Bergen County SBA

2025 – 2026 BCSBA Meetings

As topics and locations are determined for the 2025 – 2026 BCSBA Meetings, we wanted to share the tentative dates of meetings.

Monday, September 29, 2025 (Hybrid)
Thursday, December 4, 2025 (Hybrid)
Thursday, February 12, 2026 (Virtual)
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 (Unsung Hero Awards Ceremony)
Thursday, May 28, 2026 (Hybrid)

About the Bergen County School Board Association

The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) is committed to empowering local board of education members throughout Bergen County. We provide a dynamic platform for sharing valuable information and innovative ideas, serving as a catalyst for meaningful change and action.

Our meetings are not merely gatherings; they are essential opportunities for board members to engage in professional development and receive the latest updates on important education initiatives, legislation, 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 seeing 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 exemplify Dr. Archie Hay’s leadership in education and his commitment 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. This award is presented to a Bergen County School Board Member who, in the opinion of an impartial committee made up of board members from outside of Bergen County, best embodies Dr. Hay’s leadership and commitment.

Past Recipients

2025 – Michael 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 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

In 2002, the Bergen County School Boards Association established the Janet S. Lobsenz Award, which is presented to a board member from Bergen County who demonstrates a commitment to their professional development and the development of fellow board members. This individual must also show a dedication to school governance at the local, state, and county levels. To be eligible, the recipient must be a board member in Bergen County and recognized by the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) as a Certified Board Member.

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 submission form.