School-Board-Notes-February-17-2026
2026 Innovations in Special Education Awards: Call for Entries
For updated NJSBA Education News anytime, visit the NJSBA website homepage, and scroll down the page to News and Resources.
Asbury Park Press
Central Regional students stage protest over unanswered complaints (MSN.com)
Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder said school staff notified the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit, a branch of the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, as well as Berkeley Township Police Department, she said in an email to the Asbury Park Press.
Asbury Park Press (APP.com)
Toms River Regional school board member quits before getting booted
School Board President Ashley Lamb said she believed Pascarella submitted her resignation because she had been warned that the board intended to remove her from her position.
Chalkbeat
Why even top teachers may struggle in low-performing schools
In 2009, the federal government launched a remarkable educational experiment. Effective teachers were paid large bonuses ($30,000, adjusted for inflation, over two years) to move into a low-performing, high-poverty school.
Daily Record (MSN.com)
How easy is it to get a religious exemption from vaccines in NJ?
When legislative efforts failed to eliminate religious exemptions to mandatory school vaccinations in 2020, after months of legal wrangling and large protests, it began a steady but strong push by thousands of New Jersey parents to obtain the easy-to-get exemption.
MyCentralJersey.com (MSN.com)
Jefferson, other Highlands schools face budget crisis. Will aid come?
For two decades, schools in northwest New Jersey’s Highlands region have pleaded for more funding to offset the development restrictions put in place to protect some of the state’s most important water supplies.
NJ.com (MSN.com)
Wild winds caused a bizarre chain reaction at this NJ high school that damaged 17 classrooms
A regional high school in Monmouth County will resume in-person instruction Friday after more than a week of remote learning due to widespread flooding, district officials said.
NJ.com (MSN.com)
NJ school district wants to borrow $36M for major renovations at 6 schools
The Egg Harbor Township school district is planning a public town hall session on Feb. 24 to discuss a $36 million bond referendum that voters will decide on next month.
NJ.com (MSN.com)
These NJ students walked out to protest ICE. Now they’re facing serious discipline
Some New Jersey high school students who participated in school protests against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies are now facing suspensions and other discipline.
NJ Spotlight News
On cusp of schools takeover, experts ask: Why try again?
Lakewood would be New Jersey’s fifth district operating under state control, a step that critics say leads to few overall improvements.
NJ Spotlight News
Is ‘home rule’ sabotaging reading reform in NJ?
Local autonomy means that many schools will likely continue to use discredited reading methods, critics say.
New Jersey Globe
Read the Sherrill transition’s policy reports and priorities
Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s transition teams released their final reports Wednesday morning, laying out her administration’s policy goals in 10 subject matters.
TAPinto.net
After Two Anti-ICE Rallies in Plainfield, One School District Punishes Protesting Students
PLAINFIELD, NJ — Last week, students from Plainfield and North Plainfield held walkouts to protest the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in our area and the country at large. The latter school district has decided to punish participating students.
TAPinto.net
Governor Livingston High School proudly announces that its yearbook has been selected for inclusion in Varsity Yearbook’s distinguished Portfolio, a national showcase recognizing the most outstanding yearbooks produced by Varsity Yearbook.
TAPinto.net
Clark’s ALJ High School Competes in Science Olympiad
On Tuesday, January 13, the Arthur L. Johnson (ALJ) High School Science Olympiad team traveled to UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ (UCNJ) to participate in an annual statewide competition.
TAPinto.net
Weekend Snow? Ask a 3rd grader!
With winter comes “winter weather,” and most elementary school children hope for a snow day (or two)! Bedwell students were lucky enough not only to have the recent snowstorm drop 18 inches on Bernardsville, but also to learn from a well-known meteorologist, John Marshall.
