These thirteen programs are 2008’s winners of the Innovations in Special Education awards
By Janet Bamford
School Board Members are…Guiding Tomorrow’s Leaders
New dates, new format… same top-notch programs
By Mark Bonjavanni
May/June 2008
What’s Great About K-8?
Kindergarten through 8th grade schools have special strengths, says one board member
By Wendi Patella
Keeping Our Schools Safe and Secure
An update on school security from the New Jersey State Police
By Michael Scala
A Bridge Between Continents
A unique Rumson-Fair Haven high school community service organization adjusts its programs in the wake of post-election violence in Kenya
By Roberta H. Van Anda
SPECIAL NEW BOARD MEMBER SECTION
10 Tips for New Board Members By Lee Lusardi Connor
A Year in the Life of a Board Member By Joanne Borin
What’s Your Agenda? By Mark Bonjavanni
March/April 2008
Surviving the Departure of Your Superintendent
Some upfront planning can make it easier to transition to a new CSA
By Dr. Timothy Brennan
In a Class of His Own
Norwood’s John Kline is N.J.’s Teacher of the Year
By Janet Bamford
When Medical Problems Are Financial Problems
A unique —and often overlooked—state relief fund assists New Jersey families with their children’s medical bills
By Ralph Condo
SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY SECTION
Plug In. Boot Up. Log On.
Data (Self) Analysis By Anthony N. Dragona
Howell Makes the Grade By Janet Bamford
Getting Help in Making Your District Technology-Rich By Betsy Price
The Wonders of Wikis and Podcasts By James Puglia and Carl Hazen
January/February 2008
Sharing Equals Saving
Now more than ever, school districts need money-saving ideas. Here is a sampling of smart strategies from the NJSBA/Rutgers-Newark Catalogue of Best Practices in Shared Services.
By Janet Bamford
Other People’s Children, Part 2
In an excerpt from the new book, Other People’s Children: The Battle for Justice and Equality in New Jersey’s Schools, the author recounts how the court defined and mandated additional programs for children in the state’s Abbott districts.
By Deborah Yaffe
Stuck in the Middle
A board member from a middle-income district lays out his district’s financial situation, after years of enrollment grow and flat funding.
By Roger Butler
When Hiring…Think Globally, Act Locally
Any district’s most precious resource is its faculty and staff. Hiring practices should cast a wide net.
By Pete Barone and Todd Lawrence
Completing the Circle
A conversation with NJSBA Board Member of the Year Cathy Moncrief.
By Janet Bamford
November/December 2007
Other People’s Children
In an excerpt from the new book, Other People’s Children: The Battle for Justice and Equality in New Jersey’s Schools, the author tells the story of the lives behind the lawsuits.
By Deborah Yaffe
The State of the Arts in Our Schools
A new study, that was two years in the making, charts arts education in New Jersey and recommends what should be done to improve access to it.
By Kristin Wenger
Blogging for Columbine
As concerns about the safety of students’ online activities increase, legal and policy issues prove vexing for school leaders.
By Thomas Hutton
Meet Marie S. Bilik
An interview with NJSBA’s new executive director
By Janet Bamford
Rhyme Time
An innovative kindergarten literacy program in Livingston gets children and parents working together to improve reading and writing readiness
By Janet Bamford
September/October 2007
Financing Special Education in New Jersey
A year-long study commissioned by the New Jersey School Boards Association explores special education costs and practices and identifies exemplary programs.
By Frank Belluscio
Successful Special Ed Lessons Honored
Eleven innovative programs—with focuses as varied as gardening, rock climbing and government visits—help our most challenged students reach their potential.
By Michael Yaple and Rosa Cirianni
A Fresh Look at a Complex Issue
The recommendations of the Legislative Committee on Special Education address the delivery, quality and cost of special education services in New Jersey.
By Donna M. Kaye, Esq.
NJSBA Executive Director Steps Down
NJSBA bids a fond farewell to Edwina M. Lee.
By Christina Gordon
July/August 2007
Closing the Achievement Gap
Data-based decisions and staff dedication create a formula to improve student achievement.
By Kaye Crown and Robert J. Rosado
A Strong Voice for New Jersey Public Schools
NJSBA’s Legislative Committee forms relationships with lawmakers that are needed to advance public education.
By Rosa Cirianni
An Advocate Draws Inspiration from Within
Overcoming serious health issues has changed the perspective of a Burlington County school board member, who has dedicated his life to children.
By Rosa Cirianni
Dream, Inspire and Achieve
Take a peak at Workshop 2007—one of the nation’s largest education conferences.
Violence in Our Schools: Combating Fear
In the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings, a former state education official reviews strategies to promote student safety.
By John Flynn
Science in the Spotlight
Science is a process of discovery. For the 21st Century, hands-on, ‘minds-on,’ inquiry-based instruction is the only way to go.
By Karen Tomczyk
May/June 2007
Grasping the QSAC Basics
New Jersey is starting a totally new method of monitoring school districts. The focus is on student achievement and governance.
By Rosa Cirianni
Shared Values, Shared Success
Disagreement doesn’t have to equal discord. By taking proactive steps, school boards can lay the groundwork for productive public discourse, continuous improvement and academic quality.
By Suzanne Bond
Opening the World of Science
A gem of New Jersey—the Liberty Science Center—reopens this summer, with an innovative center for learning and teaching and new exhibits, ranging from “Skyscraper! Achievement and Impact” to “Infection Connection.”
By Jeffrey Osowski
March/April 2007
Abbott and Beyond
The author of an upcoming book on Abbott v. Burke presents a clear, concise history of the litigation, which is still unfolding today.
By Deborah Yaffe
Cause and Effect
New Jersey’s property tax “crisis” is a result of the state’s failure to live up to its own school funding laws for the past five years, according to a recent Rutgers-Newark study.
By Mike Yaple
Sounding Off on Education Challenges
A suburban school superintendent and a school board member from an urban district share perspectives and ideas for making New Jersey’s education investment pay off for students.
By William Folley and Dale G. Caldwell
N.J. Bucks Tide on Reading for English Learners
Many New Jersey schools adhere to the bilingual approach to teaching English-language learners, and research shows its benefits.
By Mary Ann Zehr
Is Your District Prepared for a Pandemic?
The potential for an Avian flu pandemic has not abated, and experts in crisis communications advise school districts to take proactive steps now.
By Rosa Cirianni
January/February 2007
Practice What They Teach
Sharing services with neighboring districts—to the benefit of both students and taxpayers—is a way of life in New Jersey.
By Rosa Cirianni
Shared Services
Lyndhurst’s newest public building benefits both the town and the school district.
By Richard J. DiLascio and Lloyd A. Rosenberg
The Trouble with Testing
The current emphasis on high-stakes testing prevents teachers from creating thought-provoking lessons that engage students.
By Louis R. Centolanza
Building a Better Brand
Find out how your schools can develop a “name” that stands for quality education in the minds of consumers.
By Nora Carr
Hakim at the Helm
School Board Member of the Year Marie Hakim weighs in on testing, special education, state funding and more.
By Rosa Cirianni
November/December 2006
There’s a Bully Online
The Somerville schools use discipline, values education and parent and community involvement to prevent cruel Internet postings at school and at home.
By Jean Harkness
Technology Saves Money and Saves Face
Learn how an e-mail distribution list can save reams of paper and provide quick communication in a crisis.
By Rosa Cirianni
Sparking Curiosity and Achievement
By encouraging hard work and boosting self-esteem, school science fairs continue to prove their worth.
By Laura Bishop and Mallory McQuail
Community Intranet Connections
Long Branch’s new private communications network provides secure, advanced services while saving tax dollars.
By Ann Coyle Degnan
Technology Planning
A technology expert will show you how to plan for the future and gain access to funding.
By Dan Riordan
September/October 2006
From Boys State to State Leader
NJSBA President Kevin E. Ciak and his leadership team focus on responsiveness and advocacy.
By Frank Belluscio
Prepared for the Real World
High school reform is not just an option—it is an essential part of preparing our graduates for a competitive world.
By Mary O'Malley
Ratcheting Up the High School Curriculum
Innovative programs allow advanced high school students to pursue their interests—and earn college credit.
By David Bosted
Pressure Alone Won’t Improve Failing Schools
For many districts, failing test scores lead to despair not reform.
By Pedro Noguera
Special Children, Special Programs
NJSBA and the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped team up to recognize outstanding special education programs.
By Mike Yaple
July/August 2006
Corners We Can’t Cut
In the years to come, schools will play an even larger role in student health by effecting policy in areas as diverse as snack food, diesel emissions and the Avian Flu.
By Jean Harkness
Food Moods
A mother and daughter learn that the right diet makes all the difference.
By Donna Martini
On The Beat
School Resource Officers play a critical role in our post-Columbine world.
By Rosa Cirianni
Gangs
An FBI instructor and former gang social worker writes frankly about the ongoing challenge of gang management in our schools.
By Linda M. Schmidt
Crisis Management that Really Works
South Brunswick’s Community Resource Team goes beyond crisis management to create a safer, more secure community.
By Rebecca Leonard
Heart Restart
Find out how to bring life-saving heart defibrillators to your schools.
By Michelle Sobota
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