NJASA

TRENTON, N.J. — Dec. 6, 2010 — As schools are forced to cut back on staff and services, the leadership role of the chief education officer becomes more important than ever, according to the New Jersey Association of School Administrators. Superintendents are critical to reallocating staff and programs to ensure that schools run smoothly and comply with state and federal mandates.

In the shadow of reduced state funding, schools across the state must constantly redefine their financial priorities, cutting back on extracurricular programs, teachers and support staff while motivating remaining staff to do more. For example, guidance counselors are now responsible for a longer list of students. In many cases, schools also have eliminated School Resource Officers (SRO), police officers assigned to schools to provide a safer environment.

“When budgets force cutbacks, the demand for services doesn’t stop,” said Richard Bozza, Ed.D., executive director of the NJASA. “For example, schools still need to create a safe environment even without SROs, especially in light of the recently passed legislation the “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.”  That’s where the chief education officer can make a real difference in knowing how to reallocate staff and programs. Our role as educational leaders is to provide a clear sense of direction and take the school system through tough times so that students emerge with a solid education.”

There is no end in sight for budgetary cuts, according to the NJASA. With a 2 percent cap on property tax revenues for schools and the likelihood of reduced state funding continuing into next year, schools must continue to re-evaluate priorities.

“Community involvement will be more important than ever as new budgets are prepared during the months ahead for the next school year,” said Bozza.

New Jersey’s superintendents provide the leadership required to maintain the high academic standards and success rates to which the children and parents in our state have grown accustomed, added Bozza. “Students should not suffer just because money is tight.”

About NJASA

The New Jersey Association of School Administrators is an organization of chief education officers and school administrators who lead school districts in New Jersey’s 21 counties. The association’s mission is to ensure a superior statewide system of education. Through ongoing professional training and education, the association shares knowledge among its members about best practices from both educational and administrative perspectives. Its goal is to move education forward by ensuring the highest quality of instruction for all New Jersey children.