School Board Notes
New Jersey's weekly education report offers up-to-date information on legislation, court decisions and other developments affecting school districts.
January 11, 2022 • Vol. XLV No. 21
Articles
Gov. Murphy Highlights Investments in Schools During State of the State Address
Speaking at an empty theater at the Trenton War Memorial Jan. 11, Gov. Phil Murphy delivered his fourth State of the State address, which highlighted investments in public schools.
Mask Mandate in Schools Extended as Governor Reinstates Public Health Emergency
The governor’s declaration in Executive Order No. 281 is meant to ensure that the state can respond to the continued threat of COVID-19 and the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.
NJSBA's Executive Director to Retire in July
Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, announced last week he would retire effective July 1, 2022.
NJSBA Applauds Action to Curb School Bus Driver Shortage
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will not require New Jersey applicants for school bus driver licensing to take the “under-the-hood” portion of the exam, effective Jan. 7 through March 31, 2022, according to a Jan. 6 news release from the NJMVC.
School Board Member Spotlight: Jason Velante Sr.
In our new School Board Member spotlight feature, which we’re kicking off this month to celebrate Gov. Phil Murphy proclaiming January 2022 as School Board Recognition Month, Velante shares what he’s learned on his school board member journey, why he continues to serve and more.
State Board Approves Resolution Honoring School Board Members
Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the New Jersey School Boards Association, thanked the New Jersey State Board of Education for recognizing the hard work and commitment of local boards of education.
State Board Acts on Numerous Items at January Meeting
At its January meeting, in addition to noting New Jersey School Board Recognition month, the State Board of Education heard updates and acted on numerous items.
Schools Can Now Apply for COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement
Schools are eligible to receive a portion of the funds awarded if they have demonstrated to NJDOH that their program meets the minimum requirements outlined by the NJDOH communicable disease services screening testing guidance.
Tuition Rates Issued for Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities
The tentative per diem tuition rates and the independent auditor’s certified tuition rates for each approved private school for students with disabilities were issued in a memo from the New Jersey Department of Education.
New Board Member Weekend Orientation to Be Virtual
The Association will hold a multiday virtual course, which will be modeled on the 2021 Comprehensive New Board Member Orientation. The program will include the opportunity for participants to work in small group settings with veteran board members.
Richard Vartan Recognized for 33 Years of Service on East Rutherford Board
Richard Vartan, who has served on the East Rutherford Board of Education in Bergen County for 33 years, was honored with a plaque marking his long tenure at the board’s Jan. 4 meeting.
Debra Zoller Recognized for 20 Years of Service on East Rutherford Board
Debra Zoller, who served on the East Rutherford Board of Education in Bergen County for 20 years before leaving the board at the end of 2021, was honored with a plaque marking her 20 years of service at the board’s Jan. 4 meeting.
Danielle Prieto, Former Millburn Board of Education Member, Dies Along with Husband and Son
Danielle Prieto, a former member of the Millburn Board of Education in Essex County, died Jan. 8 in an out-of-state car crash. Her husband, Alfred, and her teenage son, Antonio, also died in the accident, according to the Millburn School District.
Wayne B. Schiele, Member of the Wharton Board of Education, Dies
Wayne B. Schiele, who devoted himself to teaching and coaching over a 51-year career and served on the Wharton Board of Education in Morris County for the past seven years, died Jan. 6.