The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association (NJPTA) are teaming up to present the 2019 Legislative Day in Trenton next week on Thursday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cary Booker, the governor’s education advisor, is scheduled to make remarks.
The day will begin with a legislators’ panel discussion moderated by Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, NJSBA executive director. Participants for the panel will include:
- Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, chair of the Assembly Education Committee;
- Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, vice chair of the Assembly Education Committee;
- Sen. Vin Gopal, vice chair of the Senate Higher Education Committee;
- Sen. Samuel Thompson, a member of the Senate Education Committee.
Topics of discussion will include school funding, assessments, special education and mental health issues.
During the program, approximately 15 state legislators will be stopping by to say a few words to school board members and parents.
Following the legislative panel, Dr. Feinsod will moderate a group of education association governmental relations staff who will also discuss specific issues that public school districts are facing currently.
Panel will include:
- Mike Vrancik, governmental relations director, New Jersey School Boards Association;
- Debra Bradley, governmental relations director, New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association;
- Betsy Ginsburg, executive director, Garden State Coalition of Schools;
- Francine Pfeffer, associate director government relations, New Jersey Education Association;
- Rose Acerra, president, New Jersey Parent and Teacher Association;
- John G. Donnadio, Esq., executive director, New Jersey Association of Counties.
In the late morning, there will be an N.J. Census presentation from Peter Chen, policy counsel from Advocates for Children of N.J. His discussion pertains to the 2020 Census.
“Each year, our Legislative Day provides a wonderful opportunity for board members, parents and education advocates to hear from our legislators and to inform them about issues that impact public schools,” said Dr. Feinsod. “We are pleased to once again partner with the New Jersey Parent Teacher Association on this important program.”
The free event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, George Washington Ballroom, 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton, 08608. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m. The program offers 2 Academy Credits and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
Free parking is available at the Lafayette Garage, 1 W. Lafayette St., Trenton, N.J. 08608.
Registration Information There is no fee to attend, but preregistration is required. Register here. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2019. For more information, email NJSBA legislative advocate Sharon Seyler.