2009 Archives

November/December 2009

SPECIAL SECTION: SCHOOL LAW

Brave New World
Putting digital devices in their place
By David B. Rubin, Esq.

The Good, the Bad, the Ugh
Taming the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
By Edwin C. Darden, Esq.

Entrance Requirements
Curbing “state-sanctioned school shopping”
By Stephen J. Christiano, Esq.

FEATURES

The Lessons of Union City
In an excerpt from his book, In Plain Sight, the author explores the remarkable strides made by the Union City school district in closing the achievement gap.
By Gordon MacInnes

Connecting Leaders and Learners
The research says that school district leadership affects student achievement. Here’s how.
By Charles Kuzminski, Ed.D

Double Duty
Dale Caldwell is a businessman, author, community volunteer, a member of two school boards – and New Jersey’s School Board Member of the Year. In an interview, he shares his views on public education, community, the workplace, board membership and the place where they all intersect – the classroom.
By Janet Bamford

Also in our print edition (for subscribers only)

president’smessage

executiveword

onthecalendar

laborlookout
Is your board afraid of mediation?

policyupdate
Answers on questions recently fielded by NJSBA’s Policy

fieldperspective
Tips on building support for your school budget

headoftheclass
North Brunswick’s RADAR system boosts student achievement; One alternative school stepped outside to reap results for their students and their community

September/October 2009

SPECIAL SECTION: TECHNOLOGY

Cool Tool School
Woodbridge’s Tech Academy addresses what is often the weak
link in educational technology: staff training.
 By Gladys Jackson

What a Difference a Year Makes
How the West Windsor-Plainsboro district got its new student information system up and running.
By Rick Cave

Six Keys to Developing a Great Technology Budget
The coming budget year will be tight. Here are some ideas
for cutting technology costs.
By Paul Crawley and Christopher A. Maneri

Welcome to E - NJSBA
Stay connected to NJSBA in a social media minute.
By Lauren Cuervo

FEATURES

Seal of Approval
Why bother with accreditation? Because it is a comprehensive gauge of quality in a school.
By Hank Cram and Laura Bishop

Gangs and New Jersey Schools
Should your school board get more involved with opposition to street gangs?
By David Bosted, Esq.

Directors of First Impressions 
School secretaries are on the front line of your community relations efforts. Here’s how one district trains secretaries to be customer service oriented.
By Marie Reynolds

Also in our print edition (for subscribers only)

executiveword

onthecalendar

fieldperspective
What does it take to be a good school board president?

policyupdate
Has your board adopted its new nepotism policy yet?

legallyspeaking
Who can evaluate the CSA?

headoftheclass
High school students run a virtual business; and an award-winning program immerses students in nature

July/August 2009

SPECIAL SECTION: WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Six Principles Guide a First-Rate School Board
Key characteristics of successful school boards.
By Walter Brower

Know Your Team
How working styles affect group dynamics and board performance.
By Theresa Lewis and Susan McCusker

News You Can Use
It’s possible to transform your local news media from adversary to ally – really. Learn how.
By Frank Belluscio

And We’re Rolling…
Are you ready for your close-up? The pros and cons of broadcasting board meetings.
By Michael Yaple

FEATURES

Interview with Chris Christie
The Republican candidate for governor shares his views on education.
By Ray Pinney

Heads Up
Concussions can do lasting damage to student athletes. Schools must understand the dangers and take steps to help students.
By Gerald Tramontano, Ph.D.

Formula for Change
There is one constant, and that is change. Workshop helps members thrive amidst changing circumstances.
By Mark Bonjavanni

Life Lessons for Special Children
The 2009 Innovations in Special Education award winners.
By Lisa Ann Deon

Free Speech and Your Students
The rights and limitations of free speech for students.
By Carl Tanksley Jr., Esq.

Also in our print edition (for subscribers only)

president’smessage

executiveword

onthecalendar

policyupdate
How small problems can divert a district’s focus from the big picture.

legallyspeaking
Get the basics on the Uniform Recall Election Law.

headoftheclass
At Gateway High School, the prescription for post-graduation success is a large dose of real-life work experience.

May/June 2009

Welcome to a Special Issue of School Leader Magazine

Extraordinary times call for …special issues. For this issue, School Leader sets aside its normal format of features and columns for a mix of articles designed to help board members deal with the difficult times that all school districts are currently facing. We hope that what follows in these pages will provide resources, ideas and inspiration to board members.

“Education is My Number One Priority”
An Interview with New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine 
By Ray Pinney

The Importance of Long Distance Vision 
By Marie S. Bilik

With You on the Frontlines 
By Jane Kershner

Realities of a New Era 
By Curt Wary

More than Communicating 
By Frank Belluscio

The Importance of Advocacy 
By Michael Vrancik

Staying Afloat, Avoiding the Dangers 
By Michael Kaelber, Esq.

The ABCs of ABD
By Walter Meyer

The Power of People
By Kimberly Blum

Keeping an Eye on Costs 
By Francis J. Pullo

Information When and Where It’s Needed
By Jaan Talvet

Job One: Student Achievement 
By Janet Bamford

NJSBA: Evolving to Meet Member Needs
By Cynthia J. Jahn, Esq.

Introducing the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey
By David Hespe

The Business of Operating Public Schools 
By John F. Donahue

Advancing Education 
By Dr. Richard G. Bozza

Power in Numbers 
By Steven Gabel

More From NJSBA’s Interview with Governor Jon Corzine

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

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)

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