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NJ Spotlight--Getting to Know You: Meet the New State Board of Education
With different leadership in place and six new members, the board is as close to a full house as it has been for some time
The State Board of Education just went through a significant facelift, overturning its leadership and adding six new members appointed by Gov. Chris Christie.
Yesterday saw the last of the new members sworn in, and the outgoing officers offered messages of appreciation. Otherwise, it wasn’t that eventful a meeting, with a few mostly routine matters for the board that decides state regulations on public schools.
But there are some big decision ahead, from the imminent return of Newark schools to local control to debates on testing, standards, and teacher quality. And there’s a new tone to the board, with new voices making up half the membership.
John Mooney | August 3, 2017
NJ Spotlight--Administration Alerts Districts About Qualifying for $25M in New Pre-K Funds
Department of Education says money is meant for 100+ districts with high concentrations of poor families
With little time before the start of the next school year, the Christie administration has moved quickly to alert New Jersey school districts about the eligibility and rules for $25 million in new preschool money added at the last minute to the state’s fiscal 2018 budget.
The state Department of Education on Tuesday sent out the guidance for the new funds, setting an August 21 deadline for districts to apply.
John Mooney | August 3, 2017
NJ Spotlight--NJ’s Top Court Rules Pay Increases May Stay in Effect After Contracts Expire
State Supreme Court hands limited victory to public worker unions, saying contracts can specify annual increases continue to be paid beyond the term of the contract
Public employers in New Jersey must continue to give workers the annual increases entitled them under an established salary guide even after a union contract has expired — as long as the contract specifies that they continue — the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.
Star Ledger--Ranking the 50 most influential people in New Jersey high school sports
When we launched our ranking of the most influential people in New Jersey high school sports last summer, we figured the top spots would be secure from year to year. After all, the top high school coaches and most influential administrators often stay in the same job for their entire careers.
Well, we were wrong. Bob Hurley Sr., No. 1 on the inaugural list, watched as tiny St. Anthony High closed. Steve Timko, No. 2 on the list, announced he would retire as the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association executive direction. And Greg Toal, who came in at No. 3, was forced out as Don Bosco football coach.
So the second annual High School "Juice List" is much different from the first. What hasn't changed: These are the 50 people we believe have the most influence in the sports that matter the most on the local level.
Steve Politi | NJ Advance Media| Updated August 03, 2017, Posted August 03, 2017
Star Ledger--N.J. education chief deems Newark schools ready for local control
NEWARK -- The state Education Commissioner has signaled to the Newark school district it's finally ready to take full control of its schools.
The move is a pivotal step toward giving the Newark School Advisory Board the power to hire and fire its own schools chief.
In a letter to the district on Tuesday, Commissioner Kimberley Harrington said she was recommending the state Board of Education return local control after a performance review showed significant progress.
The district earned top scores in two key areas -- more than enough to trigger the transition -- according to state results released this week.
Karen Yi| Updated on August 2, 2017 at 2:16 PM Posted on August 2, 2017 at 10:27 AM
