-Jennie Lamon, Assistant DIrector of Government Relations, NJPSA
The New Jersey State Board of Education held its monthly public business meeting on June 4, 2025 at the New Jersey Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ. During the meeting, the State Board Members received the annual report of the state operated school district of Camden, adopted new praxis tests for key teaching areas, and approved for publication in the New Jersey Register proposed amendments to key chapters of the administrative code governing educator preparation and certification.
Annual Report of the State Operated School District of Camden
Superintendent of Camden City School District, Katrina T. McCombs, appeared before the State Board for the final time, as she is leaving the District to take a position with the NJ Department of Education. McCombs will become the Assistant Commissioner for the NJDOE’s Division of Early Childhood Services, effective July 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, just outside of the building where Superintendent McCombs was presenting, two dozen students along with community members gathered to protest looming budget cuts being made to the state-run school district, voicing frustration and fear over what the reductions could mean for their education.
New Praxis Tests and Qualifying Scores for Key Teaching Areas – Adopted
Effective September 1, 2025
On June 4, 2025, the New Jersey State Board of Education received a presentation from the Department regarding revised Praxis tests and qualifying scores for three critical subject areas: Technology and Engineering Education, Family and Consumer Science, and Social Studies. These changes align with requirements outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-8, which mandates that teacher certification candidates pass subject-specific assessments.
The revisions stem from updates by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which recently introduced new versions of these Praxis exams, along with recommended qualifying scores based on national standard-setting studies. New Jersey educators and stakeholders participated in these studies to ensure the recommended benchmarks reflect the expectations of the profession.
New Qualifying Scores Effective September 1, 2025:
- Technology and Engineering Education: 157
- Family and Consumer Science: 151
- Social Studies: 153
The New Jersey Department of Education will actively monitor the impact of these revised assessments and their qualifying scores on candidates’ passing rates. Any issues identified will be reported to the State Board of Education for further review.
Updated DOE Organizational Structure- Adopted
The New Jersey State Board of Education is expected to readopt with amendments the organizational rules governing the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), as outlined in N.J.A.C. 6A:2-1.1 et seq., pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:14B-3(1). These proposed updates reflect changes in department structure and workflow since the last formal update in 2022.
The Commissioner’s Office is recommending a series of strategic realignments to better reflect current practices and legal mandates, improve internal coordination, and streamline operational efficiency. Members can view the updated Organizational Chart linked here.
Key Changes Include:
- Office of Teaching and Learning:
The Office of Roles, Programs, and Curriculum (RPC) is being returned to the Division of Teaching and Learning to better align its instructional responsibilities. - Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR):
This new office is officially added to the chart, following legislation signed into law by the Governor in August 2024. LEAR is focused on advancing equity and accelerating learning recovery across districts. - Division of Educational Services:
The Office of Comprehensive Supports will now move under this division, improving coordination of wraparound services for students. - Division of Field Support Services:
This division now includes the Office of School Bus Safety, which has been added in response to a statutory requirement. This office will oversee school transportation safety across the state. - Office of Learning Intervention and Support:
This office has been removed from the chart, as it has not been active in recent years. However, its core functions continue to be performed by other units within the department. - Division of Finance:
The School Choice program is being returned to the Division of Finance, bringing it back to its traditional home for better alignment with funding and fiscal oversight.
These updates aim to provide greater clarity in organizational roles and responsibilities, ensure compliance with recent legislation, and position the Department for more efficient service delivery to districts and schools across New Jersey.
During the meeting, the New Jersey State Board of Education approved for publication in the New Jersey Register of proposed amendments to several key chapters of the administrative code governing educator preparation and certification. The proposed changes will appear in the New Jersey Register for public review and comment.
The amendments affect the following regulatory areas:
- N.J.A.C. 6A:9 – Professional Standards
- N.J.A.C. 6A:9A – New Jersey Educator Preparation Programs
- N.J.A.C. 6A:9B – State Board of Examiners and Certification
These proposed updates are being advanced pursuant to state statutes outlined in N.J.S.A. 18A:26-2.23 through 2.36and the recently enacted P.L. 2024, c. 26, which together guide educator qualifications, program approval, and certification procedures.
Once published in the New Jersey Register, the proposed amendments will be open to public comment. Stakeholders—including educators, school leaders, and preparation program providers—are encouraged to review the changes and submit feedback during the comment period.
2025–2026 Calendar of State Board Public Meeting Dates Adopted
Also during its June meeting, the New Jersey State Board of Education adopted its official calendar of meetings and public testimony sessions for the 2025–2026 school year.
The newly adopted resolution, recommended by the Office of the Commissioner, outlines dates for regular monthly business meetings, as well as public testimony sessions, including designated Open Topic Testimony opportunities and alternate dates in the event of weather-related cancellations.
2025–2026 State Board of Education Meeting Schedule
Regular Public Business Meetings / Public Testimony Sessions:
- July 2, 2025
- August 6, 2025
- September 10, 2025
- October 8, 2025
- November 5, 2025
- December 3, 2025
- January 7, 2026
- February 4, 2026
- March 4, 2026
- April 8, 2026
- May 6, 2026
- June 3, 2026
Open Topic Testimony Sessions:
- September 10, 2025
- January 7, 2026
- May 6, 2026
Alternate Dates for Snow Cancellations:
- December 10, 2025
- January 14, 2026
- February 11, 2026
- March 11, 2026
Any changes to the above schedule will be communicated in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act to ensure transparency and public accessibility.
State Board Honors Outgoing Student Representative Anna Paszkiewicz
At its June meeting, the New Jersey State Board of Education passed a Resolution in Honor of Anna Paszkiewicz, the 2024–2025 Permanent Student Representative, recognizing her service and contributions throughout the school year.
Anna, who was present for her final meeting, was commended by Board members for her thoughtful insights, respectful dialogue, and commitment to representing the voices of students across New Jersey. Over the past year, she has played a vital role in shaping discussions on education policy and ensuring that student perspectives were included in key deliberations.
In a moment of celebration and reflection, Anna shared that she will be attending Boston College in the fall, where she plans to continue her academic journey.
The State Board thanked her for her dedication and wished her continued success in all her future endeavors.
The new incoming permanent student representative, Kailynn DuRose, a rising junior at East Brunswick High School in Middlesex County.
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The next public business meetings of the State Board of Education will take place on Wednesday, July 2nd at the New Jersey Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, Trenton, NJ 08625. Public business meetings begin at 9 a.m., adjourn immediately into executive session, and resume at approximately 10 a.m. If you are interested in attending, or would like any additional information about the State Board of Education or any of the items that are presently before the State Board, please do not hesitate to reach out to your NJPSA Government Relations team at any time.