To meet the increased demand for field services and better serve New Jersey’s school boards, the New Jersey School Boards Association has expanded its staff of field services representatives (FSR).
Mary Gassman, a former president and member of the West Long Branch Board of Education, has joined the field services team, expanding the number of FSRs from eight to nine.
“We are thrilled to bring our boards the expanded service provided through an additional FSR, and we are extremely pleased to have found such a qualified person,” said Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, NJSBA executive director.
“The FSR’s job is to provide in-district direct services to boards of education, such as superintendent searches, goal-setting, strategic planning, and personalized programs upon district request,” said Jane Kershner, director of field services for NJSBA. “We are gratified that more boards are requesting our services, and are pleased to bring this additional level of expertise to them. We welcome Mary to our staff.”
Gassman will provide direct service to school boards in Hudson, Middlesex and part of Ocean counties. She has been active in public education for more than 18 years, having served on the West Long Branch Board of Education for six consecutive terms. During that time, she was president of the board for four years, vice-president for one year, lead negotiator for several labor contracts and, through the years, chaired each of the board’s committees.
“I have enjoyed my work with public schools, and have learned a great deal during the excellent training I received from NJSBA during my career as a board member. I look forward to sharing that with school boards as an FSR,” she said.
Gassman also served as vice president of student activities for the Monmouth County School Boards Associations for two years; attained the designation of NJSBA Master Board Certification in 2015; and served as a small group leader for NJSBA Board Member Academy programs for many years.
Prior to joining the NJSBA staff, Mary was a senior project leader for a major defense contractor. She holds an MBA from Monmouth University.