Tag Archives: virtual graduation

Challenges of New Jersey’s Rural School Districts



Pandemic challenges loom larger in a rural district like North Warren Regional School District, which stretches 110 square miles along the Appalachian Trail. In NJASA’s twelfth video podcast, Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza talks with Superintendent and Chief Education Officer Sarah Bilotti who shares the creative solutions the district has employed to offset financial challenges of Senate Bill 2, including replacing lights with LEDs for an equivalent savings to a teaching position. Ms. Bilotti proudly speaks of her district’s nationally award-winning marching band, color guard and successful music program, and the virtual ways they are honoring their graduates and student achievement award winners. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.


Senator Teresa Ruiz Discusses Challenges of Reopening NJ’s Public Schools with NJASA



Masks in the classroom, staggered schedules and distance learning are among the options being considered by the Senate Education Recovery Task Force, a panel of educators and public officials who will help provide guidance and insight on topics surrounding the reopening of New Jersey’s public schools. Led by Senator Teresa Ruiz, the task force will hear from experts on the digital divide, mitigating learning loss, offering resources to improve at-home special education, social-emotional learning, mental health and more. Equity remains an important focus to ensure all students have access to a quality education. In this podcast, NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza, also a task force member, talks with Senator Ruiz about meeting the challenges as districts prepare for the fall. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.


Staying Connected in Union County School District, NJ



In a matter of days, the Elizabeth school district had to get remote learning materials to 29,000 students. Chief Education Officer Olga Hugelmeyer and her team made it happen. The district reached out to Altice, which offered free internet access for families that had none. For PreK to grade 2, teachers developed packets, which were printed and mailed to families. Working with Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, the district set up a breakfast and lunch pick-up and delivery program. The district also reached out through social workers and guidance counselors for mental health support. Already, the district has lost four teachers and one of its support staff to COVID-19. In this podcast, NJASA Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza talks with Hugelmeyer about the challenges and successes, including examples other districts can follow. Visit njasa.net to join us in exploring best practices together.