Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA)
The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) is the collective voice for all 77 public school districts in Bergen County. Our mission is to provide Bergen County board members with professional development, legislative updates, and networking opportunities that support effective governance and student achievement.
Our Impact
We believe that informed leadership leads to student success. The BCSBA provides a vital forum where board members share innovative strategies and professional resources. By acting as a catalyst for collaboration, we empower our members to drive positive change that directly benefits the public school students of New Jersey.
Stay Current, Stay Connected
Through regular meetings and professional development, we ensure our members are equipped with the latest insights into legislative changes and state regulations. Together, we are building a stronger future for our community.
Join our next meeting and be part of the conversation.
Who should attend?
All Bergen County board of education members, charter school trustees, superintendents, school business administrators, and school district leaders are invited and encouraged to attend.
Why Attend a County Meeting?
- Network with fellow board members and educational leaders.
- Stay informed on legislative and regulatory developments.
- Learn governance best practices from statewide experts.
- Earn Board Member Academy credits.
- Share innovative ideas and successful district initiatives.
Dr. 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
2026 – Laura Genovese-Behrmann (Ramsey)
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
2027 Dr. Archie F. Hay Award Information
The deadline for the 2027 Archie F. Hay Award is Thursday, April 1, 2027.
Click HERE for the 2027 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 Thursday, April 1, 2027, 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
2026 – Heather Garcia (Norwood)
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)
2027 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 Thursday, April 1, 2027. CLICK HERE for more information.
CLICK HERE for the 2027 submission form.
Bergen County School Boards Association Executive Committee
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Dr. Letizia Pantoliano
President (2026-2029) -
Laura Genovese-Behrmann
1st Vice President (2026-2029) -
Mary Katherine Norian
2nd Vice President for Legislation (2026-2029) -
Michael Sprague
NJSBA Board of Directors Delegate (2026-2029) -
Richard Fallon
NJSBA Board of Directors Alternate (2026-2029) -
Michael Jacobs
Immediate-Past President (2025-2029) -
William Barnaskas
Member (2026-2029) -
Elisa Billis
Member (2024-2027) -
Patricia Fantulin
Member (2026-2027) -
Lori Hoffman
Member (2026-2029) -
Diane Holzberg
Member (2026-2029) -
Isaac Park
Member (2026-2027) -
Behrooz Pasdar
Member (2024-2027) -
Karen Pena
Member (2026-2029)
NJSBA Staff Working with Bergen County
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Robert Acerra
County Activities Coordinator (Northern Counties) 609-255-9367 -
Melissa Del Rosso
Field Service Representative 609-278-5254