School Leader (1/27/26)
school-board-notes-january-27-2026
NJSBA Publishes Winter 2026 Edition of Capitol Watch
NJSBA Capitol Watch (Winter 2026)
https://www.njsba.org/capitol-watch/NJDOE The Winter 2026 Capitol Watch outlines pending bills affecting school funding, governance, transportation, and security. Board leaders are urged to monitor legislation that may directly affect district operations and budgets.
Asbury Park Press on MSN.com
Just 15% of NJ athletic directors are women. How they broke through
Cynthia Wilks knew what she wanted to do for a living while still a student at Bridgeton High School. A three-sport athlete in the late 1990s, Wilks told girls’ athletic director Kay Ballinger, “I want to do what you’re doing.”
Chalkbeat
Are new private school voucher and choice programs working?
How will we know if new school choice programs are helping students learn?
New Jersey renews five Newark charter school agreements, two expansions
New Jersey’s education department approved the renewal of five charter schools in Newark and the expansion of two schools, but denied an enrollment expansion for KIPP TEAM Academy in the South Ward after the city’s public school district raised objections.
NorthJersey.com on MSN.com
Hackensack leaders move to approve $6.5M emergency plan to keep teachers in classrooms Hackensack city leaders will vote Wednesday, Jan. 28, on a proposed $6.5 million emergency transfer to the Hackensack Board of Education aimed at preventing widespread teacher layoffs and keeping classrooms intact for the rest of the 2025-26 school year.
TAPinto.net
Warren County’s Oxford Central School Wins State Grant for Innovative Teacher Time-Saving Initiative
Oxford Township School District has been awarded one of twelve 2025 New Jersey Department of Education Teacher Climate and Culture Innovation Grants, securing $50,000 to address the growing administrative workload facing teachers.
South Plainfield Recognizing School Board Recognition Month
January 2026 marks the 24th annual observance of School Board Recognition Month and, during a meeting held Jan. 21, the South Plainfield Board of Education (SPBOE), by resolution, commended the efforts of colleagues throughout the state and urged the public to support efforts to improve education.
AP Physics Class at Clark Explores Conservation of Energy
Advanced Placement Physics 1 students at Arthur L. Johnson High School recently worked on the concept of Conservation of Energy.
Hackensack School Staff Hires Went Untracked Under Former Leadership, Audit Reveals
Numerous inconsistencies by former Board of Education officials were discovered in the Hackensack School District’s position control roster (PCR) and budget status report, according to current leadership.
Charter School Tuition Nears $6 Million, Remains Fixed Cost for East Brunswick Schools
Charter school tuition approaching $6 million was highlighted during the January 22 meeting of the East Brunswick Board of Education, drawing attention to a significant and largely inflexible expense within the district’s operating budget.
Super Science Saturday is Coming to Ridgewood
Super Science Saturday is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 7 at Ridgewood High School (RHS). The free event invites students to share their love of science and present their projects to the community.
Sayreville High School Music & Recording Arts Students Visit Universal Music Group
Students from Sayreville War Memorial High School’s new Music & Recording Arts Program recently had an unforgettable experience visiting the New York offices of Universal Music Group (UMG)—the world’s largest record label and home to legendary artists, including Bon Jovi.
Union School District Pilots Cellphone-Blocking App Ahead of Statewide Ban The Union School District has become the first district in New Jersey to pilot a new technology aimed at limiting student cellphone use during the school day, aligning with a recently signed state law requiring schools to restrict phone use for students in grades six through 12 beginning July 1.
