
School Board Notes
New Jersey's weekly education report offers up-to-date information on legislation, court decisions and other developments affecting school districts.
August 11, 2020 • Vol. XLIV No. 6

Articles
N.J. Supreme Court Allows State to Borrow up to $9.9 Billion to Meet Pandemic-Related Expenses
The high court’s decision will impact the governor’s Aug. 25 budget message and state aid to schools for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.
NJDOE Provides School Reopening Frequently Asked Questions and Checklist for Plans
The questions and answers address a broad range of concerns, including whether face coverings are required for all students and staff, when masks should be replaced, and who should supply them.
Reflections: The Value of Virtual Workshop 2020, Oct. 20-22
Today, the challenges presented to school leaders by the public health emergency make Workshop more critical than ever. For 2020, we are designing an innovative three-day virtual program of interactive training and information sessions and resources.
Nationally Recognized Leader to Deliver Keynote Address for NJSBA’s Virtual Workshop 2020
Anna Maria Chávez, the executive director and chief executive officer of the National School Boards Association, will kick off NJSBA’s Virtual Workshop with an inspiring keynote address.
Legislative Update: Tax Credits for Apprenticeships, Help in Purchasing COVID Supplies among Measures Approved by Committees
Legislation providing STEM opportunities for women and minorities also advanced.
A New Issue for Boards of Education: Contagion Transmission Liability
Because the dangers of COVID-19 are known, and boards of education have the ability to take action against those suspected of being infected, a court would most likely find that the school district has a duty to protect against the spread of the contagion.
Pandemic Discussion Summer Series Resumes with Special Education Performance Indicators for Reopening
Discussion will focus on the important role that school boards and district leaders play in establishing key performance indicators to monitor special education students’ progress after schools reopen.
NJSBA Facebook Live Events This Week Focus on I-STEAM & Policy
On Thursday, NJSBA policy experts will share frequently asked policy questions and will field questions from the Facebook Live audience.
NJSBA Offers Updated Sample Policies on Visitors, Transportation, Health Examinations and Immunizations
Sample policies reflect new state guidance requiring students to wear masks in school.
Arts Ed NJ Partners with More Than 125 Organizations to Generate Second Round of Performing Arts Aerosol Study
Arts groups say student performance programs can be safely resumed when schools reopen.
NJ State Teen Arts Virtual Festival Seeks Submissions from Students
Many teen artists were scheduled to appear in events that were canceled by the pandemic. The Teen Arts Virtual Festival provides a platform for student artists to showcase their talents.
Health Officers Discuss Protocols for Reopening Schools
In a video interview, health officials discuss close contact, quarantines, face coverings, contact tracing and other pandemic-related issues.
Delivering Quality Arts Instruction During the Pandemic
Robert Morrison, director of ARTS ED NJ, discusses the challenges arts education faces during the pandemic.
Call for Nominations: Board Member of the Year Award
The deadline for receipt of nominations is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020.