Winter 2023 Vol. 54 No. 3 Archives - New Jersey School Boards Association

Winter 2023 Vol. 54 No. 3

Showing His Tiger Spirit

In October, the New Jersey School Boards Association announced Adam Parkinson, president of the West New York Board of Education, as its 2022-2023 School Board Member of the Year.

The Important Yet Overlooked Role of School Board Members in Cybersecurity

Many say that it is not a matter of if you will be the victim of a cyber incident but when. Given the prevalence of cyberattacks directed at K-12 schools, including in New Jersey, this is not a bad mindset.

Best Practices in Forming a Threat Assessment Team

While threats will always exist, administrators, school board members and other stakeholders can take steps to identify and eradicate as many of them as possible. One way is to form a threat assessment team.

School Districts Contend with Inflation

No one has to tell you that the price of groceries, gasoline and airfare is going up, but members of the general public might not immediately think about the cost of paper, how much you need to pay a bus driver, or the impact inflation is having on employee turnover.

A Social Tsunami

When a man posted racist political opinions on a Facebook account he created using the official logo of a northern New Jersey high school, the district leapt into action.

Student Representatives on School Boards: How to Help Them Succeed

There’s a new member at board of education meetings this school year, and we’re not talking about that surprise write-in candidate or newbie who ousted an entrenched incumbent.

Presidents Message — Don’t Forget the Parents

When it comes to educating children, our schools and teachers are incredibly important – but let’s not forget the critical role that parents play in helping students succeed.

Executive Word — The Budget Gap Boards are Facing this Year

NJSBA has been advocating for additional state funding for schools, and for tax levy cap considerations for districts.

ELFNJ Spotlight — Virtual County Association Meetings

New Jersey’s 21 county school boards associations offer training, information and forums to explore the issues facing public school districts.

Readers Forum — Technology Use: Changing the Conversation

While our kids may have off-the-charts social media engagement and may excel in emoji selection and concise 144-character statements, many of them aren’t engaging with real people in meaningful ways.

Legally Speaking — Special Education: A Board Member’s Role

To understand the odd position you are often placed in, we need to review some basics of special education law.

Field Perspective — The Board-Business Administrator Relationship

The most crucial underpinning for effectiveness as a school board member and in responsible governance is to know and honor your role.

Head of the Class — Jersey City Public Schools Scores with Fun Fridays

Jersey City Public Schools was honored with an exemplary recognition in the 2022 School Leader awards for its “Fun Fridays,” originally established in summer 2020 by Special Education Supervisor Candace Coccaro and her team.