Since 1953, New Jersey’s weekly education news report has offered up-to-date information on legislation, court decisions and other developments affecting school districts.
New Jersey public school students achieved top scores in the National Assessment of Education Progress assessments for 2017, known as the “Nation’s Report Card,” according to the state Department of Education.
Gov. Phil Murphy on April 11 signed legislation aimed at protecting children, by preventing school employees with a history of sexual abuse or misconduct against students from easily moving from one job to the next.
The School Ethics Commission (SEC) issued an advisory opinion concerning a board member whose cousin-in-law worked in the district, ruling that the relationship did not create a “per se” conflict. However, the SEC took care to note the board member was prevented from extending any unwarranted privileges or advantages to members of his immediate family or others, including the cousin-in-law.
Cary Booker, Gov. Phil Murphy's senior policy adviser for education, visited the New Jersey School Boards Association on April 12 to discuss current issues in education with Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, NJSBA executive director.
At its most recent meeting, the State Board of Education reviewed school security requirements, heard updates on the Paterson and Newark school districts, recognized School Library Month and honored a former State Board member.
Experts in law enforcement, student support services, juvenile justice and other areas were among presenters at the conference, “The Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Intervention and Treatment,” held by NJSBA recently.
The next “Conversations on New Jersey Education” features an interview with an Asbury Park school district social-emotional learning coordinator about the district’s successful use of "mindfulness" training for students.
A recent Warren County School Boards Association meeting featured representatives from the county prosecutor’s office and the Hackettstown school district.
Upcoming NJSBA webinars will offer information on a range of topics that are of critical importance to local boards of education. NJSBA webinars are free, and make learning convenient.
The New Jersey School Boards Association, in cooperation with the New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership, is querying readers about education foundations.
The Innovations in Special Education Awards will be presented next month. Judging for the Innovations winners, which were selected from among 50 entries, took place on April 12 at NJSBA headquarters.