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INFORMATION ITEM
MEMORANDUM
Attached are the reports from the following officers:
President
Vice President for County Activities
Vice President for Finance
Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions
To: Officers, Board of Directors Members/Alternates
From: Lawrence S. Feinsod, Ed.D., Executive Director
Date: February 5, 2021
Re: NJSBA President and Officers’ Reports
New Jersey School Boards Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Report of the President
Mike McClure
February 5, 2021
Association Activities
On November 16. I attended the County Association Leadership (CAL) meeting. The meeting
was focused on topics that the county leaders requested. These meeting have been filled with
information that helps out county leaders do their job of helping their local boards.
On November 21, I hosted the Delegate Assembly from Headquarters in Trenton. It went very
smoothly with the help of all the board members. Also because of the great job that Karen
Cortellino, VP for Legislation/Resolutions, did in presenting the resolutions.
On November 24, I attended the Equity Council meeting. There were some good topics
discussed such as the 20-21 District Equity Goals survey and Anti-Bias Education and Holidays:
Making Thoughtful Decisions.
On December 2, I attended the Atlantic County meeting on the topic of School Assessments.
Samantha Elko, director of guidance at Egg Harbor Township School District, did a great job and
clarified many concerns and questions for the board members.
On December 3, I attended the Burlington County meeting we had a very good attendance and, as
always, Jeff Hicks ran a smooth and engaging meeting. The staff was very helpful with all their
updates. The topic on equity was very good and many questions were answered.
On December 5, I attended the Legislative Committee meeting, where again, Karen, VP for
Legislation/Resolutions, ran a great meeting. The committee was focused and had some very good
conversation to make the resolutions the best they could be.
On December 7, I attended the Cape May County meeting on the topic of the ACES program. It was
very informative and will help boards save money on energy.
On December 8, I attended the Finance Committee meeting. This meeting was Dr. Tom Conner’s
last as he did not get reelected to his board. This committee worked very hard at legislation that will
help our school districts.
On December 9, I attended the Camden/Gloucester County meeting. The meeting included an open
dialog about Hybrid vs Virtual learning. Awards were presented to nine board members who
achieved their certified boardsmenship through training.
On December 18, I attended Frank Belluscio’s virtual retirement event. The staff did a great job of
honoring him for his many years of service to NJSBA and for all his words of wisdom. We wished
Frank the best of luck in his furfure endeavors.
On January 6, I went to headquarters in Trenton to participate in the virtual meeting with the State
Board of Education to receive a resolution honoring January 2021 as School Board Recognition
month. Larry and I said a few words and thanked the Governor and the State Board for their
acknowledgement of the hard work of board of education members.
On January 12, I attended our Executive Committee meeting in Trenton. All the department directors
and our VP’s participated virtually. The reports from our newest leaders and the executive director
were very informative. It is also very assuring that our Association is in good shape and always
headed in the right direction.
On January 16, we conducted a training session for the 2020-2021 Nominating Committee. It went
very well. Kathy Helewa, NJSBA field service representative and Immediate Past President Dan
Sinclair did a very good job. I feel we have a very solid committee to select our next slate of
candidates for office.
On January 21, I attended the Camden/Gloucester County meeting, where field service
representatives Jesse Adams and Terry Lewis talked about the needs of boards of education in the
next few months. Jonathan Pushman, director of Governmental Relations, talked to the group about
all that is going on in Trenton and provided a very helpful question and answer session.
On January 26, I attended the Cumberland/Salem County meeting on Foundations For Success. I
gave opening remarks and thanked all in attendance for their contribution to children’s education in
the great state of New Jersey.
On January 26, I attended the Equity Council meeting during which NJSBA Educator-in-
Residence Vincent DeLucia, staff leadership on the Council, presented information and updates
on the fantastic work that he and the Council members are doing.
I would like to thank you, the Board of Directors, for your continued support of the Association. It is
with that support and your input that makes this the best School Board Association in the country.
Thank you,
Michael McClure
President
New Jersey School Boards Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Report of the Vice President for County Activities
Bruce Young
February 5, 2021
County Activities
As most of you are aware, the county officers and board of director members have been meeting
informally every other Monday to get updates and share information since the pandemic
started. The attendance has been very good with between 50-60 people at every meeting. They
last about one hour and the topics are selected by the members. If you have a topic you would
like addressed just let me know.
We have addressed a variety of issues such as school budgeting, addressing students falling
behind and school security. A very interesting and inspiring change presented to us was about
one school changing their school tradition of voting for a Homecoming king and a queen to an
election of “Knights of the Round Table.” The meetings are recorded if you want to listen
later. I have received a number of positive remarks about these meetings.
As for the county meetings themselves, attendance has been very good. They have been very
interactive with a great deal of sharing among the members with the focus obviously being on
issues surrounding the pandemic.
In addition we are also working hard on the student programs which this year will be virtual
programs.
New Jersey School Boards Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Report of the Vice President for Finance
Tammeisha Smith
February 5, 2021
Association Finance
2020 – 2021 Fiscal Year
o Through November 2020 we are favorable to the year-to-date budget, primarily due to:
The 2020 Virtual Workshop far exceeded its budgeted registration fees and
sponsorships.
Charter school memberships - these voluntary memberships are running well
ahead of plan.
Superintendent searches (fee-based service) exceeded the budgeted level.
Annual BoardDocs subscriptions are being renewed at a higher-than-budgeted
rate.
TEC (Technology for Educations & Careers) Income – the largest-ever quarterly
fee of $55K was recently received from SHI.
Wages – several staff vacancies.
Travel expenses are underrunning the budget due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2021 – 2022 Budget
o All proposed departmental budgets have been reviewed with the Executive Director &
Finance Director.
o The departmental budgets are being combined and the consolidated budget will soon be
reviewed with the Executive Director.
o Once the proposed, consolidated budget has been completed, it will be reviewed with
the Finance Committee (on February 22nd) and then with the full Board at its March,
19th meeting.
Association Activities
We have embarked on a new year, still facing uncertain times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I
couldn’t be more proud of our membership for being so engaged. With the 2020-2021 school year in
full swing, we stay committed to educating and supporting our membership. Attending regularly
scheduled County SBA Meetings via WebEx throughout the state has been great. It’s wonderful to
have such an increase in attendance via our virtual meetings. I attended the following County SBA
Meetings:
November 17th – Warren County SBA Meeting
November 19th – Hunterdon County SBA Meeting
December 1st – Bergen County SBA Meeting
December 2nd – Somerset County SBA Meeting
December 3rd – Burlington County SBA Meeting
December 7th – Cape May County SBA Meeting
December 9th – Camden/Gloucester SBA Meeting
January 28th – Sussex County SBA Meeting
In addition to the numerous County SBA Meetings I also attend the following NJSBA
Meetings/Events:
November 13th – Board of Directors Meeting
November 16th – County Association Leadership Meeting
November 21st – Delegate Assembly Meeting
November 30th - County Association Leadership Meeting
December 5th – Legislative Committee Meeting
January 11th – Finance Committee Meeting
January 12th – Executive Committee Meeting
It’s not all work, it was my pleasure to attend Frank Belluscio’s virtual retirement party on December
18. Frank made us all look great and he will truly be missed.
The 2020-2021 school year has proved to be very challenging for so many thus far, but our great staff
at NJSBA and our amazing members continue to adapt with the changing times. Great job done by all
in supporting NJ’s 1.4M students and helping NJ rank #1 in the country for education.
New Jersey School Boards Association
Board of Directors Meeting
Report of the Vice President for Legislation/Resolutions
Karen Cortellino, M.D.
February 5, 2021
Legislative Update:
New Education-Related Enactments
QSAC Relief P.L.2020, c.143 (A-4975/S-3187) grants school districts relief from the QSAC
review process during the public health emergency. This legislation was one the NJSBA’s
“pandemic advocacy agenda” priorities. NJSBA strongly advocated for passage of this
measure and worked closely with the bill’s sponsor, NJASA, NJDOE and the Front Office to
craft and advance this measure, a previous version of which was vetoed by the governor in
October 2020.
School Audit Delay P.L.2020, c.130 (S-3043/A-4603) provide school districts with
additional time, due to the public health emergency, to file their required annual audits with
the commissioner of education extends the deadline for the completion of the annual audit of
the 2019-2020 school fiscal year until Jan. 31, 2021 and its submission to the commissioner
until Feb. 5, 2021. The bill also provides that a school district is required to submit the Audit
Summary for the 2019-2020 school year to the N.J. Department of Education by Jan. 4, 2021.
Amistad Commission P.L.2020, c.153 (S-1028/A-3601) amends the law creating the
Amistad Commission and will require all boards of education to include instruction that
infuses into all courses about the United States the centuries of accomplishments by African
Americans in the building and development of America.
Chapter 44 Amendments P.L.2020, c.137 (A-4905/S-3045) amends “Chapter 44”, the new
school employee health benefits law, to explicitly permit private health insurers to offer the
NJ Educators Health Plan (NJEHP) to local boards of education who do not participate in the
School Employees Health Benefits Plan. It also modifies employee contributions for the
NJEHP and its equivalent by clarifying that the salary on which an employee’s contribution
is based under “Chapter 44” is capped at $125,000. The law’s provisions will also be
applicable to the Garden State Health Plan, to be established by July 2021.
Noteworthy Legislative Activity
COVID-Related Learning Loss Study The full Senate has approved S-3214, sponsored by
Senate Education Committee Chair Teresa Ruiz, which would require the NJDOE to issue
two reports on the impact of the COVID-19 public health emergency on public schooling.
The NJSBA’s October 2020 report entitled Reopening Schools: Online Learning and the
Digital Divide, included a recommendation for the NJDOE to develop a statewide report
regarding student learning during the pandemic. The NJSBA believes that this study and
report would be an important step toward developing a funded strategic plan to help address
remediation. The NJSBA testified in support of the bill’s objective, while also cautioning
against the imposition of any additional overly burdensome responsibilities on staff during
this challenging time. The Assembly Education Committee has also advanced the measure,
along with its counterpart A-5126, which is now primed for a final floor vote.
COVID-19 Procurement The State Senate has approved A-4461, which requires the state to
enter into contracts and coordinate with certain cooperative purchasing systems to assist
public schools in the purchase of COVID-19 related goods and services. NJSBA supports the
bill, which is part of the Association’s “Pandemic Advocacy Agenda”. The bill now returns
to the General Assembly, which passed a previous version of the bill in August, to concur
with amendments made in the Senate. From there, the bill will go to the governor.
Budget Flexibility The full Senate and an Assembly committee have advanced S-2691/A-
4310. The bill authorizes school districts to maintain a surplus at 4% for the 2020-2021 and
2021-2022 school years, and permits the use or transfer of those funds between line items
and program categories without the approval of the commissioner of education. NJSBA
supports the legislation, which is also part of the Association’s pandemic advocacy agenda.
Mental Health Package The Assembly Education Committee has advanced a package of
five bills (A-4433/A-4434/A-4435/A-4436/A-4437) designed to enhance mental health
services in NJ’s public schools. This legislative package, spearheaded by Assembly Majority
Leader Lou Greenwald, reflects many of the recommendations in NJSBA’s October 2019
report, Building a Foundation for Hope. NJSBA staff worked closely with the Majority
Leader and his staff during the development of these bills and testified in support of the
package during committee deliberations.
Anti-Bullying Law Revisions The full Senate has passed S-1790 (formerly known as
“Mallory’s Law”) which revises processes required in school district's anti-bullying policies;
provides for increased fines and potential civil liability of parent of minors adjudicated
delinquent for cyber-harassment or harassment; and contains proactive measures, including
the creation of a state level School Climate State Coordinator to serve as a direct resource to
parents, students and educators concerning harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB). The
NJSBA worked closely with sponsor and other advocacy groups to obtain amendments that
addressed our concerns and allowed us to support the bill. The bill has not yet received
consideration in the Assembly.
Teacher Diversity Package The Senate Education Committee advanced a package of bills,
sponsored by Senator Teresa Ruiz, aimed at increasing the diversity of the state’s education
workforce, preventing teacher shortages, and cultivating inclusive learning environments.
NJSBA supported measures that would 1) provide loan redemption to bilingual/ESL teachers
(S-2825); 2) establish a mentorship program for men of color aspiring to become teachers (S-
2829); 3) encourage young women and minorities to pursue degrees and careers in STEM (S-
2854); and 4) establish a “Teacher Apprenticeship Program” that would offer stipends and
provide program participants with the education and field experience necessary to obtain
teaching certificates (S-2833).
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Teachers A-4783/S-2831 would establish a five-year “Alternate
Route Interstate Reciprocity Pilot Program” that would create a path for eligible out-of-state
educators to teach in New Jersey. The bill aims to address shortages of qualified teachers,
particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the program, selected educator
preparation programs in the state – which distribute Certificates of Eligibility, the credential
needed for teachers to seek employment in New Jersey schools - would accept out-of-state
candidates who meet all requirements as well as their earned credits from other programs.
NJSBA supports the measure, which has passed the Senate and awaits a floor vote in the
Assembly.
Diversity and Inclusion Instruction Both the Senate and General Assembly have approved
legislation, A-4454/S-2781, that would require school districts to include instruction on
diversity and inclusion as part of the implementation of New Jersey Student Learning
Standards. The bill is currently on the governor’s desk.
Federal Update
In late December, Congress passed and now former President Trump signed the $900 billion
pandemic emergency response bill titled the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. The legislation appropriates approximately $84 billion for
education funding, including over $54 billion in support for K-12 schools through the
Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER II), which is approximately
four times more than the $13 billion included in the CARES Act passed in March 2020. New
Jersey is slated to receive over $1.2 billion from the ESSER II, compared to the roughly $310
million allocation from the CARES Act. The CRRSA retains all the same uses of ESSER funds
as under the CARES Act, while slightly expanding permissible use of funds, such as addressing
learning loss among students, making facility improvements that help reduce risk of virus
transmission and exposure to other environmental health hazards, and improving the indoor air
quality of school facilities.
NJSBA deemed passage of the CRRSA as a positive first step and appreciates the additional aid,
but remains concerned that more assistance will be necessary to help districts face, and
effectively address, the enormous and ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic. The National
School Boards Association has advocated for $200 billion in emergency funding for public
schools across the country.
President Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, which would include $130 billion to
assist K-12 schools reopen.
State of the State
On Tuesday, Jan 12th, Governor Murphy delivered his third State of the State address. On the
education front, the governor acknowledged the academic and social-emotional support students
will need as they rebound from the stresses of the pandemic, and touted that his administration
has “already begun to direct funding to school districts that need the most help in getting students
back on track.” He highlighted NJ’s status as the number one state in the country for public
education, particularly because of its “strong support for attending to the educational, social, and
emotional needs of our entire education community.” He stated that his Administration has
worked with the Legislature to add more than $750 million in direct classroom funding, which
has been protected despite the pandemic's fiscal impacts. He also referred to ongoing efforts to
close the digital divide for NJ’s students, particularly those from disadvantage households.
FY2022 Budget Address
Governor Murphy will deliver his annual budget address on Tuesday, February 23rd.
NJSBA Legislative Committee
The committee held a virtual meeting on Saturday, December 5th. The Committee received a
presentation from Mark Magyar, Associate Executive Director of the Senate Majority Office,
who serves as a policy advisor to Senate President Sweeney. Mr. Magyar discussed various
education-related issues, including school district regionalization, “Chapter 44” (the new school
employee health benefits reform law), school funding and budget matters, and the Legislature’s
response to the COVID19 public health emergency. He also answered several questions from
committee members. Department staff provided updates on recent legislative activity.
The next Legislative Committee meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 6th.
Activities:
Attended the November 13, 2020 virtual Board of Directors meeting.
Participated in various preparation meetings for the November 21, 2020 Delegate Assembly
meeting.
Attended the November 21, 2020 Delegate Assembly.
Chaired the Resolutions portion of the November 21, 2020 Delegate Assembly and successfully
passed one resolution.
Participated in virtual county meetings:
December 2, 2020 Somerset County meeting
January 13, 2021 Union County meeting
January 28, 2021 Mercer County meeting
Chaired the December 5, 2020 Legislative Committee meeting
Attended the January 12, 2021 Executive Committee meeting
Thank you to all the dedicated women and men of the NJSBA staff for your hard work in
planning and assisting in all these events, and for keeping Board members around the state
informed and thereby keeping our students moving forward in these most difficult times.
A special thank you to all involved in helping to make the complex task of virtually approving a
Resolution at the November 21, 2020 Delegate Assembly seem easy.
Respectively submitted,
Karen Cortellino, M.D.