Archives (2016-2017 Legislative Session)
Legislative Update: School Sports Bill Among those “Pocket-Vetoed” – School Board Notes, January 17, 2018
The Senate and General Assembly gave final legislative approval to more than 100 pieces of pending legislation before the end of the 2016-2017 session, several of which impact New Jersey’s public school districts and students. For a summary of the action taken by Gov. Christie on these measure as he left office, click here.
SBOE Update: Assessments, Juvenile Justice, on Agenda – School Board Notes, January 9, 2018
The State Board of Education proposed a change in elementary science assessments, and heard updates on a variety of issues, including juvenile justice and education, at its January board meeting. For a full rundown of the meeting, click here.
Gov. Christie Delivers Final “State of the State” – School Board Notes, January 9, 2018
Gov. Chris Christie delivered a State of the State message for the final time, speaking for nearly two hours about accomplishments during his two terms that he said left the state “much better than it was eight years ago.” Read more.
Legislative Update: 2016-2017 Session Closes with Flurry of Activity – School Board Notes, January 9, 2018
In the final voting sessions of the 217th Legislature, the Senate and General Assembly gave final legislative approval to more than 100 pieces of pending legislation, several of which impact New Jersey’s public school districts and students. Read more.
Legislative Update: Evaluation Waiver Bill, Others, Advance in Voting – School Board Notes, December 19, 2017
A host of education-related bills were approved in committee or floor votes in the Legislature during the past two weeks. Click here for a rundown of legislative activity that impacts New Jersey’s students and public school districts.
SBOE Update: State Board Meets; New Members Approved by State Senate – School Board Notes, December 12, 2017
The State Board of Education took up two items for consideration at its brief December meeting, discussing a proposed change in elementary science assessments, and reapproving amendments to the state’s harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) regulations. In a related development, the full Senate unanimously approved two gubernatorial nominations to the State Board. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Lame Duck Session Begins – School Board Notes, November 28, 2017
With campaign and election season now in the past, the so-called “lame duck” portion of the 2016-2017 legislation session is underway. Several committees met over the past week and advanced a number of measures impacting New Jersey’s students and school districts. Read more.
NJSBA Represented on Governor-elect Murphy’s ‘Transition2018’ Committee – School Board Notes, November 28, 2017
Governor-elect Philip D. Murphy has named NJSBA Executive Director Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod and NJSBA Director of Governmental Relations Michael Vrancik to his “Transition2018” committee, placing them on the team that will help the new administration prepare to take office in two months. Read more.
Legislative Update: Sweeney Reelected Senate President, Coughlin to be Assembly Speaker – School Board Notes, November 14, 2017
Following last Tuesday’s elections, in which all 120 seats of the Legislature were up for grabs, and governor-elect Phil Murphy won the state’s top office, both houses of the New Jersey Legislature held reorganization meetings. Learn more.
SBOE Update: State Board of Education Meets – School Board Notes, October 10, 2017
The State Board of Education honored the state Teacher of the Year, heard presentations on Future Ready Schools – N.J. and other topics, and took action on pending regulatory proposals at its October meeting. Learn more.
New Jersey’s Next Governor Talks About Education – September/October 2017
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, New Jerseyans go to the polls to elect a new governor. To provide information to NJSBA members and others on where the major party candidates stand on key educational issues, NJSBA Director of Member Engagement Ray Pinney recently conducted interviews with both candidates. View both interviews here.
SBOE Update: State Board Takes Action on Newark Schools, Other Measures – School Board Notes, September 19, 2017
The State Board of Education voted to return the Newark School District to local control, and took action on items ranging from school bus sensors to personnel appointments, at its Sept. 13 meeting. Read more.
Legislative Update: Education-Related Bills Signed – School Board Notes, August 8, 2017
On Monday, Gov. Chris Christie signed three education-related bills into law, including one that that requires aspiring board of education members to affirm that they have a clean criminal background prior to running for office. Read more.
Legislative Update: NJSBA-Backed Bill to Expand Sending District Voting Rights Among Several Measures Signed by Governor – School Board Notes, July 25, 2017
Last week Gov. Chris Christie took action on dozens of bills that were sent to his desk before the Legislature recessed for the summer. He approved nine new laws impacting New Jersey’s public school districts, while conditionally vetoing two other school-related bills and returning them to the Legislature. Read more.
SBOE Update: Board Welcomes Three New Members, Selects President; Jersey City Regains Local Control – School Board Notes, July 11, 2017
At its July 5 meeting, the State Board of Education welcomed three new members, selected a president, and took action on other items. The board also approved a resolution allowing the Jersey City School District to return to local control. Learn more here and here.
Legislative Update: As Legislature Recesses, School-Related Bills Await Governor’s Approval – School Board Notes, July 11, 2017
Before recessing for the summer, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly held their last scheduled voting sessions in the final week of June. A handful of education-related measures received final legislative approval and joined several others already on the governor’s desk. Learn more.
State Budget Signed; Includes $150 Million in New School Funding – School Board Notes, July 11, 2017
Gov. Chris Christie signed New Jersey’s 2017-2018 budget (FY 2018) into law on July 4, ending a three-day shutdown of state government due to the state’s delay in enacting a new appropriations act. The new budget includes $150 million in new school funding, while diverting $31 million in adjustment aid from districts considered to be “overfunded” to those that have been chronically underfunded. For more details, click here.
Changes Continue at State Board of Education – School Board Notes, June 27, 2017
Over the last month, the state Senate has moved on a number of Gov. Chris Christie’s nominations to the State Board of Education. That movement continued over the past week with the Senate approving a replacement for the Board’s current president. Read more.
Legislative Update: Flurry of State House Activity as Summer Recess Approaches – School Board Notes, June 27, 2017
In addition to advancing the FY2018 state appropriations act and other budget-related measures, the Legislature has moved on several other pieces of legislation that would impact local boards of education and New Jersey’s public schools and students. Read more.
Budget Compromise Addresses Special Ed, Reduces Cuts – School Board Notes, June 27, 2017
The state Senate and Assembly budget committees on Monday, June 26 released an appropriations act with adjusted state aid numbers, the result of negotiation among the legislative leadership and Gov. Chris Christie. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Education Measures Advance During Busy Week at State House – School Board Notes, June 20, 2017
While the school funding reform proposal announced by Senate President Steven Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto was the most significant piece of news coming out of Trenton last week, there has been plenty of other activity at the State House of interest to New Jersey’s public school districts. For a summary of school-related bills that recently advanced out of committee, as well as a rundown of several other measures that cleared the full Senate at its Monday voting session, click here.
NJSBA Calls for Improved School Funding Compromise – School Board Notes, June 20, 2017
The New Jersey School Boards Association has called on the Legislature to develop a final budget that will address the needs of underfunded school districts without negatively affecting the education of any student. For more information, read the full story.
Kimberley Harrington Confirmed as N.J. Commissioner of Education
On Monday, June 19, Kimberley Harrington was formally confirmed by the full state Senate to become the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). Read more.
SBOE Update: Agenda Includes Proposal on Private Schools for Students with Disabilities, Amendments to Lead Testing Regulations – School Board Notes, June 13, 2017
At its June meeting, the State Board of Education heard a number of updates from the Department of Education and took action on a variety of items. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Assembly Voting Session Held; Gov. Conditionally Vetoes Bill to Help Eliminate Non-Operating Districts – School Board Notes, June 13, 2017
The General Assembly last Thursday convened for a voting session, and advanced several education-related measures. A summary of any bills approved by the Assembly that impact the New Jersey’s public schools can be found here.
Legislative Update: Bill Expanding Sending District Voting Rights Continues to Advance – School Board Notes, June 6, 2017
Over the last week, several legislative committees met and released a bevy of measures impacting New Jersey’s public school districts. For a rundown of the past week’s legislative activity, click here.
Legislative Update: Senate Approves NJSBA Initiative on Sending Districts’ Voting Rights – School Board Notes, May 31, 2017
An NJSBA-backed measure that would expand the voting rights of school board members representing sending districts in sending-receiving relationships was among several education-related measures approved by the state Senate. The full Senate convened for a voting session on Thursday, May 25. Read more.
NJSBA and NJPTA Co-Host Legislative Day – May 25, 2017
The New Jersey School Boards Association and the New Jersey PTA jointly hosted their annual Legislative Day, when school board members and parents had the opportunity to meet with a number of New Jersey state legislators. See slideshow.
Legislative Update: NJSBA-Backed Bill, that Increases Voting Rights of Sending Districts, Advances – School Board Notes, May 23, 2017
Several legislative committees, including both houses’ education committees, met last week. Among the various measures that advanced was an NJSBA initiative that would expand the voting rights of school board members representing sending districts involved in sending-receiving relationships. For a rundown of last week’s education-related legislative activity, click here.
Reflections: Connecting with our Lawmakers – May 16, 2017
NJSBA Executive Director Feinsod’s latest column focuses on the importance of legislative advocacy. Read more.
Legislative Update: New Law Expands Eligibility for Lead Testing Reimbursement – School Board Notes, May 16, 2017
The NJSBA-supported legislation signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie last week was one of several measures impacting New Jersey’s public school districts that the governor acted on recently. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Laws Affecting Regional Districts, Varsity Letters, Signed – School Board Notes, May 9, 2017
To learn more about the two new laws and a bill that would require aspiring school board members to affirm that they have not been convicted of any disqualifying crimes, click here.
School Funding Remains Key Issue at Education Budget Hearing – School Board Notes, May 9, 2017
Acting New Jersey Education Commissioner Kimberley Harrington testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on May 2. The vast majority of the discussion focused on school funding. Read more.
Accountability Regulations Adopted, Changes Effective Immediately – School Board Notes, May 2, 2017
Final regulations governing school districts’ fiscal accountability, efficiency and budgeting procedures were published in the New Jersey Register on Monday, May 1, and take effect as of that day. They include revisions to the superintendent salary cap. Learn more.
State Education Budget Hearing Held – School Board Notes, April 25, 2017
Acting New Jersey Commissioner of Education Kimberley Harrington testified before the Assembly Budget Committee on Monday, April 24 on the proposed fiscal year 2018 New Jersey Department of Education budget. Read more.
SBOE Update: State Board of Education Considers Changes to NJQSAC – School Board Notes, April 11, 2017
At its April 5 monthly meeting, the State Board of Education discussed proposed new regulations for the state’s school monitoring system, the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC). NJDOE staff also provided an update on the drinking water lead testing and reimbursement program. For a summary of all action taken at the meeting, click here and here.
State Budget Season: NJSBA Publishes Statement – School Board Notes, April 4, 2017
Read NJSBA’s response to Governor Christie’s proposed FY2018 budget here.
Legislative Update: Bills Pertaining to Extracurriculars, School Nurses Advance – School Board Notes, March 28, 2017
The General Assembly recently approved a bill that alters school nurse certification requirements and another measure concerning the issuance of varsity letters for participation in non-athletic events. Read more.
Legislative Update: Bill Requiring Opiate Antidote Policy Advances – School Board Notes, March 21, 2017
An Assembly committee has advanced a bill that would require boards of education to develop a policy for the emergency administration of opioid antidotes. Read more.
Legislative Update: Senate Votes on Lead Testing Bill – School Board Notes, March 14, 2017
The full Senate approved legislation that would retroactively reimburse school districts that performed lead testing on drinking water before the Legislature appropriated money for that purpose last summer. Click here to read about that measure and other school-related bills passed at the Senate’s most recent voting session.
Legislative Update – School Board Notes, March 7, 2017
Senate committees recently took action on bills concerning instruction on college costs, homeless student costs, and electric school buses. Read more.
District-by-District State Aid Figures Released
On Tuesday, March 2, the New Jersey Department of Education released state aid notices to school districts for 2017-2018. Read more.
Budget Message: Gov. Proposes Flat School Aid, but Wants Agreement on New Funding System within 100 Days – February 28, 2017
In his final budget address, Governor Chris Christie on Tuesday proposed a total of $13.8 billion in education funding for 2017-2018, with approximately $9.2 billion going to direct aid to schools. For more information on the budget proposal and NJSBA’s response, click here.
State Legislators Seek Board Member Input on Education Funding – School Board Notes, February 28, 2017
Over the past week, NJSBA county associations hosted various legislators to discuss the topic of school funding. Read more.
Legislative Update: Assembly Approves Bills Regarding Homeless Students, More – School Board Notes, February 22, 2017
On Wednesday, Feb. 15 the General Assembly held a voting session and approved the following measures impacting local school districts. Read more.
NJDOE Releases Proposed Plan to Implement ESSA – School Board Notes, February 22, 2017
Last week the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released its proposed plan to implement the federal Every Student Succeeds Act and is seeking public comment on the proposal. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Bills Advance on Steroid Abuse, Transportation Safety– School Board Notes, February 14, 2017
The full Senate convened on Feb. 13 for a voting session, advancing a handful of bills that impact local school districts. A summary of those measures and their current status can be accessed here.
Legislative Update: Gov. Signs Laws, Senate Ed. Committee Meets – School Board Notes, February 7, 2017
On Monday, Feb. 6, Gov. Chris Christie signed three NJSBA-supported bills concerning bus driver testing, lead screening standards and special education teacher preparation. The Senate Education Committee released several measures, including one concerning lead testing and another that seeks to repeal the superintendent salary cap. Learn more.
State Board Votes to Reject Charter School Regulation Change – School Board Notes, February 7, 2017
At its regular monthly meeting, the State Board of Education voted to reject a pilot program proposed by the NJDOE that would have permitted certain charter schools to employ teachers, business administrators and principals using alternative certification pathways that are different from current pathways. To read about that move and other action take by the State Board, click here.
School Funding Takes Center Stage – School Board Notes, January 31, 2017
The Senate Select Committee on School Funding Fairness and the Assembly Education Committee continue to hold public hearings across the state on potential changes to New Jersey’s system of funding public education. For more information, including NJSBA’s testimony, click here.
Artificial Turf Hearing Held – School Board Notes, January 31, 2017
In response to allegations that a company knowingly sold defective field turf to several school districts and municipalities across New Jersey, the Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing to gather more information on the matter. The NJSBA submitted written testimony to the committee. Read more.
Legislative Update – School Board Notes, January 24, 2017
On Jan. 23, both the General Assembly and Senate convened for voting sessions, on matters ranging from lead testing in schools to driver education. Here is a summary of any passed bills of significance to local school districts.
NJSBA Testifies on State Funding Before Joint Committee on the Public Schools – School Board Notes, January 18, 2017
On Jan. 17, Michael Vrancik, NJSBA director of governmental relations, testified before the Joint Committee on the Public Schools on the topic of state education funding. Read more.
Legislative Update: Senate Ed Committee Action – School Board Notes, January 18, 2017
On Jan. 12, The Senate Education Committee approved bills on steroid testing, transportation safety, opioid overdose policies and more. Click here for a full summary.
Superintendent Salary Cap—Unnecessary ‘Cap within a Cap’ – January 9, 2017
The New Jersey School Boards Association today called on the state Department of Education to eliminate the five-year-old cap on school district superintendent salaries, which it termed an unnecessary “cap within a cap” that infringes on the authority of local boards of education. Read more.
Legislative Update: School Security Financing Measure Now Law – School Board Notes, January 10, 2017
Gov. Chris Christie gave final approval to legislation granting school districts the authority to make enhancements to school security by using emergency reserves and bond proceeds. Learn more.
NJSBA Testifies on Accountability Regulations, Superintendent Salary Cap– School Board Notes, January 10, 2017
The New Jersey School Boards Association called on the state Department of Education to eliminate the five-year-old cap on school district superintendent salaries, which it termed an unnecessary “cap within a cap” that infringes on the authority of local boards of education. Read more.
State Board of Education Meeting Highlights – School Board Notes, January 10, 2017
At its January monthly meeting, the State Board received updates on a variety of items including the Every Student Succeeds Act, charter school regulations and an annual update on the Paterson School District. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Final 2016 Voting Sessions Include Action on Lead Legislation – School Board Notes, December 20, 2016
On Monday, Dec. 19, both the full Senate and General Assembly met for what was likely the final voting session of the 2016 calendar year. The Legislature is now approaching the mid-point of the current two-year legislative session. Click here for a summary of any education-related bills that have been sent to the governor’s desk, as well as any others that the Legislature advanced.
State Board of Education Meets; Receives Updates on Camden and ESSA – School Board Notes, December 20, 2016
At its final meeting of 2016, the State Board of Education heard a number of reports and updates. Highlights included a report from the superintendent of the state-operated Camden school district and the implementation status of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Read more.
Legislative Update: Assembly Committees Release Education-Related Bills– School Board Notes, December 13, 2016
Various Assembly committees advanced bills concerning homeless students, prescription drug use, lead testing costs, criminal records of board of education nominees, and driver education. Learn more.
School Security Officer Bill, Supported by NJSBA, Signed into Law – School Board Notes, December 6, 2016
The New Jersey School Boards Association thanked Governor Christie and the state Legislature for recently enacting a bill that will expand local school district options in employing security personnel. Learn more about the new law here.
Legislative Update: Governor Approves Two More School Security Measures – School Board Notes, December 6, 2016
On the heels of signing legislation that creates a new category of school security personnel, Gov. Christie on Monday approved two additional measures designed to improve safety and security in New Jersey’s public schools. In addition, the Legislature advanced legislation aimed at reducing the shortage of school bus drivers, and another that would permit the use of video cameras to crack down on motorists illegally passing school buses. Read more.
New State Teacher Regulations Will Strengthen Preparation – School Board Notes, December 6, 2016
New state regulations that will better prepare New Jersey teachers to serve students, beginning with their first day in front of a classroom, have been supported by NJSBA. For more information, click here.
Proposed Legislation Would Provide Funding for School Nutrition Programs – School Board Notes, November 29, 2016
State Senator Steve Sweeney, Senator Ray Lesniak and Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro introduced legislation on Monday, Nov. 21 pertaining to school breakfast and other programs initiated by the NJ Department of Agriculture. NJSBA staff and other supporters met with the sponsors to discuss the initiative. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Class 3 Officer Bill Returns to Governor – School Board Notes, November 22, 2016
The Legislature also sent the governor a bill, that he immediately signed, which could significantly reduce prescription drug costs for the state and other public employers. Read more about those bills and several others here.
State Proposes Easing Superintendent Salary Cap; Boards Still Face Restrictions – School Board Notes, November 15, 2016
The New Jersey Department of Education has released proposed revisions to a portion of the state’s Accountability Regulations, including changes to the superintendent salary cap provisions. Learn more about the proposal and the NJSBA’s response here.
Legislative Update – School Board Notes, November 15, 2016
On Monday, Nov.14 several Assembly committees convened, and the full Senate held a voting session. Click here for a rundown of any measures advanced by the Legislature which impact New Jersey’s public schools and students.
NJSBA Testifies at State Board about Charter School Regulations – School Board Notes, November 9, 2016
New Jersey School Boards Association Counsel John Burns testified before the State Board of Education recently about a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) proposal concerning charter schools, bringing forward concerns about different levels of accountability for charter schools and local districts. For more details and a copy of NJSBA’s testimony, click here.
Legislative Update – School Board Notes, November 1, 2016
Various legislative initiatives impacting school districts have received consideration by the Legislature over the past two weeks, including measures related to school security, staff certification, college readiness and school bus safety. Read more.
Assembly School Funding Bill Introduced – School Board Notes, November 1, 2016
On Thursday, Oct. 27, Assembly leaders introduced their own school funding reform bill (ACR-2) to compete with the separate reform proposals made by Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney. Learn more.
ESSA Hearing Includes NJSBA Testimony – School Board Notes, October 11, 2016
The Joint Committee on Public Schools, consisting of New Jersey state legislators, held a hearing this week on the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, or ESSA. All New Jersey education associations were invited to speak at the hearing. The committee asked for overview and concerns that pertained to ESSA. To read more about the NJSBA’s testimony, click here.
Updates, Action at State Board of Ed – School Board Notes, October 11, 2016
At the State Board of Education’s October meeting in Trenton, the board received a variety of updates and took action on a number of items, including regulatory proposals concerning charter schools, fiscal accountability, interdistrict public school choice and student residency. Click here for a full summary.
Transportation Trust Fund Deal Reached; Could Impact School Aid – School Board Notes, October 4, 2016
On Friday, Sept. 30, Gov. Chris Christie and the legislative leadership announced that a deal had been struck to reauthorize and replenish the depleted Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The TTF pays for road and bridge construction/repair in New Jersey. Although funded from several sources, it relies mainly on the state gas tax for revenue. NJSBA is awaiting more details to emerge to further review the proposal and its impact on local school districts. Read more.
Legislative Update: Assembly Takes Action on Education Bills – School Board Notes, October 4, 2016
The full General Assembly convened on Thursday, Sept. 29, and approved a handful of bills impacting New Jersey public schools. One measure would significantly alter the impact of student performance on standardized assessments on a teacher’s evaluation. Read more.
Update: Clear Talk on School Funding – School Board Notes, September 27, 2016
NJSBA provides an update on the two major school finance proposals, along with the Association’s position on school funding. Learn more.
Senate Approves Creation of School Funding Fairness Commission – School Board Notes, September 20, 2016
A school funding reform plan that would create a commission to study New Jersey’s system of funding public schools, and issue recommendations, was approved in a vote by the full state Senate. The Assembly Education Committee voted to eliminate the use of standardized assessments for teacher evaluation purposes. More information on those proposals and other State House activity can be found here.
New Legal Action in Abbott Case – School Board Notes, September 20, 2016
The Christie administration last week filed legal action with the state Supreme Court seeking to give the Commissioner of Education authority to set aside provisions of statute and collective bargaining agreements affecting employee retention and dismissal, including seniority, staff compensation, and instructional time. Read more.
NJSBA Supports Three Health & Wellness Bills – School Board Notes, September 20, 2016
Three bills recently introduced and referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee are being supported by NJSBA. All three support the health and wellness initiatives that the NJSBA Health and Wellness Task Force implemented in its report, which was completed in 2015. Learn more.
Legislative Update: Governor’s Action on School Security Bill Reflects NJSBA Concerns – School Board Notes, September 7, 2016
On the first day of school for many of New Jersey’s public school students, Governor Christie announceS the enactment of several pieces of legislation that will impact New Jersey school districts and students. A rundown of the new laws, along with one conditional veto, can be found here.
Hespe Resigns; Harrington to Serve as Acting Commissioner – School Board Notes, September 7, 2016
On Friday, Sept. 2, Gov. Chris Christie announced the resignation of New Jersey Commissioner of Education David Hespe. Read more.
NJSBA Summarizes Position on School Funding Proposals – School Board Notes, September 7, 2016
The NJSBA has provided members of the state Legislature with a statement on the Association’s position regarding two major proposals concerning education funding, the Creation of a School Aid Funding Fairness Commission, and the Fairness Formula. Read more.
Gov. Christie Signs Bills, Two Affecting Education – School Board Notes, August 23, 2016
One NJSBA-supported bill modernizes purchasing procedures; another measure impact school elections. Read more.
SBOE Update: 2016 PARCC Results Show Increases; State Board Adopts PARCC as Graduation Requirement – School Board Notes, August 9, 2016
One day after Gov. Chris Christie announced the 2016 PARCC results and participation rates, touting them as “positive gains,” the State Board of Education met and approved graduation requirements tied to the PARCC testing. Read more. A full summary of all the action taken by the State Board at its August meeting can be found here.
SBOE Update: State Board Requires Testing of School Drinking Water – School Board Notes, July 26, 2016
At its regular monthly meeting, the State Board adopted new lead testing requirements for schools. For a full summary of all of the meeting’s activity, click here.
$13 Billion for Education in Newly-Enacted 2016-2017 Budget – School Board Notes, July 12, 2016
On June 27, the Legislature sent the state’s 2016-2017 budget to the governor for approval. The legislation was passed with bipartisan support in the Senate and by a party-line vote in the General Assembly. The governor signed the budget on June 30, after using his line-item veto authority to reduce it from $34.8 billion to $34.5 billion. Learn more.
Sweeney Meets with Education Groups on Funding – July 11, 2016
On July 11, Senate President Steve Sweeney held a meeting with statewide education groups to discuss school funding and a bill proposed by Sweeney and Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, chair of the Senate Education Committee. Read what NJSBA had to say here.
School Election and Security Bills Among Those Sent to Governor – School Board Notes, June 28, 2016
On Monday, June 20, the Senate and General Assembly held voting sessions and sent a handful of bills affecting local school districts to the governor’s desk, which the governor may sign into law, recommend changes through a conditional veto, or absolutely veto. Read more about the day’s activity here.
NJSBA Comments on Governor’s School Funding Proposal – June 21, 2016
Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, New Jersey School Boards Association executive director, issued a statement in response to Governor Christie’s proposed change in school funding. Read the full statement here.
Legislative Update: Superintendent Salary Caps, School Security Officers, School Funding – School Board Notes, June 21, 2016
The education committees of both houses of the Legislature met on Monday, June 20. Several other committees also convened over the last week to advance a host of bills that impact New Jersey’s school districts and students. Learn more.
NJSBA Supports School Bus Safety Bill – June 16, 2016
Jonathan Pushman, NJSBA legislative advocate, spoke at a press conference held by Assemblyman Troy Singleton to support A-3798, a bill that would authorize the use of school bus monitoring systems to catch motorists who illegally pass school buses when the flashing light and crossing control arm of a school bus are activated. Learn more.
NJSBA Comments on Senate President’s Proposed Funding Commission – June 9, 2016
The New Jersey School Boards Association reacted favorably to a June 9 proposal by Senate President Steve Sweeney and other lawmakers to form a commission to recommend ways to resolve issues with the distribution of state education aid. Read the NJSBA’s full statement here.
Caride to Head Assembly Education Committee – School Board Notes, June 7, 2016
Assemblywoman Marlene Caride of Ridgefield, representing Legislative District 36, has been appointed as the new chair of the Assembly Education Committee. Learn more about the appointment here.
SBOE Update: State Board Tackles Graduation Requirements Proposal – School Board Notes, June 7, 2016
At its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday June 1, the State Board of Education heard a presentation on the topic of the state’s high school graduation requirements, and took testimony in the afternoon from education stakeholders and members of the public who wanted to testify about the proposed regulations that will govern graduation requirements. NJSBA was among the groups testifying. Read more.
Board Members Hear from Lawmakers at 2016 Legislative Day – June 2, 2016
On Thursday June 2, NJSBA and the New Jersey PTA held the sixth annual Legislative Day at the War Memorial in Trenton. The event provided local school board members and parents with a chance to network with others from different districts, share information, and address legislators about the challenges facing public schools in New Jersey. For a full recap of the event, click here.
Legislative Update: PARCC Information Posting Requirements, Food Donation Bills Pass General Assembly – School Board Notes, June 1, 2016
Both the General Assembly and the Senate held voting sessions on Thursday, May 26. For a summary of the day’s activity, click here.
Charter School Reforms Proposed – School Board Notes, June 1, 2016
A series of reforms that would benefit charter schools, by helping them hire staff and find facilities, was proposed by Gov. Chris Christie at the New Jersey Charter Schools Conference in late May. For additional information on the proposal and NJSBA’s reaction, read more.
Committee Approves School Nurse, Response to Intervention Bills – School Board Notes, May 24, 2016
On Monday, May 23, the Senate Education Committee held a hearing to consider several pieces of legislation impacting students and school districts. All of the bills were approved by the committee. For a summary of each measure, read more here.
Bill Would Prohibit Boards from Moving School Election Back to April – School Board Notes, May 10, 2016
On Monday May 9, the state Senate approved a bill that would threaten the autonomy of local school districts by eliminating the ability of a local board of education to choose when it wishes to hold its annual school election. It had been approved by the Senate State Government committee on May 5. Learn more.
S-2099 Threatens Local Autonomy
S-2099 removes the ability of a local school board, a municipality or the taxpayers to move their school elections back to April. Learn more.
Revised Academic Standards Adopted by State Board – School Board Notes, May 10, 2016
The State Board of Education has adopted a revised version of academic standards for the state’s schools. Called the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, the revised grade-by-grade expectations for math and language arts replace the Common Core State Standards. The new set is slightly revised from Common Core. Read the full article.
State Board Discusses HIB, Teacher Evaluations – School Board Notes, May 10, 2016
At its monthly meeting, held May 4, the State Board of Education heard testimony on Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB), a New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) proposal regarding teacher evaluations, and more. Read the full article.
Senate President Steve Sweeney to be Keynote Speaker at NJSBA/NJPTA Legislative Day – School Board Notes, May 10, 2016
NJ Senate President Steve Sweeney will be the keynote speaker at the NJSBA/NJPTA Legislative Day, to be held June 2 in Trenton. In addition, Mark Biedron, president of the New Jersey State Board of Education, will speak about the responsibilities of the State Board. New Jersey Commissioner of Education David Hespe will discuss priority issues in public education. Register here.
Governor Announces Plans to Test Drinking Water in All New Jersey Schools – School Board Notes, May 3, 2016
Gov. Christie announced a plan on May 2 to test the drinking water in all New Jersey schools and to release the findings to the public. He called on the state Legislature to appropriate $10 million in the 2016-2017 budget to support the testing and notification requirements. Read the full article.
Hespe Appears Before Assembly Budget Committee – School Board Notes, April 26, 2016
Commissioner of Education David Hespe testified before the Assembly Budget Committee on April 20 on the education budget for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year. Read the full article.
Federal and State Lawmakers Take on Issue of Lead Testing – School Board Notes, April 19, 2016
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. and Trenton have introduced bills that address the problem of lead in the drinking water at schools. Read the full article.
Hespe Testifies on 2016-2017 State Budget Proposal – School Board Notes, April 19, 2016
On Tuesday, April 12, New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner David Hespe and School Development (SDA) Authority Executive Director Charles McKenna testified in front of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee concerning the proposed fiscal year 2017 state budget. Read the full article.
Assembly Advances Numerous School Security Measures – School Board Notes, April 12, 2016
On Thursday, April 7, the full Assembly met for a voting session and gave approval to several bills aimed at increasing school safety and security. Read the full article.
State Board Hears Proposal to Amend Bullying Regulations – School Board Notes, April 12, 2016
At its April 6 monthly meeting, the State Board of Education heard a proposal to amend the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) regulations. Read the full article.
Bill Advances Requiring Schools to Test Water for Lead – School Board Notes, April 5, 2016
A bill, A-3539, that would require public and nonpublic schools to test for and remediate lead in drinking water, and to disclose test results, passed. Read the full article.
NJSBA Supports Bill to Fund Lead Testing in Public Schools – School Board Notes, March 22, 2016
NJSBA has expressed its support for proposed legislation requiring lead testing in each of the state’s 2,500 public schools. The bill, S-2022, would provide $3 million in state funding to carry out the testing. Read the full article.
NJSBA Raises Concerns on 2016-2017 State Budget – School Board Notes, March 22, 2016
NJSBA has provided to legislators a statement that summarizes the Association’s position on the state budget that has been proposed for 2016-2017. Read the full article.
Senate Approves NJSBA-Endorsed School Security Measure – School Board Notes, March 15, 2016
On Monday, March 14, the full Senate unanimously approved legislation that would provide school districts with an additional tool to enhance school safety and security. Read the full article.
Legislative Update: Committees Release Bills on Regionalization, Early Childhood Education, School Security – School Board Notes, March 8, 2016
On Thursday, March 3, the Senate and Assembly education committees held sessions and approved several measures that could impact New Jersey public schools. Read the full article.
Legislative Update: Kindergarten Study Among Bills Approved by Assembly – School Board Notes, February 23, 2016
The N.J. General Assembly approved four education bills on Thursday, including one that calls for a study of full-day kindergarten and whether it would be feasible in all New Jersey districts. Read the full article.
Christie Administration Lays Out Budget Details – School Board Notes, February 23, 2016
District-by-district state school aid figures for 2016-2017 were released last week. They reflect new categories of school aid. Read the full article.