Government Relations
NJPSA is your representative before the U.S. Congress, State Legislature, Governor’s Office, State Board of education and other federal and state agencies on all issues affecting the quality of public education in the state. NJPSA’s Government Relations (GR) staff analyzes, monitors, and participates in the legislative and regulatory process advocating on your behalf on proposed legislation, code provisions, and policies affecting public schools and school leaders.
The GR staff develops association positions and advocacy priorities through direct interaction with NJPSA members through NJPSA committees, member surveys, and meetings. By developing trusting relationships with the decision makers at all levels of government, the GR staff has access to those who ultimately write, pass, and uphold legislation that affect YOU, your staff, and your school. NJPSA’s GR team communicates these views formally through official testimony during legislative committee hearings and Board meetings, as well as informally through conversations with State and federal lawmakers.
Through NJPSA’s Political Action Committee (NJPSA-PAC), which is funded through member contributions, your Government Relations team is able to maintain a strong and consistent presence with our State Legislature, providing political contributions to help support elected officials who support educational leaders, students, and schools. The NJPSA does not endorse candidates.
NJPSA Action and Updates
NJ State Board of Education Considers NJ State Perkins v Plan, State Results for 2019 Nation’s Report Card
The New Jersey State Board of Education convened on Wednesday, November 6th for their regular monthly meeting which focused on national testing results and vocational education. An anticipated release of a Charter School Report [...]
Special NJPSA Update: The State of Assessment in NJ – (This Week!)
By Debra Bradley, Esq. October 10, 2019 This special alert is part of NJPSA’s effort to keep our members informed and engaged on the latest news and policy developments in education. On October 2, [...]
Your School Library Media Specialist – Your School’s Utility Player
As you start the school year, consider the ways that you can maximize the use of your school librarian. Your school librarian is your school’s utility player. A utility player is one that can [...]
NJPSA/FEA Celebrates Arts in Education Week and Showcases Exceptional Student Artwork
For the third consecutive year, NJPSA is proudly displaying some of New Jersey’s finest student artwork in the hallways [...]
New Law Discussion: NJDOE Disabled and LGBTQ Working Group Curriculum Meeting
On January 31, 2019, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2019, c.6 into law. This legislation requires boards of education to include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, [...]
New Law Alert: Governor Takes Action on Legislation Requiring Mental Health Education and Testing A Later Start Time for High School Students
P.L.2019, c.222 (S-2861) requires all New Jersey public schools to include mental health instruction in grades K through 12 health curriculums. The bill aims to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors related to mental health [...]
Quiet August State Board of Ed Meeting
The New Jersey State Board of Education convened for a brief meeting on Wednesday, August 7th, 2019. Outgoing President Arcelio Aponte was honored for his service as President and time spent at the helm. [...]
Governor Murphy Signs New Legislation
On Friday, July 19th, Governor Phil Murphy signed over two dozen bills and resolutions into law. A number of these pieces of legislation impact schools and educators: P.L.2019, JR-17 Designates September of each [...]
Bustle of Education Bills Advanced This Week
In a standing room only meeting at the Statehouse Monday, Chairwoman Ruiz presided over a Senate Education Committee that considered several significant pieces of legislation. A-665/S-2563 Requires each board of education to adopt policy [...]
COURT OVERTURNS CLEMENTON
In 2015 the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC) issued what has become known as the “Clementon” decision in which it concluded that employee bargaining associations may not negotiate a lower Chapter 78 employee rate [...]