The Bergen County School Boards Association (BCSBA) concluded its 2025–2026 school year on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Elmwood Park Memorial High School by recognizing two exceptional board members who embody the highest standards of public service and educational advocacy. The presentation of the Dr. Archie F. Hay and Janet S. Lobsenz Awards highlighted a night dedicated to the technical mastery and commitment required in modern school board governance.

A Poignant Tribute: Heather Garcia Receives 2026 Janet S. Lobsenz Award

The presentation of the Janet S. Lobsenz Award held profound significance this year, following the recent passing of the award’s namesake just weeks before her 90th birthday. Established in 2002, the award honors the enduring legacy of the trailblazing NJSBA field representative and dedicated Bergen County board member. In a moving tribute, the award was presented to Heather Garcia, president of the Norwood Board of Education, by Marie Bilik, former executive director of the NJSBA and a long-time colleague of Lobsenz.

Norwood Board of Education President Heather Garcia is recognized as the recipient of the 2026 Janet S. Lobsenz Award for her exceptional commitment to professional development and fiscal innovation.

Recipient Highlights:

  • Governance Mastery: Throughout her eight years on the Norwood Board, Garcia has attained the highest tiers of the NJSBA Board Member Academy, earning both Master Board Member (MBM) and Certified Board Leader (CBL) certifications.
  • Fiscal Innovation: Her leadership was instrumental in the development of in-district special education programs that saved the district over $1 million in a single fiscal year.
  • Champion for Training: Garcia is widely recognized for mentoring new trustees and ensuring the Norwood governance team remains highly trained, unified, and student-focused.

 

Exemplary Leadership: Laura Genovese-Behrmann Honored with Dr. Archie F. Hay Award

BCSBA President Dr. Letizia Pantoliano presents the 2026 Dr. Archie F. Hay Award plaque to Laura Genovese-Behrmann, celebrating her impact on county and state school governance.

The BCSBA also presented the prestigious Dr. Archie F. Hay Award to Laura Genovese-Behrmann, president of the Ramsey Board of Education. This honor is awarded annually to a board member who exemplifies the leadership, commitment, and deep integrity of the late executive county superintendent.

Recipient Highlights:

  • Legacy in Ramsey: A dedicated board member since 2008 and president since 2017, Genovese-Behrmann led the Ramsey Board to achieve full NJSBA Board Certification in 2021 and the elite Carole E. Larsen Master Board Certification status in 2024.
  • County & State Impact: Beyond Ramsey, she was recently elected first vice President of the BCSBA and lends her expertise to the state level on the NJSBA School Finance Committee.
  • Dedicated Service: Her extensive community volunteer work extends well past the board table, including leadership roles with the Ramsey Rescue Squad, Ramsey Ambulance Corps, and the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation.

 

Former NJSBA Executive Director Marie Bilik presents the 2026 Janet S. Lobsenz Award plaque to Heather Garcia, marking a touching and memorable tribute to Lobsenz’s legacy of public service.

The Gold Standard of Advocacy

In their respective nominations, both recipients were lauded for their ability to build bridges between stakeholders and filter every district decision through the lens of student achievement. Their clear vision and integrity continue to set a benchmark for advocacy at the local, county, and state levels.

The BCSBA leadership and the New Jersey School Boards Association congratulate both Heather Garcia and Laura Genovese-Behrmann for their unwavering commitment to the public school students of Bergen County and the state of New Jersey.