On May 7, 2026, the Sussex County School Boards Association (SCSBA) held its final meeting of the school year at the Newton Country Club. The hybrid event served as a powerful reminder of the impact of dedicated leadership, featuring the recognition of the County Teacher of the Year and a momentous tribute to one of New Jersey’s most distinguished educational advocates.

SCSBA President Wayne Dunn, of the High Point Regional Board of Education, presided over the meeting, thanking the county’s board members for their tireless advocacy and service throughout the 2025-2026 school year.

A Lifelong Legacy of Service: Honoring Marie S. Bilik

The highlight of the evening was a special presentation honoring Marie S. Bilik, the current President of the Green Township Board of Education, who is retiring from the board next month. In a moving display of unity, members of the SCSBA leadership, NJSBA staff, the Executive County Superintendent, and colleagues from across Sussex County joined together to read a formal resolution celebrating her decades of service.

The resolution, which received unanimous approval, detailed a career that began on the Green Township Board in 1981. Bilik’s journey saw her serve as the first female Mayor of Green Township before transitioning to a 19-year career at the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), where she eventually served as Executive Director. Her leadership extended to the national level as the Deputy Executive Director and COO of the National School Boards Association (NSBA).

Bilik, who followed in the footsteps of her late husband, Paul J. Bilik, returned to the Green Township Board in 2018. The resolution noted her steadfast belief that the ultimate reward for board service is witnessing student success at graduation, quoting her: “I tell my board members that the most exciting thing they will do annually is sit in the front row at graduation… It brings all those hours of discussions and deliberations to fruition”.

  • Executive County Superintendent Dr. Gayle Carrick provides attendees with a detailed report on recent Department of Education initiatives.

Excellence in the Classroom

The program also featured Amy Stevens, the 2025-2026 Sussex County Teacher of the Year. Stevens, an English Language Arts teacher at Byram Township Middle School, was introduced by Superintendent Dr. Kurt Ceresnak. She delivered a passionate address regarding the evolving challenges facing educators and the necessity of prioritizing professional time and support for classroom teachers.

Updates from State Leadership

Attendees received comprehensive reports on the state of education from several key leaders:

  • Barry A. Walker, NJSBA Vice President for County Activities, shared updates from the 2025-2027 NJSBA officers.
  • Dr. Gayle Carrick, Executive County Superintendent, detailed recent Department of Education initiatives.
  • Jonathan Pushman, Senior Director of Advocacy, and Kelly Mitchell, Field Services Representative, discussed pending legislation and best practices.
  • Kaitlin Gagnon, representing the NJSBA Board of Directors, reported on state-level leadership activities.

Milestones in Governance

Robert Acerra, NJSBA County Activities Coordinator, oversaw the awards portion of the evening, recognizing board members who reached significant milestones in training and longevity.

Certification & Service Awards

  • New Board Member Boardsmanship: Alyssa Eisner (Green), Heather Ellersick (Green), Brian Fisher (Vernon), Amy Jones (Green), Roque Martinez (Sparta), Melissa Smith (Byram), and Rebecca Williams (Sparta).
  • Certified Board Member: Kathleen Adam (Frankford), Lauren Collier (Sparta), John Kraus (Vernon), and Jennifer Pellet (Vernon).
  • Master Board Member: Jennifer Herold (Stanhope) and Cynthia Rock (Wallkill Valley Regional).
  • Certified Board Leader: Wayne Dunn (High Point Regional) and Cynthia Rock (Wallkill Valley Regional).
  • Service Milestones: Robert Heiden (Sussex County Tech) and Colleen Hewitt (Sandyston-Walpack) were honored for 15 years of service, while Kim Dachisen (Lenape Valley Regional) was celebrated for 20 years on the board.

The meeting concluded with a sense of renewed purpose as President Wayne Dunn wished all members a successful conclusion to the 2025-2026 academic year.