Bergen County SBA

About the Bergen County School Board Association

The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) is dedicated to empowering local school board members across Bergen County. We provide a collaborative platform for sharing valuable information and innovative ideas, acting as a catalyst for meaningful change and action in our schools.

Our meetings offer essential opportunities for professional development, keeping board members informed on the latest education initiatives, legislative changes, and public school regulations. By fostering strong connections and collaborative efforts, we aim to enhance the success of all public school students in New Jersey.

Join us in making a lasting impact on our community’s education. We look forward to welcoming you at a future meeting!

Archie F. Hay Award

About the Award

The Archie F. Hay Award was established in the mid-1980s by the Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) to honor local board members who emulate Dr. Archie Hay’s exceptional leadership in education and dedication to the children of Bergen County.

Dr. Hay, a former Bergen County superintendent, was instrumental in establishing the Bergen County Special Education regions and the Special Services School District.

Annually, this prestigious award is presented to a Bergen County School Board Member who, as judged by an impartial committee of non-Bergen County board members, best embodies Dr. Hay’s spirit of commitment and leadership.

Past Recipients

2025 – Michael A. Jacobs (Ridgefield)

2024 – Eun Kang (River Edge)

2023 – Paula Colbath (Fort Lee)

2022 – Maryellen LaFronz (Old Tappan)

2021 – Bruce R. Young (Carlstadt-East Rutherford)

2019 – Michael Sprague (Norwood)

2018 – Peter Wendrychowicz (Mahwah)

2017 – Mark Stein (Hackensack)

2015 – David Sarnoff (Fort Lee)

2014 – John Mancinelli (Fair Lawn)

2013 – Mary Kay Buckley (River Edge)

2012 – Dr. Joseph Amara (Bergenfield)

2011 – Barbara Garand (Northern Highlands Regional)

2010 – Beth Politi (Pascack Valley Regional) & Sam Salierno (Saddle Brook)

2009 – Christine Roche (Wyckoff)

2007 – Raymond Wiss (Northern Valley Regional)

2005 – Nancy L.R. Stern (Fort Lee)

2004 – Sheli Dansky (River Edge)

2003 – Margaret Angeli (Teaneck)

2002 – Michael Ratner (River Vale)

2001 – Jerome Liblit (New Milford)

2000 – Colleen Jarvis (Hasbrouck Heights)

1999 – Rose Castka (Montvale)

1998 – Charles Reilly (Ridgewood)

1997 – Russell Petrocelli (Fair Lawn)

1996 – Joanne Bergmann (Paramus)

1995 – Diane Holzberg (Demarest)

1994 – Lin O’Connor (Hillsdale

Unknown Years of Award – Connie McKenzie; Rona McNabola (Glen Rock); Frank Weis; Norman Bleshman (BC Special Services); Kenneth Johanson

2026 Archie F. Hay Award Information

The deadline for the 2026 Archie F. Hay Award is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Click HERE for the 2026 Submission Form.

The nominee must demonstrate leadership in their district and be nominated by a formal resolution of their board. CLICK HERE for a sample board resolution. The resolution should be sent by Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to racerra@njsba.org.

For additional information on the board resolution, please contact Robert Acerra at racerra@njsba.org.

Janet S. Lobsenz Award

About the Award

The Janet S. Lobsenz Award was established in 2002 by the Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA). This honor is presented to a Bergen County board member who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to professional development, both their own and that of their fellow board members.

The recipient must also show dedication to effective school governance at the local, county, and state levels. To be eligible, the individual must be recognized as a Certified Board Member by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA).

A listing of all eligible Certified Board Members in Bergen County can be viewed here.

Past Recipients

2025 – Michael Sprague (Norwood)

2024 – Mary Katherine Norian (Oradell)

2023 – Denise Villani (Cresskill)

2022 – Bruce R. Young (Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional)

2021 – Holly Morell (Fort Lee)

2019 – Sheli Danksy (River Edge)

2017 – Diane M. Jones (Rutherford)

2016 – Henry Senger III (Saddle River)

2015 – Ann Pagano (Northern Highlands Regional)

2014 – Susan McGowan (Franklin Lakes)

2013 – Barbara Garand (Northern Highlands Regional)

2012 – Florence “Peggy” Saslow (New Milford)

2011 – Raymond Wiss (Northern Valley Regional)

2010 – William Barnaskas (Lyndhurst)

2009 – Diane Holzberg (Demarest) &

2009 – Beth Politi (Pascack Valley Regional)

2008 – Richard Snyder (Ramsey)

2007 – Peter Wndrychowicz (Mahwah)

2006 – Margaret Angeli (Teaneck)

2005 – Nancy L.R. Stern (Fort Lee)

2004 – Lin O’Connor (Hillsdale)

2003 – Rona McNabola (Glen Rock)

2002 – Janet Lobsenz (NJSBA)

2026 Janet S. Lobsenz Award Information

To be eligible for this award, the nominee must have achieved Certified Board Member status through the NJSBA Board Member Academy. CLICK HERE for a listing of current Bergen County Certified Board Members.

If you would like to be a candidate or nominate another board member in Bergen County, please submit by Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

CLICK HERE for the 2026 submission form.