
School Board Notes
New Jersey's weekly education report offers up-to-date information on legislation, court decisions and other developments affecting school districts.
March 23, 2021 • Vol. XLIV No. 36

Articles
A Letter about Workshop 2021
The NJSBA will offer a virtual Workshop Conference again this year, with new features. Last year, NJSBA held a highly successful virtual conference, which attracted approximately 6,000 participants, provided 100 training sessions and featured 140 exhibitors.
NJSBA Budget for Next Year Approved; No Dues Increase for 12th Consecutive Year
On Friday, March 19, the NJSBA Board of Directors unanimously approved the proposed Association budget for the year beginning July 1, 2021.
New CDC Guidance: Students Safe Three Feet Apart, Especially in Elementary Schools
The new federal guidance may help more schools reopen for in-person instruction.
Chapter 44 Resolution Available; Unions Obligated to Negotiate Financial Impact
There is a provision in Chapter 44 that provides a potential alternative pathway to relief from rising costs.
In State Budget Testimony, NJSBA Welcomes $578 Million in New Formula Aid, Supports Stabilization Aid
The Association also applauds the proposed increase in Extraordinary Special Education Aid, which will help more than 500 school districts.
Appellate Division Rules on Second-Grade Student’s Transgender Case
The court noted the lack of evidence that the board’s HIB finding would jeopardize the student’s chances at college admission.
Legislative Update: Regionalization, Special Education Measures Continue to Advance
"Laura Wooten's Law," requiring increased civics instruction, and a bill affecting student journalists' rights were among the education-related bills that moved forward.
Women’s Leadership in Education: The View from One N.J. District
In Mendham Borough, women make up most of the leadership team.
Eighth Grade Dialogues, Unsung Heroes Being Filmed Now
The deadline to contact the NJSBA about the programs is March 31.
Reminder: NSBA Conference is April 8-10
The keynote speakers will include Soledad O’Brien, an award-winning journalist; Leslie Odom, Jr., a Tony and Grammy award-winning actor and musician; and Shawn Achor, a psychology researcher and author.
Arts Ed NJ Celebrating ‘Arts in Our Schools Month’
New Jersey is widely recognized as a national leader in arts education. In 2019, the Garden State became the first state in the nation to provide universal access to arts education for all public-school students.
Upcoming Webinar to Feature Technology Solutions
Learn how managed services deliver cost-effective solutions that increase operational efficiencies, enable development, and provide schools with a secure, powerfully-backed infrastructure.
NJSBA Board of Directors Highlights
Details on the new NJSBA budget, the upcoming virtual Workshop in 2021, and the NJSBA's response to the pandemic were among the items discussed.
Help Spread the Word about New Food Aid for Students
Hunger Free New Jersey has recently launched a campaign to inform parents about Pandemic EBT, which is special food assistance program to help parents buy groceries during the pandemic.
Meeting Notice: NJSBA Resolutions Subcommittee
The virtual meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 27, at 9 a.m.
Obituary: Kirk Wells, 88, Former NJSBA President
Mr. Wells and his widow, Ann, met at an NJSBA spring dinner.
Obituary: John Caruso, Former President, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School BOE
Mr. Caruso was deeply committed to serving the Rumson and Fair Haven communities.
Notice of a Change in Meeting Date of the NJSBA Executive Committee
This meeting will now take place on Thursday, April 15 at 1 p.m.