Education Issues / Legal, Labor, Policy
School Boards Debate November Elections
Legislation signed by Gov. Chris Christie on Jan. 17 gives a community the option to change the election date through any one of three methods: a resolution by the local board of education; or a resolution by the municipal governing body; or voter referendum.
Read more in the January 24, 2012 issue of School Board Notes.
Is Moving the School Election to November Right For Your District
Recently both houses of the New Jersey Legislature passed a bill that would give individual school boards the option of moving board member elections to November while at the same time eliminating the need for public approval of the school budget if it is at or below cap.
Technology's Impact on the Sunshine Law
The Sunshine Law – also known as the Open Public Meetings Act – is landmark legislation that guides school boards in how they communicate and operate, not only with the public but with district administrators and themselves. When the law was enacted over 30 years ago, emails, teleconferencing, and other technological advances were not envisioned. In addition, boards face new issues dealing with personal emails and the Open Public Records Act.
The Education Reform Movement and Urban School Districts
NJSBA’s Urban Boards Committee is hosting a discussion on the education reform movement in New Jersey and what it means for school districts – especially those in urban settings. Please join host Ray Pinney as he talks with Stan Karp from the Education Law Center, Shavar Jefferies of the Newark Advisory Board, and NJSBA Urban Boards Committee chairwoman Deborah Bridges, as they discuss issues such as tenure reform, vouchers, teacher evaluations and charter schools. Listeners are encouraged to call in with their own questions and comments.
A View from Inside and Out on School Boards Effectiveness
The institution of boards of education has always been criticized but in recent years the attacks have seemed to push legislation that undermines the authority of school boards. What are the benefits of school boards and where are they less successful? Gene Maeroff who is not only a senior fellow at Teachers College, Columbia University and a former national education correspondent for the New York Times but he is also a president on the Edison Township BOE has authored a book on the subject. The book
Possible Changes to the Closed Session Sunshine Law
The Open Public Meetings Act (also called the Sunshine Law) is the landmark legislationthat, for more than 30 years,has been the guiding law on open and transparent government in New Jersey. All school boards must abide by it. It dictates when school boards can go into executive session, how they must advertise their meetings, and how they handle public comment.
A Conversation on the Education Reform Agenda With NJSBA President
Governor Christie has made school choice, charter schools, tenure reform, teacher evaluations, and school funding all issues that he plans to address this year. Change in education seems almost certain. What change will boards of education and school districts embrace? What change will boards of education and school districts oppose? NJSBA President Ray Wiss will join host Ray Pinney as they discuss the issues being debated at the state level. Feel free to join in on the conversation too by calling in with your questions.
A Conversation with Governor Chris Christie on Education
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has made education reform a top priority of his administration. Whether the topic is teacher tenure, a new evaluation system, or charter schools and choice, Governor Christie wants to move from the status quo. In addition to education reform initiatives, host Ray Pinney will discuss issues, such as school funding, and will ask the governor which specific education policy changes he hopes to achieve in the next 12 month.
A Student's Solution to Bullying in our Schools
Sometimes when the state passes laws like the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights we tend to focus on the issue from a statewide perspective. Bullying in school however is a very personal matter. Ashley Craig was a student who experienced bullying firsthand but took that experience and used it to find a way to fight bullying where ever she can. Please join host Ray Pinney as he interviews Ashley about her experience and the group she founded
School Superintendents and the Education Reform Movement
An effective superintendent and administrative team are crucial to the success of a school district. But in Trenton, legislators are proposing even more dramatic changes to drastically shake-up the school administration structure. Where does the NJ Association of School Administrators stand on these proposals, and the changes that have already been implemented? Please join host Ray Pinney as he interviews Dr. Richard Bozza, NJASA’s executive director. Dr.