
School Board Notes
New Jersey's weekly education report offers up-to-date information on legislation, court decisions and other developments affecting school districts.
April 7, 2020 • Vol. XLIII No. 35

Articles
Governor’s Order Waives Assessment and Evaluation Requirements
“The waiver of these student assessment requirements will ensure that no student is left behind or unduly penalized due to these extraordinary circumstances,” said Gov. Murphy.
Warren SBA Conducts State’s First-Ever Virtual County Meeting
On April 7, the Warren County School Boards Association held the first-ever virtual county association meeting. The meeting drew more than 40 participants.
Richard Barsa, Weehawken Board President, Dies from COVID-19 Complications
The long-term education official “exemplified the best qualities of a local school board member.”
New Information about the CARES Act, Funding and K-12 Education
The U.S. Department of Education announced a streamlined process for providing states funding flexibility to best meet the needs of students and educators during the COVID-19 national emergency.
State Board Waives Prohibition on Delivering Special Ed Services Remotely
Emergency regulations will allow school districts to provide certain services to special education students through remote electronic communications platforms.
Districts Warned on Use of Videoconferencing Platforms, Including Zoom
Cybersecurity experts at the state's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness issued a warning that some popular videoconferencing platforms, including Zoom, are vulnerable to hacking.
Virtual Engagement and Online Learning Conference – Apr. 8
NJSBA and the Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies are hosting a virtual conference on online learning and engagement.
Redesigned NJSBA COVID-19 Resource Center: Latest News, Critical Resources
NJSBA's COVID-19 Resource Center has been revamped to make it easier to navigate and to provide the latest developments and updates on programs and services.
NJSBA’s Full Schedule of Virtual Programs
The Association is continuing to broadcast an extensive schedule of webinars, podcasts and Facebook Live events to bring timely information to boards during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reviewing Existing Board Policies Can Provide Guidance for Dealing with the Virus
NJSBA policy experts discussed topics that have been trending in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
State Issues Additional School Meal Guidance for COVID-19 Emergency
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture issued clarification on a law requiring districts to provide meals to students eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
Caldwell Middle School Principal Succumbs to Coronavirus
James Brown, 48, had been principal at Grover Cleveland Middle School since 2012.
Updated Legislative Directory Available Now
The downloadable directory includes contact information for state and federal lawmakers, the NJDOE, and other state officials.