School Board Notes – Mar. 3, 2026

Dr. Lily Laux Confirmed as Commissioner of New Jersey Department of Education

For NJSBA Education News anytime, visit the NJSBA website homepage, and scroll down to News and Resources.

Asbury Park Press

Lakewood schools blame state monitors in New Jersey takeover case – (MSN.com)

The Board of Education is blaming much of its debt and other problems on state monitors who’ve been assigned to the district but rarely helped administrators, officials said in documents related to the recent state takeover of Lakewood schools.

NJ.com

N.J. school district faces massive $5M+ deficit despite years of teacher layoffs and cuts – (Yahoo.com)

Lacey Township Board of Education members said the district expects to be short millions of dollars heading into the 2026-27 school year.

Teachers could lose jobs in N.J. school district, officials warn. $3.2M jump in health costs to blame – (Yahoo.com)

A Bergen County school district may be forced to cut jobs in light of a looming fiscal crisis driven by skyrocketing health insurance costs, district officials said recently.

N.J. student leaders urge Sherrill to keep virtual mental health funding – (NJ.com) 

Student government presidents from colleges and universities across New Jersey are urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration to continue funding virtual mental health services they say are essential to students’ well-being.

NJ Spotlight News

Youth mental health gets boost in Sherrill’s inaugural budget address

Governor emphasizes youth wellness, while bills would fund crisis line, establish treatment centers, add social media warnings.

New Jersey Globe

Sherrill budget proposals to include $12.4 billion for school aid, millions for youth mental health

Gov. Mikie Sherrill will push for record sums of pre-school and K-12 aid in her inaugural budget address this afternoon, according to a source familiar with her budget. 

Montclair Local

Over 2,700 Have Already Voted by Mail in Montclair School Referendum

The Essex County Board of Elections had received 2,724 mail-in ballots for Montclair’s $17.6 million school-funding referendum as of 3:30 p.m. Monday, County Clerk Christopher J. Durkin said.

NJ Patch

Superintendent Search Advances, Interviews Scheduled in Bernards Township

The search for a new superintendent to lead the Bernards Township School District continues to move forward with a large number of applicants showing interest.

TAPinto.net

Readington Students Outperformed Socioeconomic Growth in Math, Science

Students from Readington Township Public Schools have outperformed their socioeconomic peer group in math, science and English language arts (ELA), according to the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (SLA) for 2024–2025.

Readington Seeking Additional Solar Options

The Readington Township school district is pushing to finalize plans for a major expansion of its solar energy system before a critical federal deadline in July that could determine whether the project qualifies for a 30% tax credit worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.