School violence has become too common in our nation’s schools. Incidents of harassment, intimidation, bullying and tragic school shootings occur with disturbing regularity. Reports of these events evoke strong reactions from everyone in the community ranging from anger to helplessness...
Whether you are a new board member or have been sitting at the board table for many years, there are always questions that come up as part of the job. Perhaps it’s figuring out how to respond to the sudden...
NJSBA’s popular New Board Member Weekend Orientation returned this winter. Two weekends were held Jan. 19-21 and Feb 23-25, and provided training to nearly 200 new board members. During the training session, the New Jersey School Boards Association provided support...
Establishing and maintaining carefully considered and clearly defined systems is essential for the smooth operation and growth of any organization. Research supports this notion, emphasizing the pivotal role of robust systems in providing a firm foundation for teams and departments...
When I was elected president of the New Jersey School Boards Association, I was immensely proud and humbled. As I settled into my new role, I found myself thinking about what it means to be a woman in a leadership...
In mid-January of every odd numbered year, a new two-year legislative session begins in New Jersey. Coinciding with every session, the New Jersey School Boards Association adopts a legislative advocacy agenda and action plan that serves as a guide for...
If you were elected to your board of education many years ago or have children who are older, you may still be using the “G word.” For school counselors, that word is “guidance.” While no longer part of their job...
Teachers are the backbone of public education and one of the greatest influences on student success. Yet, the United States is facing teacher shortages that could cause lasting harm, especially for students of color and students in low-income districts. The...
The No. 1 task of any school district – even more important than promoting educational achievement – is to keep students and staff safe. That means designing good school buildings, promoting a culture where students and staff feel compelled to...
You’ve probably heard that “what gets measured gets managed.” It’s a common phrase that has found a foothold in the world of education as part of the ever-changing landscape of assessment tools, big data and the categorization and sorting of...
